Autumn means chestnuts. And it just makes sense if you think about all the aromas and ingredients so typical of this season. And chestnuts don’t just taste good – they’re also rich in nutritional properties that benefit our health and well-being.
The nutritional value of chestnuts
Proteins and mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron abound in chestnuts – so if you’re deficient in any of these, they’re a great remedy! But that's not all: During autumn, we start to get cold and flu, and chestnuts can help our immune systems to fight them off (especially since they provide so much energy). Rich in fiber, chestnuts can be useful to help with regular digestion, especially if you’re struggling with constipation. Chestnuts can also help to fight anemia since they have such a high level of iron and folic acid, which is also useful for women during pregnancy. Thanks to their nutritional properties (similar to grains like wheat and barley), chestnuts are also a very tasty gluten-free food if you’re not able to eat normal grains.
Find serenity and a smile
Like most foods of vegetable origin, chestnuts are also free from cholesterol. To add to the list of the chestnut’s benefits, this particular nut also contains high amounts of phosphorus, which helps with the nervous system. Plus, the sulfur present in chestnuts can help with bone health and the high levels of magnesium can help to balance out your mood. Did we mention they’re made of 50% water, so they’re hydrating, too?
A favorite for athletes
Even when it comes to fever and rheumatism, chestnuts are helpful. And this also applies to athletes, since chestnuts promote the proper functioning of our muscles and help to stimulate blood circulation. Chestnuts are a natural energy supplement, as well – helping you to keep up with your hectic lifestyle, fighting against physical and mental tiredness, thanks to the carbs and minerals present.
Contraindications?
There are also contraindications related to chestnuts, however. In particular, chestnuts are a difficult nut to digest because of the high starch content – so they’re definitely not recommended for people suffering from colitis, diabetes, obesity, or liver diseases. Especially if cooked (similar to other starches), chestnuts tend to turn into simple sugars. In short, chestnuts are good for you and healthy, but always eat them with caution.