Chinese Chestnut grows slowly and has a wide growth but American and European ones are known for faster growth and usually extend erect and narrow in shape. The edible nut which is also called Chinese chestnut, same as the tree on which it grows is contained in two coverings. The outer shell is hard and thick and the one inside is thin and called Pellicle. Chinese Chestnuts are strictly seasonal, but nowadays vacuum packed Chinese chestnuts can be bought throughout the year.
Chinese Chestnuts should not be consumed raw because they have a high content of tannic acid in them which will leave an extremely bad taste and feel in your mouth. This is why they are roasted or boiled with the second and thinner hide on it. The resulting nut has a great taste and crispy texture.
They have a great versatility and can be used both in savory and sweet dishes. Chinese Chestnuts are used in the form of flour to make desserts and as an additive in other sweet preparations. In savory dishes, it is used in stews, soups, casseroles and is popular as a combination with meat.
Chinese Chestnuts are not only good to taste but are also loaded with a lot of nutritional goodness which we will discuss later.
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Nutrition Facts of Chinese Chestnuts.
Energy. 200 calories. Carbohydrates. 44 grams. Fats. 1.3 grams. Protein. 1.6 grams. Vitamin A. 1 microgram. Vitamin B1. 0.144 milligrams. Vitamin B2. 0.016 milligrams. Vitamin B3.1.102 milligrams. Folate. 58 Micrograms. Vitamin B6. 0.352 milligrams. Vitamin C. 40.2 milligrams. Calcium. 19 milligrams. Magnesium.30 milligrams. Iron. 0.94 milligrams. Phosphorus. 38 milligrams. Zinc. 0.49 milligrams. Potassium. 484 milligrams.
Chinese Chestnut is a high energy and low-fat nut. The minerals in Chinese chestnut are mostly present in moderate quantities except copper and manganese.It is a rich source of vitamins and has 60% water content that makes it much healthier and different from other nuts. In a summary, Chinese Chestnuts fulfill 27% of Vitamin B6, 15% of folate and 48% of our Vitamin C daily requirements. Apart from the nutrients spoken of, it has a healthy amount of fiber which is about 20% of our body’s need, manganese is 40% and copper is almost 50%. Chinese Chestnut has almost a complete composition of essential nutrients necessary for various health benefits. The nutritional composition of Chinese Chestnuts provide great health benefits and keep your body functioning in the best possible manner. It has a proven record of improving your body’s immunity, thereby bringing an overall improvement in your health and well-being.
Dental Care & Bone health. We all know that teeth are the strongest bones in the body so it goes without saying that what works for one works for the other as well. Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals that are absolutely essential for bone health as they make up the main composition of bones, however, a healthy dose of Magnesium is required for the other two to carry out their function effectively. Magnesium forms the hard enamel around your teeth and protects the bones from degeneration and decay.Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium- all the three are present in chestnuts though calcium is on the lower side.
For Diarrhea. For problems relating to Diarrhea and the condition itself, Chinese chestnut and specifically the Chinese chestnut tree bark has been found to be a very effective remedy. The water in which you boil the Chinese chestnuts along with its shell or bark is rich in Tannins. Tannins, when taken in controlled quantities, can relieve you from Diarrhea.A standard 3 spoons of crushed bark or equivalent Chinese chestnuts with shells in a liter of water boiled for about 20 minutes and consumed in the form of 2 to 3 cups in a day is considered safe.
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There is also a persistent feeling of dryness which causes itching. To get a relief from this particular problem, doctors administer cough syrups containing expectorant. Expectorant signals the body to produce more hydrating secretions that relieve the throat. Chinese Chestnut has the same properties as that of an expectorant.
Maintain Blood Vessel Elasticity. Chinese Chestnuts contain essential fatty acids that are required by our body and are derived from the dietary sources. Chinese Chestnuts are particularly rich in linoleic acid and have Palmitic acid and Oleic acid that are safe for your body.They have a low level of cholesterol and can help in bringing down the levels of “Bad Cholesterol” or LDL in the blood vessels. LDL can create deposits of plaque along the inner lining of blood vessels making them rigid over a period of time. Food items like chestnuts clear this plaque and discourage its formation ensuring elasticity and healthy network of blood vessels.
Strong Antioxidant.A high amount of Vitamin C, Gallic acid, and Ellagic acid make Chinese chestnut a strong and very effective anti-oxidant. Antioxidants are required by the body to clean the toxins and free radicals.
Free radicals are produced in the body as a result of the natural phenomenon of molecules reacting with active oxygen. An uncontrolled growth of free radicals harm your cells, DNA and are responsible for causing cancer. Chinese Chestnuts with their heavy composition of antioxidant properties detoxify your body and optimizes the immune function of the body.
For Loose motions. Loose motions or dysentery can also be controlled by tannin on chestnuts. The Same concoction that cures diarrhea can also bring a lot of relief from persistent dysentery.
In fact, it is more of a folk remedy and a very effective one too. It is better not to administer it to children and infant as even a little mistake in proportions can give them a heavy dosage of tannin. In India, it is used for De-worming as well.
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Aids Digestion. Chinese Chestnuts have a very high fiber content. Fiber absorbs water and makes the stools soft along with adding bulk to it. Bulkier and softer stools pass through the gastrointestinal tract easily and faster. This prevents constipation and constipation-related anal inflammation and piles. Usually, the fiber in food will not play its role properly if there is inadequate water in the body. But Chinese chestnuts have a high content of water as well which makes it a perfect choice for improving digestion with the right combination of fiber and water together.
Promotes Weight Loss.Weight loss of unhealthy weight is a must, but it is equally necessary to do it in a right way. An unhealthy regime for weight loss can cause a lot of damage to the body in long run. Diet and food are the most important part of a weight loss program and Chinese chestnuts are best suited for it and for more than one reason. They are low on fat but are high on energy quotient. The abundant fiber content of Chinese Chestnuts make you full and keeps you full for longer which naturally curbs appetite. The mineral composition and water in Chinese chestnuts further controls and replenishes the loss of electrolyte if you are also on a heavy exercising routine for shaving off the extra weight.
Nurtures Pregnancy. Pregnancy is an important time for every woman, she is not only responsible for the growing baby inside her but also needs to take care of herself in best possible manner. The growing fetus drains out and consumes a lot of nutrients from mother’s body and this is why a well rounded and sufficient diet is a necessity during pregnancy. Chinese Chestnuts provide calcium, Vitamins and important minerals that make the bones strong, balance electrolytes thereby preventing from frequent cramping which many pregnant women experience and keeping your health in a good shape by warding off infections.
Chinese Chestnuts are also known to alleviate nausea which plagues the majority of pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.
Balance Electrolyte. The electrolyte is the fluid in our body and is made of sodium, magnesium, potassium and carbonates. An electrolyte as a term means ions that can conduct electricity. In body also, they have a function of transporting neuro-transmissions from the brain to different parts of our body and back.
Loss of electrolyte takes place naturally through our excretions and sweating. Mostly it is our diet that balances electrolyte and replenishes the minerals contained in it. Chinese Chestnuts contain safe and reasonable quantities of Potassium and magnesium that are necessary for the electrolyte. The fluid which carries these ions needs water and chestnut is 60% water which can be further increased by boiling it.
Heart health (Vitamin b6).Along with Vitamin B12 and Folate, Vitamin B6 regulates and controls the levels of Homocysteine. Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid whose high levels are associated with inflammation and damage to blood vessels. This amino acid can cause severe blockages in arteries leading to obstruction of oxygenated blood to the heart. People with high levels of Homocysteine are prone to an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke apart from creating stress on the entire cardiovascular system which results in deterioration of its function. Chinese Chestnuts are Vitamin B12 rich nuts that have a significant amount of folate or folic acid in them that can help in arresting the onset of Hyperhomocysteinemia.
The Vital Oxygen Carriers. Iron and copper are two important elements required for blood and its production. Blood basically is a vessel that transports oxygen to various parts of our body. The component called hemoglobin is responsible for this function and is made of iron.
In fact, the red color of our blood is owing to the presence of Iron. The other component which transports oxygen to our body is called hemocyanin. It is composed of Copper which binds oxygen molecule between two of its atoms. Though not as efficient as hemoglobin but hemocyanins are extremely important for this function.Both of these trace metals are present in Chinese chestnuts in adequate quantities.
In fact, people suffering from anemia can consume Chinese chestnuts to alleviate this condition effectively.
Alleviates Stones.Oxalate is an Ion which is associated with increased risk of developing kidney stones.
The calcium oxalate is particularly blamed for the gall bladder and kidney stones. The levels of oxalate in our body are determined by the food we eat. This is why a low oxalate diet is recommended to curb the chances of developing stones. Chinese Chestnuts are a low-oxalate food source. The potassium in chestnuts regulates and control the release and distribution of calcium in the body. It ensures the deposition of calcium on bones with a minimum quantity getting into the blood stream thereby preventing stone formation.
Astringent Properties. Chinese Chestnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great astringent owing to a heavy content of tannin in it. Tannins can allay the skin problems and provide relief from swelling and pain caused due to tears in body tissues.It helps in faster healing of wounds and soothes. This characteristic of Chinese Chestnut has been especially effective in treating hemorrhoids.
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The excessive consumption on a persistent basis can lead to spikes of Vitamin B6 which may result in health complications in the long term. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction which causes asthma type of symptoms. People who are allergic to nuts must make sure that Chinese Chestnut is suitable for them.
Many a times an allergy may be caused by a certain class of nuts only which makes other nuts safe. But as they say, better be safe than sorry, so consult your physician before you take in a handful of them.
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