Health Benefits of Chestnuts

We are familiar with many sorts of nuts available across the globe; however we are yet to find a nut with the level of popularity as chestnut. These are one of the edible nuts that are available across the northern hemisphere. Belonging to the trees of the “Castanea genus”, these nuts have high nutritional value and are responsible for curing and preventing number of issues occurring in the body. The roasted variety of these chestnuts have been known to be extremely popular, but these nuts are consumed in other forms also such as in the boiled form or in the grilled or steamed form. These nuts possess as unique flavour which is enjoyed throughout the world and are also appreciated for the high nutrient content they possess. Let’s dive in and see what advantages they offer to our body.

Nutritional Value of Chestnut (100g)

Calories		131
Total Fat	1.4g	2%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	9%
Dietary Fiber	8.1g	21%
Protein	2g	4%
Vitamin A		0%
Vitamin C		44%
Calcium		4%
Iron		9%

Health Benefits of Chestnuts

1. Helps in Prevention Against Diabetes

   Numerous people do not understand the significance of dietary fibres in our food. Chestnuts are high in dietary fibres and are known to be food which cause slow rise in the level of blood sugar. This prevents sudden increase or decrease in levels of sugar and hence maintains the health of diabetic patients.

2. Helps in Strengthening the Immune System

   This nut which is known to contain high level of Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants is best for improving the overall health of your immune system. This not only does help in generation of White blood cells in the body but also finds out free radicals in the body and removes the same. This reduces any oxidative stress on the important organs of the body and hence prevents them from any harm.

3. Helps in Increasing the Bone Density

   While most people do not know the importance of copper and magnesium when it comes to bone health, these are one of the prime minerals required for consumption of iron in the body which ultimately is responsible for bone growth. Also, they are one of the important nutrients which are required for increasing the total density of the bones as well as maintaining their health.

4. Helps Cure Number of Digestive Problems

   These nuts are known to be great source of dietary fibres and hence are known to prevent number of digestive issues from occurring. They bulk up the stool and allow smooth passage of it through the intestines. They regulate the movement of the bowel while at the same time eliminating chances of diarrhoea and constipation.

5. Improvement of Mental Function

   These nuts are known to be heavily responsible for improving the overall health of brain as well as neural system. It is known to contain B class of Vitamins which are directly related in improving the nerve function. Also, the brain function is improved greatly and so is the memory as well as retention power.

6. Helps in Cases of Chronic Illness

   Chronic issues are the issues which have been stimulated due to the free radicals in the body. This disease result in changes in the cell structure as well as cause cells to die down. With the levels of anti-oxidants present in it, chestnuts are known to prevent the body against higher levels of chronic disease such as cancer.

7. Helps in Regulating the Blood Pressure

   Potassium found in chestnut is responsible for maintaining the level of blood pressure in the body. It helps in regulating the movement of water through the body and acts as a vasodilator thereby expanding the blood vessels. Hence this expansion results in smooth flow of blood and thereby lowering the pressure.

8. Helps in Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

   People think of fat as something that needs to be removed from our diet. However, there are a few fats which are required for healthy functioning of the body. These good levels of fat are responsible for maintaining the health of heart as well as reducing levels of cholesterol and also reducing inflammation within the body.

Caution

Number of people are known to suffer from allergy to nuts therefore verify that you aren’t one of them. Also speak with your dietician before making some serious changes in your eating pattern.