Talking about chestnuts reminds us of autumn-winter days. Though chestnuts are tropical fruits, they can be used as dry fruits for the entire year. Be it roasted, raw or cooked, the benefits of chestnuts are appreciated globally. Not only just its crunchy taste, but its health benefits are compared with various superfoods. "It is important to note that about 100g of chestnuts provides just about 149 calories and, unlike other nuts, they are much higher in the content of carbohydrates comprising of about 28g per 100g. Some of the distinctive health advantages of consuming adequate of chestnuts are augmented brain functioning," says Dr. Siddhant Bhargava, Founder of Food Darzee.
Ms. Honey Thaker who is the head nutritionist of Fitness Science & Nutrition, Purenutrition.me says, "Chestnuts are a part of the fruit group and some individuals classify them as dried fruit. However, they are not, they are aquatic tuber vegetables that grow in marshes, ponds, paddy fields and shallow lakes. Water chestnuts are extremely nutritious and comprise high amounts of potassium, fibre manganese, vitamin B6, copper and riboflavin. Maximum calorie content comes from carbs."
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Surprising Health Benefits Of Chestnuts
Here's the list of health benefits of chestnuts:
1. Balances Electrolytes In The Body
Ms. Honey Thaker suggests having water chestnuts because it helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body. Raw water chestnuts have 74% of water which can help in promoting electrolyte balance owing to their high content of potassium, calcium and magnesium.
3. Promotes Bone Health
Benefits of chestnuts include its power of strengthening the bones. Chestnuts contain copper, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. These nutrients play an integral role in promoting bone health in people of all ages.
2. Boosts Immunity level
Chestnuts are loaded with antioxidants that help to boost our immunity naturally. It contains tannic, phenolic, fatty acids, vitamin A and C, zinc and copper which are vital in preventing the damages caused by free radicals present in our body.
4. Aids Weight Loss
Yes! You heard it right. Chestnuts help in weight loss. It keeps you satiated for a long duration with fewer calories. Water chestnuts can be categorised as high-volume foods. High-volume foods could support you to lose weight, as they keep you satiated with fewer calories for a longer duration.
5. Good For Digestive Health
Chestnuts can be helpful for digestion. They contain zinc, magnesium, dietary fibre and tannins, all of which have a crucial role in improving our digestive health.
6. Provides Energy
Dr. Siddhant Bhargava says, "Chestnuts encompass fat-soluble B vitamins that stimulate healthy skin, generate red blood cells and recover the functioning of the brain. They also offer increased levels of energy since they contain high quantities of carbohydrates, which are required for short and long term energy."
Other Vital Benefits Of Chestnuts
Chestnuts play a significant role in the process of ageing and aids in averting the clotting of blood. Lastly, since they don't contain gluten, these are great for those suffering from celiac disease, which is an illness that upsets the small intestine.
So friends, now that you know the benefits of chestnuts, include them to your diet chart as a healthy ingredient.
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