Benefits of Chestnut

Chestnut is a popular food in our country. It is a very tasty and nutritious food that is identified with Bursa region, consumed more in winter season. Chestnut, which belongs to the genus Castanea from the beech family, is the edible seeds of trees. Because it has a starchy structure, it is used as a flavoring and thickening agent in meals. Chestnut grows in pairs or triples in a spiny, ball-like outer shell called cupula, which is green in color. At harvest time, the spiny outer bark turns yellow, cracks, and then falls from the tree to the ground. Thought, the fruit of the chestnut is separated from the prickly ball. Chestnuts left on the tree are knocked to the ground by hitting the branches with long sticks.

Chestnuts contain higher starch and water than other nuts. The protein and fat ratio in chestnuts is low. Chestnut, which contains starch, fiber, protein, minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and C, is quite filling. 100 grams of chestnut has 160 calories of energy value.

In particular, people with diabetes, atherosclerosis and people with high blood pressure should eat chestnuts in small amounts. Chestnut should not be confused with horse chestnut collected from trees. Horse chestnut is a poisonous plant that should not be eaten. However, it is very beneficial if used in different ways. For example, if horse chestnut is placed in closets between clothes, it protects them from moths. Likewise, wool materials can be protected from moths thanks to horse chestnut. With this feature, horse chestnut is a kind of naphthalene. It is a very natural, highly effective and free material. Horse chestnut, which has vasoconstrictor properties, is also used in cosmetic products and pharmaceutical industry. It is effective against varicose veins, hemorrhoids, skin blemishes and skin wrinkles. There are also creams and gels with horse chestnut that can be used instead of whiskey, relieve phlegm and bronchial disorders, and relieve cough.

Benefits of Chestnut

It is rich in starch and water.
Contains lots of fiber, protein, phosphorus and calcium.
It is rich in vitamins B1, B2, C and E.
Contains high amount of selenium.
It is satiating.
Keeps full.
It is a flavor enhancer and thickener.
The carbohydrate content is high, but it is absorbed slowly due to its complex structure.Diabetes does not cause cardiovascular diseases.
It is beneficial against the stomach.
Protects the heart.
Complex carbohydrates are a source of energy. For this reason, chestnut also stores energy in the body during the winter.
It takes physical and mental fatigue.
Iron in its content prevents anemia.
Magnesium and phosphorus in its structure are important components of bone metabolism.
Shows calming properties.
Reduces stress.
Vitamin C in its content accelerates the development of teeth and bones and is beneficial for the formation of matrix in blood vessels.
Thanks to the potassium it contains, it is very beneficial for those with low potassium levels.
The fruit helps strengthen the muscles and heal wounds faster. It helps relieve fatigue and swelling in the liver.
If chestnut is eaten at regular intervals, the cholesterol in the body lowers the rate.
It is also good for anemia. It creates resistance against diseases such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. and other nutritional values, it is an invaluable source for the body in the adverse conditions of winter. Containing chestnuts, it is recommended for those who suffer from potassium deficiency.
It is very beneficial for the development of the brain and retina of children.
Bread made by mixing rye, which was also produced in the past, keeps the bread quite full.
Tea prepared with chestnuts, sinusitis Chestnut puree, which is prepared by mixing with honey, is used to regulate the eating habits of children with anorexia.
It is rich in folic acid, which is vital for the production of red blood cells.
It contains a lot of fiber.This helps blood sugar rise slowly.
It is very beneficial for the liver and stomach.
Prevents diarrhea.
It is beneficial for the brain, enables mental activities to be done more comfortably, and prevents forgetfulness. It delays or slows down Alzheimer’s.
It is beneficial for cardiovascular health in infants and children. It is also important for neurological development.
It regulates triglyceride.
Slows down the aging of cells. In this respect, it prevents premature aging.
Helps prevent many types of cancer. It especially prevents lung cancer.
It lowers blood pressure and helps to beat anemia.
It regulates cholesterol.
As it strengthens the immune system, it prevents getting sick easily.
Prevents diarrhea.
Aphrodisiac is effective, so it also increases sexual power and desire.
Helps reduce fever.
It is very useful for pregnant women. It contains very useful nutrients for the baby. It relieves neurological problems in unborn children.
The folates in its content are necessary for red blood cells and DNA.

How to Consume Chestnut?

Chestnut is a food that can be cooked both in the oven and on the stove. is food.

It can also be added to desserts, pilafs and other dishes as a flavoring and thickening agent. Chestnut candy made in Bursa and its surroundings is very famous all over the world.

Chestnut puree can also be made. If ground into flour, chestnut bread can also be made. Chestnut flour does not contain gluten. In this way, it can also be used comfortably by people suffering from celiac disease. It is a very delicious and nutritious flour.

Chestnut also has honey. This healthy food, which is produced only in certain regions in our country, is also very popular.

The tree, bark, branches and leaves of the chestnut can also be used.

What should be considered when making chestnut kebab or boiling chestnuts?

To make chestnut kebab, chestnuts should be washed first. Then, with the help of a sharp knife, the curved parts of it without going too deep. should be drawn horizontally. It can also be drawn as a plus (+) if desired. There are chestnut drawing machines produced only for this process, they can also be used if desired. The drawn chestnuts should be washed once again and kept in cold water for about 1 hour. A teaspoon of molasses, honey or sugar in the water makes the chestnuts much more delicious when cooked. The chestnuts, which are kept in water for 1 hour, are drained. The chestnuts can be cooked in a pan if desired, or in a toaster with the lid open if desired. If the oven is preferred, the oven should be preheated to 200 degrees. Likewise, a saucepan can be used.Chestnuts waiting in the refrigerator are thrown into cold water and washed in this water.