When I was out walking one of my dog walking dogs today we gathered some chestnuts and it made me wonder just how healthy they are. So you can see below that they are pretty healthy and I loved wandering off into the woods to find them.
What Are the Benefits of Roasted Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts commonly spark thoughts of the holiday season and sitting by an open fire. These tree nuts are more than just the topic of song lyrics. Chestnuts are lower in fat than similar nuts such as pecans and walnuts -- good news if you have been advised by your doctor to watch your intake. Chestnuts have a pleasing taste and are packed with nutrients.
Digestive Health
Chestnuts have a high fiber content. Dietary fiber comes in the form of soluble and insoluble. Soluble gets absorbed in water and forms a gel-like consistency in the intestines. This type helps reduce cholesterol and stabilizes blood-sugar levels. Insoluble fiber creates bulk in the stool and helps it pass through the system quickly. This helps reduce the risk for constipation and intestinal complications like diverticulosis -- a condition where small pockets on the intestinal wall lining become inflamed. A 3-ounce serving of roasted chestnuts contains 4 grams of fiber. Nuts have predominately insoluble fiber.
Stable Energy Levels
Most nuts are low in carbohydrates, which is why they often are part of low-carb diet plans. Chestnuts, however, have a high amount of carbs. They contain 45 grams per 3-ounce serving. Carbs are needed for short- and long-term energy, and they help with nervous system function. The carbs that come from chestnuts are complex. Unlike simple carbs, complex carbs are digested slowly, which gives you even energy levels. Simple carbs tend to give you a fast spike of energy followed by a fast dip.
Support for Brain Function
The fat-soluble B vitamins help produce red blood cells, break down protein, carbs and fats for energy, promote healthy skin and enhance brain function. Chestnuts have a generous blend of B vitamins in moderately high amounts. A 3-ounce serving contains 21 percent of the recommended daily value of B-6, 15 percent of folate, 14 percent of thiamine and 9 percent of riboflavin. Eat roasted chestnuts as appetizers with a leafy green salad and lean meat for a vitamin B-packed meal.
Packed with Manganese
Chestnuts have a high content of the trace mineral manganese -- an antioxidant, which soaks up free radicals in the system and reduces the risk for cancer and heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, manganese also plays a key role in the aging process. A 3-ouce serving of chestnuts contains just over 1 microgram of manganese, which is 50 percent of the recommended daily intake. Manganese also helps with connective-tissue production and blood clotting. Add chopped chestnuts to a bowl of oatmeal for a manganese-packed breakfast.
Stronger Bones
Copper is a trace mineral that enhances bone strength, helps with red blood cell formation and nerve function and boosts the immune system. A trace mineral is only needed in a small amount by the body. Chestnuts contain 22 percent of the recommended daily value of copper per 3-ounce serving. Pair roasted chestnuts with dried prunes for a snack high in copper.
Creative Serving Ideas
Roasted chestnuts aren't just for snacking. For added crunch and nutrients in salads, top your leafy greens or melon cubes with chopped roasted chestnuts. You can also stir them into vegetables as you sauté them. For healthy crunch with your salmon, toss marinated filets with roasted chestnuts before grilling or baking it. For a more crumb-like texture, blend them in a food processor beforehand.
