{"id":82281,"date":"2023-10-19T21:50:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T21:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=82281"},"modified":"2023-11-02T18:57:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T18:57:24","slug":"chestnuts-snacks-pros-cons","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/chestnuts-snacks-pros-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Chestnuts as Snacks: Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"chestnuts-snack-food-autumn-fall\"<\/p>\n

Chestnuts are the queens of autumn and are rich in valuable nutrients for the body, but there are also some drawbacks.<\/p>\n

Whether you love to nibble them on the street, cook them in your home’s fireplace, pan-fry them, or prefer them boiled, chestnuts, known as the “bread of the poor”<\/em> by our grandparents due to their high carbohydrate content and easy accessibility, are a must on autumn tables.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After all, within that round and compact shell, covered by a glossy and slightly fuzzy skin, hide unsuspected nutritional properties<\/strong> that make chestnuts a real elixir (even against seasonal ailments, or so it seems).<\/p>\n

Here’s everything you should know about them, including their benefits, properties, and potential downsides.<\/strong><\/p>\n

They Provide an Energy Boost<\/h2>\n

A handful of chestnuts contains about 25 grams of starch, which are sugars absorbed very slowly by the body, facilitating stable blood glucose levels<\/strong>. This is essential to prevent energy slumps and combat psycho-physical weakening.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For this reason, when facing mentally demanding activities (such as a university exam or a job interview) or before physical activities, simply consume 4 or 5 chestnuts to ensure vitality and endurance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chestnuts are Good for the Intestines<\/h2>\n

Chestnuts have a substantial fiber content, nearly 5%. This is particularly beneficial for the digestive system<\/strong>, relieving and regulating it, especially in cases of constipation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just 3 or 4 chestnuts a couple of times a week can be enough to make the trip to the toilet easier!<\/p>\n

Say Goodbye to Muscle Cramps<\/h2>\n

Chestnut seeds also contain a significant amount of minerals, particularly potassium (supplying over 10% of your recommended daily intake). This mineral helps prevent cramps, regulates muscle function, controls blood pressure, and manages fluid retention.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phosphorus (81 mg) is also present, enhancing attention, concentration, and memory<\/strong> while maintaining the good health of the nervous system.<\/p>\n

Do Chestnuts Cause Weight Gain?<\/h2>\n

The starches in chestnuts, partially converting to simple sugars during cooking, serve as natural energy sources but are also calorie-dense<\/strong> and not suitable for those on a weight loss diet<\/strong>. It’s better to consume 4 or 5 chestnuts a week, not more.<\/p>\n

Yes, They’re Good, but They Should be Well-Cooked!<\/h2>\n

If they are undercooked or poorly prepared (often the case when roasting), the starch remains raw, potentially leading to digestive issues.<\/strong> If this substance is not well toasted, it may create the classic heavy feeling in the stomach, accompanied by bloating and sometimes pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Therefore, the oligosaccharides in chestnuts continue fermenting in the colon because the enzymes cannot break them down.<\/p>\n

Please remember that individuals suffering from colitis, abdominal bloating, and frequent stomachaches should avoid eating chestnuts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Caloric Content and the Healthiest Cooking Method<\/h2>\n

Chestnuts consist of 84% carbohydrates, 9% lipids, and 7% proteins, resulting in a relatively moderate calorie content.<\/p>\n

When it comes to the healthiest cooking method that is less likely to affect your figure, there is no doubt: boiling<\/strong> (preferably in a pressure cooker) is the best choice<\/strong> to ensure you’ll digest them well and have a restful night of sleep. About 100 grams of boiled chestnuts contain 120 kcal.<\/p>\n

Roasted chestnuts, especially liked for their charred flavor, are a bit more calorie-dense, with 193 kcal per 100 grams.<\/p>\n

The dried ones typically found in supermarkets are the most calorically dense,<\/strong> containing 287 kcal per 100 grams.<\/p>\n

A Trick to Identify the Defective Ones<\/h2>\n

Round, firm, and dark brown chestnuts are undoubtedly the best to purchase or harvest from the woods<\/strong>. However, there is a chance that a tiny parasite has taken up residence inside, making them unsuitable for consumption.<\/p>\n

But how can you tell if a chestnut is defective? Simply place it in a basin filled with water: damaged and spoiled chestnuts float, while healthy ones sink to the bottom.<\/strong><\/p>\n

**Why Feeling Sad in Fall is Normal**<\/a><\/p>\n

This article first appeared on\u00a0grazia.it \u2014\u00a0Author: Chiara Caretoni<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42690,"featured_media":82282,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[8055,8054,6939,38,16],"yoast_head":"\nChestnuts as Snacks: Pros and Cons - Grazia USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As the season shifts, you might find yourself yearning for this simple snack. 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