Secret Snack for Glowing Skin

Sweet and savory chestnuts are not only consumed raw but are also used as an ingredient in various dishes. These chestnuts contain a variety of components such as carbohydrates and proteins, making them a healthy snack. We have looked into when and how to eat chestnuts and what benefits they bring to our bodies.

Yellow Chestnuts are Full of Antioxidants

Chestnuts have long been a favorite food of our ancestors for their health benefits. In particular, the yellow part of the chestnut is rich in a substance called ‘carotenoids,’ which is a well-known antioxidant that helps prevent skin aging and boost immunity.

High in Vitamin B1

The amount of vitamin B1 in chestnuts is four times that of rice. Vitamin B1 is a coenzyme that participates in the process of burning carbohydrates to produce energy. This component makes the hair shiny and prevents skin aging. There are even research results that hair loss can occur if B vitamins and protein are deficient.

How Many Calories Are in Roasted Chestnuts?

Roasted chestnuts, a winter snack, do not raise blood sugar levels even when roasted, unlike sweet potatoes. However, they have a high-calorie count of about 162 calories per 100g and are mainly composed of carbohydrates, so it is better not to eat too much if you are trying to control your weight. The recommended intake is about 10 a day.

How Should They Be Stored?

Chestnuts are often stored at room temperature because of their hard shell. However, it’s better to store them in a cool place, as they can easily spoil and develop mold if left at room temperature. When peeling the chestnut shell, pour boiling water over the raw chestnuts and let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes for easy peeling. If you need to store them for a long time, it is recommended to boil and freeze them.

Also Good for Preventing Adult Diseases

Chestnuts contain fructose, which strengthens stomach function and is effective in preventing adult diseases and protecting the kidneys. If a person with a stomach disorder due to stress and irregular meals consumes chestnuts over a long period, the stomach function becomes active, improving digestion and promoting the production of digestive juices, which warm up a cold stomach, helping those who often have diarrhea and indigestion.

Chestnuts Can Also Help with Motion Sickness

It’s good to consume chestnuts when you have severe motion sickness. Chewing hard food can help relieve motion sickness, and chestnuts not only have a hard texture but also contain fructose, which can soothe an upset stomach, so you can see a two-in-one effect.

How to Steam Chestnuts Deliciously

After cleaning the chestnuts thoroughly, soak them in water for a certain period. When you put the chestnuts in water, they either sink or float. Chestnuts that float are eaten by insects and are empty, so you should remove them. Using a steamer, open the lid and boil until the water boils. When the water starts to boil, close the lid and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes on medium-low heat. If you need to store the remaining chestnuts, put them in a plastic bag, poke holes in it, and let them age at a low temperature for a long time.

Should Be Consumed as Dessert

It is good to consume chestnuts in small amounts. Consuming them with fruits or yogurt can help with nutrient absorption. Also, it is better to peel and chew them, and if possible, purchase organic chestnuts. When eating as a dessert, it’s good to have them with gluten-free desserts and not to eat too much as a snack. Although it’s a dessert, it’s recommended to eat it 1 to 2 hours after a meal.

Caution for Those with Nut Allergies

Chestnuts are one of the foods that can cause allergies. Although they are healthy foods, they can vary depending on individual constitution and situation, so it’s good to consult with a specialist. In the case of allergy symptoms, various symptoms ranging from mild to severe, such as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and hives, can occur. Also, because the carbohydrates in chestnuts are digested slower than other types of carbohydrates, caution is needed in cases of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Chestnuts, a Food with No Waste, Even the Pellicle

The pellicle of the chestnut is the outer part of the chestnut fruit, and it also contains various nutrients. Not only is the nut full of nutrients, but the chestnut, which has no waste even to the shell, is full of dietary fiber, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, etc. The pellicle of the chestnut can help prevent cell damage and strengthen the stomach, and it is usually brewed as a tea. In the market, it is sold under the name ‘Pellicle Tea.’

By. Sin Young Jeon