Scientific Name: Castanea
Higher Classification: Beech family
Rank Name: Genus
Chestnut
Published Date: 6/17/2023 6:01:42 AM
What is Chestnut:
- Chestnuts reduce cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar levels. They also reduce the risk of constipation and intestinal complications such as diverticulosis. chestnuts contain fat-soluble B vitamins that promote healthy skin, produce red blood cells, and improve brain function.
- Water chestnuts are native to Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, Australia, Africa, and many islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
How is it prepared:
- They are harvested when the corm, or bulb, turns a dark brown color.
- They have a crisp, white flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are a common addition to Asian dishes such as stir-fries, chop suey, curries, and salads.
What are its benefits:
- Water chestnuts are very nutritious and contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and riboflavin. Most of their calories come from carbs.
- Water chestnuts are a great source of the antioxidants ferulic acid, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and catechin gallate. These antioxidants can help the body combat oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
- Water chestnuts are a great source of potassium. Diets rich in potassium have been linked to reduced heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and strokes.
- Water chestnuts are made of 74% water, which makes them a high-volume food. Following a diet abundant in high-volume foods may help you lose weight, as they can keep you fuller for longer with fewer calories.
- The flesh of water chestnuts is very high in ferulic acid, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of oxidative stress and cancer.