Back to knowledge libraryChestnuts
Chestnuts are a nut commonly found in the winter months, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have a low fat and high carbohydrate content compared to other nuts.
They are not to be confused with water chestnuts, which are an aquatic vegetable, and grow in Asia, Africa, and Oceania
What is the nutrient content of Chestnuts?
A recommended serving size of chestnuts is 30g, which is about 4 whole roasted chestnuts:
What are the health benefits of Chestnuts?
1. Heart Health: Chestnuts are low in fat, especially saturated fat, and contain heart-friendly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, contributing to overall heart health.
2. Antioxidants: Chestnuts contain antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer
3. Digestive Health: The dietary fibre in chestnuts aids in digestion by promoting healthy bowel movements and helping maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Where can I find Chestnuts?
Chestnuts are commonly roasted and eaten as a traditional holiday snack during the winter, but may also form part of savoury dishes (such as chestnut stuffing and chestnut soup), or desserts (such as marrons glacés).
References:
Public Health England (2016). Government Dietary Recommendations. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749f
ece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recomme
ndations.pdf [Accessed 8 November 2024].
British Heart Foundation (2024). Are nuts good for you? Available at:
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-ma
tters-magazine/nutrition/are-nuts-good-for-you
[Accessed 10 September 2024].
Barros, A. I., Nunes, F. M., Gonçalves, B., Bennett, R. N., & Silva, A. P. (2011). Effect of cooking on total vitamin C contents and antioxidant activity of sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.). Food chemistry, 128(1), 165–172.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.03.013
[Accessed 10 September 2024]
Written By:
Grace Williams, Head of Nutrition & Operations, myfood24.