We all know that there are many things that should not be eaten on an empty stomach, especially acidic foods. Eating them carelessly can cause symptoms such as stomach pain. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to diet and nutrition. Autumn is the season for eating chestnuts. Chestnuts are a popular nut with a rich nutritional value, especially high in vitamin C, which can help improve immunity and have certain health benefits. So, can we eat chestnuts on an empty stomach in the morning?
Is it good to eat chestnuts on an empty stomach in the morning?
In general, eating chestnuts on an empty stomach will not have a significant impact on the body. Chestnuts contain a lot of starch, carbohydrates, and minerals, and they also have a relatively high calorie content. It is best to eat chestnuts as a snack before meals, or they can also be used in cooking. However, they should not be used as a staple food, especially not as a substitute for rice. Eating chestnuts in moderation can help nourish the stomach, invigorate the spleen, and promote blood circulation. The high energy provided by chestnuts can also satisfy hunger while promoting fat metabolism, thus benefiting the digestive system.
Nutritional composition of chestnuts
Chestnuts are rich in nutrients. However, whether raw or cooked, they are not high in protein, fat, or various vitamins. Their main component is carbohydrates. Chestnuts provide a relatively high amount of energy, but fresh chestnuts contain more water, so they have relatively fewer nutrients compared to dried or cooked chestnuts.
Benefits of eating chestnuts
Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Chestnuts contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can prevent and treat diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and osteoporosis. They are a nourishing food that can help with anti-aging and longevity.
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Chestnuts are rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain the normal function of teeth, bones, and blood vessels. They can prevent and treat osteoporosis, as well as alleviate symptoms such as lower back and leg weakness, joint and bone pain, and fatigue, thus delaying the aging process.
Promotion of fetal growth and development
Moderate consumption of chestnuts by pregnant women can provide abundant protein, carbohydrates, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, as well as vitamins, especially vitamin C, B vitamins, and carotene. The folate content in chestnuts is higher than that in other nuts or pastes. These nutrients can effectively promote fetal development and prevent developmental abnormalities.
Relief of edema
Chestnuts are rich in potassium, and supplementing with potassium can help balance the potassium levels in the body, avoiding imbalances between potassium and sodium. Excess sodium in the body can cause water retention, leading to cellular edema. Adequate intake of potassium helps eliminate excess water and relieve edema.
How to eat chestnuts in a healthy way
Chestnuts have a sweet and neutral taste and enter the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians. They are beneficial for nourishing the spleen and kidneys and strengthening tendons. There are various ways to eat chestnuts. They can be eaten raw, cooked, sugar-fried, or cooked with chicken, pork, etc. They can also be processed into various foods. Common methods include southern-style stewed chestnuts with black chicken, braised lamb with chestnuts, and northern-style sugar-fried chestnuts. Boiling chestnut meat together with glutinous rice to make porridge also has good therapeutic effects. Chestnuts cooked with glutinous rice can invigorate the spleen and stomach, improve appetite, and strengthen the kidneys and bones. It is especially suitable for the elderly who have poor gastric function, lower back and leg weakness, and lack of strength.
Precautions for eating chestnuts
Chestnuts are difficult to digest when eaten raw and can cause indigestion when overcooked. Therefore, it is important to eat them in moderation. Eating about seven to ten cooked chestnuts at a time is generally sufficient. If there are any spoiled chestnuts, they must be discarded and should not be consumed to avoid poisoning. Due to the high sugar content in chestnuts, people with diabetes should pay particular attention to moderate consumption to avoid affecting stable blood sugar levels.
