This week it’s chestnut health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen as the holiday season preparations continue!
Chestnuts are about the size of walnuts and are encased in glossy, soft, mahogany coloured shells. The flowers of the chestnut tree develop over the summer with the chestnuts ready to harvest by around October.
Chestnuts are invariably roasted or boiled and when cooked have the consistency like a mashed potato. They are used as a treat during the holiday season to add flavour and bulk to stuffings for poultry. They can also be served as a side dish on their own, or added to other dishes such as Brussel sprouts. They can often be seen cooked over hot coals by street sellers as the winter Christmas season comes into full force.
Here are some reasons to make the most of chestnuts in your diet over the festive season:
Chestnut Health Benefits
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- Low-fat nut variety so it is easy on the waistline which can be good at Christmas given all the other food around!
- Good source of antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin which protect your eyes from blue light – especially good if you have a lot of screen time
- Support good heart health through gallic and ellagic acid antioxidants. They also are a good source of potassium which is good for the heart and helps regulate blood pressure