During pregnancy, it is a common disposition to expand regard for nourishment. In this stage, the body represents things to come, and the mother goes through fundamental changes, which require reflection on the most suitable kind of diet to follow. Among the different inquiries, we additionally find out if chestnuts during pregnancy are unsafe, whether they can be eaten without issues, and whether it is desirable to consume them crudely or cooked.
The response is yes; chestnuts of the most well-known species ( Castanea sativa ) are protected and innocuous natural products consumed during pregnancy in different structures (cooked, bubbled, bubbled in treats). Be that as it may, likewise, with varying varieties of food, it is ideal to remain inside and keep up with control. Similarly, among the numerous excellent properties of these organic products, their high caloric admission ought to be noted.
In this article, we take a gander at this large number of viewpoints, including the properties of chestnuts, whether it is wiser to eat them crudely or cooked, their supplements, and calorie consumption.
Table of Contents
Chestnut, Properties And Nutritional Values
The chestnut is the fruit of the chestnut tree belonging to the Fagaceae family, and of which there are four main species:
- Castanea vulgaris or sativa in Europe
- Castanea dentata in North America
Let’s examine the most common species, Castanea sativa, with a vibrant nutritional profile. These fruits contain essential nutrients. They are a good source of amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, phenols, fiber and folate, vitamins, and minerals.
In detail, chestnuts are rich in the following vitamins:
- Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin PP;
- Vitamin B complex;
- Calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese.
To go much more profound, chestnuts are one of a handful of dried organic product species that contain L-ascorbic acid—a nutrient that is lost in simmering and bubbling. To safeguard more vast measures of L-ascorbic acid in chestnuts during simmering, cook them at lower temperatures or dry them.
Chestnuts are likewise a wellspring of iron, zinc, and potassium. The last option can assist with keeping circulatory strain ordinary. Lastly, they contain gallic and ellagic corrosive, two cell reinforcements that hold their properties with cooking, expanding them in the wake of cooking.
One more trait of these organic products is that they contain minimal fat (lipids); contrasted with peanuts and almonds, they have no cholesterol, determined with a high caloric admission given by perplexing sugars.
Nutritional Values Per 100 Grams Of Raw And Roasted Chestnuts
Regardless of the cooking method, chestnuts are a food of plant origin and do not contain cholesterol. This characteristic makes them a good food choice in case of high cholesterol.
Here are the standardized nutritional values for 100 grams of chestnuts based on the preparation method:
Raw Chestnuts
- Calories: 204 Kcal
- Protein: 2.63 g
- Fat: 2.63 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fibers: 7.88 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 2.63 mg
- Potassium: 592 mg
- Calcium: 43 mg
- Iron: 1.01 mg.
Boiled Chestnuts
- Calories: 131 Kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fibers: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Potassium: 715 mg
- Calcium: 29 mg
- Iron: 1 mg.
Roasted Chestnuts
- Calories: 232 Kcal
- Protein: 2.63 g
- Fat: 2.63 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fibers: 5.25 g
- Sugar: 10.5 g
- Sodium: 2.63 mg
- Potassium: 518 mg
- Calcium: 38 mg
- Iron: 0.91 mg.
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Can You Eat Chestnuts During Pregnancy?
As expressed in the presentation, chestnuts of the most well-known species (Castanea sativa) are, by and large, protected and innocuous natural products that can be consumed without risk, in any event, during pregnancy. Likewise with some other food, be that as it may, it is best to stay within specific cutoff points and keep up with control.
Assume the facts confirm that there is no clinical logical proof that puts the utilization of chestnuts by pregnant ladies down, besides concerning the insight of consuming them ideally cooked. It is similarly substantial that a few properties of truisms benefit the future mother. We are discussing fiber, folate, and nutrient P. The previous demonstrations against blockage, a condition that can happen during pregnancy. Folate folic corrosive, which chestnuts are rich in, is a fundamental supplement for the strength of the cerebrum and sensory system of the embryo.
There are numerous different wellsprings of folic corrosive, including verdant green vegetables and vegetables. Subsequently, a lady’s eating routine during pregnancy should fluctuate and not center around only one explicit food. This is a decent practice that specialists suggest continuing at each time of life, not simply during pregnancy. Nutrient P, among different properties, would significantly affect the pregnant lady. Simultaneously, the iron substance would make them accommodating in fighting sickliness and weakness.
Raw Chestnuts During Pregnancy
Chestnuts can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or baked, ground into flour (excellent as a gluten-free solution) or mixed into desserts. For women who are expecting a baby, it is undoubtedly advisable to eat them cooked at high temperatures, as the cooking process eliminates any bacteria or parasites from the fruit. Furthermore, this, in general, avoids raw chestnuts, which are more challenging to chew, more difficult to digest, and irritate the intestine because they contain tannins. These compounds can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients and cause intestinal inflammation.
Horse Chestnuts Are Not Edible
Horse chestnuts ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) are inedible and poisonous because they contain saponins, which can cause irritation and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Their appearance is quite recognizable. They are enclosed in a green spiny shell that opens when the seed is ripe; they have a round shape and are large, shiny, and light brown, with a flat side.
Side Effects Of Chestnuts
Chestnuts are high in fiber and unavailable carbohydrates, which the body cannot digest or absorb and which can contribute to symptoms of abdominal discomfort. While the benefits of fiber are well-established, for some people, particularly those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or constipation, too much fiber can cause gas and bloating problems.
These conditions occur because fiber is not fully digested in the stomach and small intestine, and when it reaches the colon, intestinal flora ferments it, producing gas. This process can cause bloating and flatulence, especially if you consume large amounts of fiber-rich foods quickly. Therefore, those suffering from IBS or constipation would do well to limit or avoid the consumption of chestnuts.
Contraindications Of Chestnuts
Even people with diabetes should limit the consumption of chestnuts due to their high carbohydrate and, therefore, sugar content. Furthermore, it is best not to combine these fruits with other carbohydrate-rich foods to avoid blood sugar spikes. However, the high fiber content – compared to other carbohydrate-rich foods – lowers the glycemic index of chestnuts. This means they can be consumed in small quantities as part of a supervised diet.
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