Be careful not to eat too many chestnuts: this is what can happen

Autumn fruit by definition, the chestnut has a very old history. The chestnut plant developed between Asia and Europe, then becoming an integral part of the American flora, spreading also to Italy probably from the Apuan Alps (in upper Tuscany), then spreading as a powder trail. It was the Greeks who exalted and testified to its various beneficial properties for our organism, while the Romans defined them as “of little value”.

To date, the consumption of chestnuts is very common during the autumn period as a fresh fruit, while throughout the year they are brought to the table in the form of processed products such as sweets or flours. Chestnuts are among the most caloric fruits, with an intake of 193 kcal for only 100 grams of edible part; these data come above all from a scarcity of water, which constitutes only 42% of their total weight. The remaining part is then given by carbohydrates, sugars and fibers, while with regard to vitamins we find particularly vitamins A, C, D and the different variations of vitamin B.

The supply of potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine and magnesium is also very good. The benefits that chestnuts provide to our organism are numerous and for a long time, their satiating power to the point of calling its plant “breadfruit”, because both eaten fresh and in the form of flour, these delicacies of nature are quite satiating. This happens even more during seasonal changes, when the chestnut gives the body strength and vitality, compensating for the imbalances of mineral salts and fundamental nutrients, but restoring energy especially after physical and sporting activity.

In addition, they are very good for our nervous system and for pregnant women, as well as for anemic subjects; they help to keep active and regulate intestinal transit, helping to fight constipation. Containing no gluten, they can also be consumed by celiacs.
A normal consumption of chestnuts has no contraindications, except those related to the high starch content. As with potatoes, in fact, excessive consumption can generate hypersensitivity in subjects suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.

However, these effects are counteracted by consuming chestnuts with sweet fern and licorice, ingredients commonly found in all carminative herbal teas. In addition, as already mentioned, being a rich source of sugars, they are totally not recommended for diabetics or those who suffer from problems related to excess weight.