Every 100 grams of cooked chestnuts contains about 220 calories, which is twice that of rice, but much lower than other nuts. As a member of the nut family, the fat content in chestnuts is much lower than that of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, but the starch and carbohydrate content is relatively high.
Not only are chestnuts high in starch, but they are also rich in other nutrients such as protein and fat. It's worth noting that the vitamin content of chestnuts is astonishing. The levels of vitamins B1 and B2 are much higher than in rice, and the vitamin C content is even higher than that of tomatoes. The content of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, aluminum, and manganese is also very prominent. Although not as high as in other nuts, it is much higher than in common fruits.
Eating chestnuts in moderation will not cause obesity. The vitamin B in chestnuts helps metabolize fat, and chestnuts are also quite filling, which may lead to eating less during meals. The best time to eat chestnuts is between meals; a handful as an afternoon tea snack is sufficient. Eating too many will lead to excessive calorie intake.
Experts remind us that chestnuts are a high-calorie food, and sugar-roasted chestnuts have an even higher sugar content, so they should not be eaten in excess, as this can easily lead to weight gain. Additionally, chestnuts are rich in potassium, making them suitable for people with high blood pressure. However, if you have poor kidney function, it is not recommended to eat them in large quantities. Furthermore, the general public should not eat more than six or seven chestnuts per day. People with weak spleens and stomachs, indigestion, as well as postpartum women, children, and patients with constipation should eat even fewer.