Many Benefits of Eating Chestnuts in Autumn
Chestnuts are nutritious, rich in vitamins C and E, carotene, dietary fiber, and other components. They are especially high in potassium, with 440 milligrams per 100 grams. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chestnuts are considered sweet and warm in nature, nourishing the spleen and stomach, and strengthening muscles and promoting blood circulation. Therefore, eating more chestnuts in autumn, when they are in season, is highly beneficial for your health.
When eating chestnuts, most people choose the candied and roasted variety, but eating too many can cause a "heartburn" sensation. Although drinking a glass of milk can relieve this discomfort, chestnuts are a type of dried fruit, and eating too many at once can easily lead to "internal heat." Therefore, it's best not to eat more than 10 at a time.
In fact, cooking with chestnuts is a healthier option. Chestnuts are rich in potassium, which can neutralize the sodium in dishes, preventing excessive salt intake and helping to stabilize and lower blood pressure, thus preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is especially recommended to cook chestnuts with vegetables rich in dietary fiber. Most vegetables are alkaline foods, while chestnuts are high in starch and are acidic. Stir-frying them together can balance the acid and alkaline levels, preventing "heartburn" and the worry of "internal heat."
Furthermore, chestnuts have the effect of replenishing Qi. Therefore, pairing them with meats that also replenish Qi and nourish blood, such as beef or chicken, can enhance their nourishing effects.