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Chestnuts (also scientifically known as Aesculus hippocastanum) and chestnut extracts both provide numerous health benefits. The main active ingredient in chestnuts is aescin, which improves vein health and fights inflammation.
1. The benefits that chestnuts bring
1.1. Relieves the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the valves in the veins don't work properly, causing blood to leak back and pool in the veins. experiencing symptoms such as:
Edema and swelling of the legs Leg pain, cramps Varicose veins, varicose veins often occur in the legs Leg ulcers The aescin compound in chestnut is effective in the treatment of CVI, helping to increase blood flow blood in the veins of the patient, improving the symptoms.
Studies have shown that chestnut extract is effective for short-term treatment of CVI, but long-term treatment needs more research.
1.2. Has effective anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, which can lead to fluid retention and swelling.
Aescin in chestnut extract has effective anti-inflammatory effect in trauma, venous insufficiency and painful swelling. Also, topical ointments containing aescin can reduce inflammation and pain after trauma, surgery, and sports injuries.
Aescin có trong hạt dẻ giúp chống viêm tiêu sưng hiệu quả
1.3. Hemorrhoids Treatment Hemorrhoids are a condition of swollen veins around the anus and rectum. Common symptoms that patients often experience are: itching, pain and rectal bleeding.
With anti-inflammatory properties, chestnut extracts can help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and swelling in the affected veins.
1.4. Antioxidant, protects the skin Oxidation is caused by free radicals, too many free radicals can lead to inflammation and cell damage. Horse chestnut extract is rich in flavonoid compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have strong antioxidant properties that help prevent free radicals that cause cell damage.
A test-tube study showed that chestnut extract contains aescin, which also has antioxidant properties.
1.5. Inhibition of cancer cells Besides the effective anti-inflammatory effect, aescin in chestnut also has the effect of significantly reducing the growth of tumor cells in some cancers such as liver cancer, leukemia. and multiple myeloma. Some studies have even shown that aescin can kill cancer cells in pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. However, more research is still needed in this area before definite conclusions can be drawn.
Thành phần dinh dưỡng của hạt dẻ giúp ức chế các tế bào ung thư
1.6. Increases fertility in men. One of the causes of male infertility is swelling of the veins near the testicles. The anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties in aescin in chestnuts can make it an effective infertility treatment.
A 2-month study performed in 100 men with infertility found that taking 30 mg of aescin for 12 hours improved sperm density, sperm motility, and sperm quality.
Using chestnuts is considered safe, but in some cases, if not processed properly, eating chestnuts will cause some side effects.
Unprocessed chestnuts contain a compound called aesculin. This substance is considered unsafe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can lead to many health problems. Mild cases of digestive problems, stomach pain, dizziness, headache and itching. More serious is poisoning, muscle convulsions, paralysis, coma and even death. Therefore, to avoid unwanted side effects, you should not eat unprocessed chestnuts.
In addition, chestnuts also interact with some drugs such as:
Coumadin (blood thinner): Chestnuts can slow blood clotting and increase the effect of blood thinners. Diabetes medications: Chestnuts can lower blood sugar. Combination with diabetes medication or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Chestnuts can decrease the absorption of NSAIDs. Also, people with kidney or liver disease should not take chestnuts as it can worsen the symptoms of the disease.
Dùng hạt dẻ khiến triệu chứng bệnh gan trở nên trầm trọng
2. Nutritional value of water chestnuts
Although called chestnuts, water chestnuts are actually aquatic vegetables that grow in swamps, ponds, rice fields, and terrariums. Water chestnuts are native to Southeast Asia, South China, Taiwan, Australia, Africa and many islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. When the stem and tubers of the water chestnut turn dark brown, it can be harvested.
Water chestnuts have white flesh, when eaten, they will feel crispy, can be eaten raw or cooked. In Asia, water chestnuts are added to dishes such as stir-fries, salads, curries,...
Water chestnuts have a lot of health benefits as follows:
2.1 Contains many nutrients but has many health benefits. low calories The nutritional value of 100 grams of water chestnuts includes:
Calories: 97 Fat: 0.1 grams Carbs: 23.9 grams Fiber: 3 grams Protein: 2 grams Potassium: 17% RDI Manganese: 17% RDI Copper: 16% of the RDI Vitamin B6 : 16% of the RDI Riboflavin: 12% of the RDI Water chestnuts are an excellent source of fiber, providing 12% of the recommended daily fiber intake for women and 8% for men. Eating more fiber can help promote bowel movements, lower blood cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and keep the gut healthy.
However, most of the water chestnut calories come from carbs. Water chestnuts are generally low in calories as they are 74% water.
Hạt dẻ chứa tới 74% là nước
2.2 High in antioxidants, fights disease Antioxidants are molecules that help protect the body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. If free radicals accumulate in the body, they can overwhelm the body's natural immunity and increase the likelihood of stress. This leads to chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many types of cancer.
Water chestnuts are rich in antioxidants such as: ferulic acid, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and catechin gallate.
2.3. Lower blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. The causes that put people at risk of heart disease are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), stroke, etc.
Water chestnuts are an excellent source of potassium that helps treat the causes of heart disease. out heart disease.
2.4. Creating a feeling of fullness for a long time, helping to lose weight Water chestnuts are effective in limiting hunger, especially for those of you who are in a weight loss regime. Water chestnuts are made up of 74% water, which can keep you fuller for longer while consuming fewer calories.
2.5. Reduces stress and helps fight cancer cell growth Water chestnuts contain very high levels of the antioxidant ferulic acid. This antioxidant ensures the flesh of the water chestnuts remains crispy, even after they are cooked.
In one study, scientists found that treating breast cancer cells with ferulic acid stopped the growth and killed the cancer cells.
In short, water chestnuts are nutritious and delicious aquatic vegetables. They are a good source of antioxidants and other compounds that help prevent diseases related to heart disease and cancer.
Reference source: healthline.com
