Can the fruit of the horse chestnut be eaten?
Feb 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
The fruit of the horse chestnut is not edible, as it contains toxic saponins. Ingestion may lead to poisoning, causing abnormal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating. Additionally, the fruit contains aesculin, a toxic substance that can destroy red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia and negatively affecting health.
The fruit of the horse chestnut is generally not edible and may cause harm to the body.
Horse chestnut usually refers to the fruit of the Aesculus tree, which resembles chestnuts in appearance. Under normal circumstances, the fruit should not be consumed because it contains saponin, a toxic substance that may lead to poisoning after ingestion, causing abnormal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating. Additionally, the fruit contains aesculin, a toxic compound that can destroy red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia and negatively affecting health. Therefore, the fruit of the horse chestnut is generally considered inedible.
Some people believe the fruit becomes edible after being boiled in alkaline water, but this claim lacks scientific evidence. For the sake of health, caution is strongly advised.
