What are the effects and benefits of eating raw chestnuts?

Generally speaking, eating raw chestnuts has various effects and benefits, including strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, nourishing the kidneys and strengthening tendons, promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding, invigorating qi and promoting body fluid production, and supplementing nutrition. The specific details are as follows:

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Nourishing the Stomach: Raw chestnuts have the effect of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, which can improve symptoms such as chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. Chestnuts are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and enhance digestive function. Eating raw chestnuts in moderation helps alleviate discomforts such as spleen deficiency diarrhea and vomiting.

2. Nourishing the Kidneys and Strengthening Tendons: Chestnuts have the effect of nourishing the kidneys and strengthening tendons. Consuming raw chestnuts directly benefits the kidneys, enhances kidney function, and thus alleviates symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, and pain in the waist and legs caused by kidney deficiency. The protein, fat, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus contained in chestnuts are also highly beneficial for bone and muscle health.

3. Promoting Blood Circulation and Stopping Bleeding: The unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin C in chestnuts can promote blood circulation, enhance the elasticity of blood vessels, thus promoting blood circulation. At the same time, certain active substances in chestnuts also have a certain astringent hemostatic effect, providing auxiliary treatment for symptoms such as hematemesis and hematochezia.

4. Invigorating Qi and Promoting Body Fluid Production: Chestnuts are warm in nature and can invigorate qi and promote body fluid production, relieving symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and night sweats caused by deficiency of both qi and yin. Eating raw chestnuts can supply nutrition to the body, help improve immunity, and prevent colds.

5. Supplementing Nutrition: Chestnuts are rich in nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, C, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are beneficial to health, and moderate consumption of raw chestnuts helps supplement various nutrients required by the body.

It should be noted that raw chestnuts are not easily digested, and excessive consumption at one time may cause indigestion. Especially for the elderly and those with weak digestion, extra caution should be taken. Avoid eating raw chestnuts on an empty stomach, as this may stimulate gastric acid secretion and lead to stomach discomfort. It is recommended to consume them in moderation between meals. Before eating chestnuts raw, ensure their surface is clean to avoid ingesting harmful substances such as bacteria or parasites.