Nutritional Facts about Chestnuts
Chestnuts indeed have a unique nutritional profile compared to many other nuts. They are low in fat and calories, making them a healthier option for those seeking a tasty, nutritious snack. Here is the nutritional composition of chestnuts per 1-ounce (28.35-gram) portion when raw and peeled:
- Energy: 56 calories
- Protein: 0.46 grams
- Fat: 0.35 grams
- Carbohydrate: 12.52 grams
- Vitamin C: 11.4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Despite being low in fat and calories, chestnuts are still packed with flavor and offer various health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals (including potassium and manganese). Additionally, chestnuts are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Their unique nutritional composition sets them apart from other nuts and makes them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Nutritional Comparison: Chestnuts vs. Other Nuts
Chestnuts offer a unique nutritional profile when compared to commonly consumed tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews. Here's a side-by-side comparison of these nuts per 1-ounce (28.35-gram) portion:
Chestnuts (Raw, Peeled):
- Calories: 56 calories
- Protein: 0.46 grams
- Fat: 0.35 grams
- Carbohydrate: 12.52 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.9 grams
- Vitamin C: 11.4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Other Nuts (Raw):
- Walnuts: Calories: 185 calories, Protein: 4.3 grams, Fat: 18.5 grams, Carbohydrate: 3.9 grams
- Almonds: Calories: 160 calories, Protein: 6 grams, Fat: 14 grams, Carbohydrate: 6 grams
- Pistachios: Calories: 156 calories, Protein: 6 grams, Fat: 13 grams, Carbohydrate: 8 grams
- Cashews: Calories: 157 calories, Protein: 5 grams, Fat: 12 grams, Carbohydrate: 9 grams
Key Differences:
1. Fat Content: Chestnuts have significantly lower fat content compared to the other nuts.
2. Protein: Chestnuts have the lowest protein content among all the nuts compared.
3. Carbohydrates: Chestnuts are higher in carbohydrates due to their starch content but also have more dietary fiber.
4. Vitamin C: Chestnuts uniquely contain vitamin C, while the other nuts do not.
5. Cholesterol: All nuts listed here have zero cholesterol.
In summary, chestnuts provide a lower-fat, higher-carbohydrate alternative with vitamin C, making them a distinctive addition to a balanced diet. Other tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews are generally higher in fat and protein.
