Also known as India nut, India nut is a fruit sourced from Indian chestnut tree, originating from Balkan countries in the Europe region, where it can reach 25 meters in height.
Currently associated with weight loss, this nut is a food widely used by folk medicine mainly to treat circulatory problems, to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatoid and even as dewormer.
Regarding its characteristics, according to nutritionist Andréa Farah, this nut contains a good dose of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and good fats, the latter being ideal to help control cholesterol. ? In addition, its glycemic index is low, not reaching 55 ?, adds.
Having only 20 calories and a sweet potato-like flavor, this seed is also widely used in the cosmetics industry, where its oil makes up cream formulas, ensuring a smooth skin and promoting an astringent effect.
7 Amazing Benefits of Horse Chestnut
The use of chestnut in natural medicine dates back hundreds of years, where it can be used in various forms, including its leaves, fruits and seeds. Here are some of the benefits cited by the nutritionist from regular consumption of this food:
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1. Fight against swelling: If this is due to poor circulation, the horse chestnut helps in increasing blood circulation, where its action in the smaller capillaries prevent fluid leakage, with consequent decrease in swelling.
2. Detox effect: As well as fighting swelling, the chestnut has substances that stimulate circulation, protecting vessel walls and eliminating toxins from the body.
3. Cellulite Improvement: As cellulite is a result of poor circulation, by properly stimulating this process, the appearance of cellulite will be softened, reducing the accumulation of body fluid.
4. Helps regulate cholesterol: Rich in good fats, this food helps in lowering LDL, bad cholesterol, and increasing HDL, known as good cholesterol.
5. Relieves menstrual cramps: Again, its influence on improving circulation demonstrates its importance. By stimulating blood flow, India nuts also help to minimize the pains caused by menstrual cramps.
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6. Provides a richer diet: This is an extremely nutritious food containing minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins B2, B6, B9, E, K and C.
7. Fighting varicose veins: Besides improving the blood flow of small and large vessels, the chestnut also improves their elasticity, preventing their rupture.
Ways of using India nuts
Easily accessible, horse chestnut can be found at any health food store, pharmacy or handling pharmacy. Check out some of its most used forms, cited by the professional:
Capsules: of formula manipulated, should be prescribed by a doctor or nutritionist. It is widely used for cases of hair fragility.
Powder: add 5 tablespoons horse chestnut in 1 bottle of 70% ethyl alcohol with the aid of a funnel. Let the mixture rest for 2 weeks in a sunny place. After this period, dilute 5 tbsp of this mixture in 1 liter of water and consume this liquid in small portions during the day.
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In natura: Tea can be made from the nuts by simply adding ½ tablespoon of the nuts in 200 ml of water. After boiling, strain and have a cup after meals ?, he teaches. Another option is to divide the nut into 8 parts and consume it for breakfast.
Sheets:Just boil 1 liter of water and add 30 g of horse chestnut leaves, letting the mixture rest for 20 minutes before straining and consuming.
Horse Chestnut and weight loss
Despite its use related to weight loss, horse chestnut does not lose weight, since it does not burn fat. "It helps in the weight loss process by having a diuretic and laxative effect, helps to have a good circulation," says Andrea.
Still according to the professional, its consumption is indicated exactly because it is optimal for blood circulation, and thus help to decrease fluid retention, but there is no reduction in body fat itself.
Contraindications of its consumption
"Its indiscriminate use can result in paralysis with sudden immobility, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating and weakness," warns the nutritionist. Also, this food should not be eaten by people with heart, kidney or gastrointestinal problems due to its effect on increasing blood circulation.
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"Another risk group that should avoid its consumption are pregnant women, lactating women and patients who use anticoagulants, because it can potentiate the effect of this drug," he adds.
It is worth noting that, just like any other food that will be used with medicinal properties, the effects of the use of horse chestnut may vary from person to person, and medical or nutritional monitoring is recommended to avoid any problems.
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