The health benefits of oak are unparalleled, such as protecting the heart, increasing energy, improving digestion, and regulating blood sugar levels. Oak is also beneficial for building strong bones, growth, and repair, reducing inflammation, treating diarrhea, and skin care. Please continue reading to learn more about the properties of oak fruit and how to eat it.
What is an oak fruit?
Oak is the fruit of the oak tree. There are more than 450 species of oak trees in North America, and the seeds of many of them are a source of food for humans and animals. This fruit has a hard shell, and its upper part resembles a small hat. Acorns vary in size, ripening time, and nutrients and may be poisonous depending on the species. This fruit is used in the cuisine of many cultures, especially in some Korean and Native American cooking.
The difference between oak and chestnut
Oak and chestnut are two completely different fruits. Acorns are the product of the oak tree and have a lighter color, but chestnuts are the fruit of the chestnut tree; they are larger and darker. When ripe and cooked, chestnuts taste sweeter and can be quickly eaten. Acorns have more tannin (a bitter and toxic compound) that upsets them.
The properties of chestnut are not few. Chestnut has more potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B1 and C. It also contains ellagic and gallic acid, which positively affects health. Acorns have more calories and carbohydrates and are rich in unsaturated fats, B complex vitamins, copper, magnesium, and manganese.
Nutritional value of chestnut and oak
In this section, we have compared the nutritional value of 100 grams of these two brains.
- Calories: Acorns have approximately 2.7 times more calories than chestnuts. Every 100 grams of oak has 387 calories, and every 100 grams of chestnut has 131 calories.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates of oak are more than chestnuts. Oak has almost 40 grams, and saying has about 27 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: Oak has more protein than chestnut. Every 100 grams of oak has 6 grams of protein, and every 100 grams of chestnut has 2 grams of protein.
- Fat: Oak fat is more than chestnut. Chestnuts have a small amount of fat, but acorn fat is more often of the unsaturated type.
| Foodstuff | oak | Shahballut | ||
| are | 0.79 mg | 1.73 mg | ||
| potassium | 539 mg | 715 mg | ||
| magnesium | 62 mg | 54 mg | ||
| folate | 87 micrograms | 38 micrograms | ||
| Vitamin B3 | 1.827 mg | 0.731 mg | ||
| Polyunsaturated fat | 4.596 grams | 0.545 grams | ||
| Monounsaturated fat | 15.109 grams | 0.476 grams | ||
| Saturated fat | 3.102 grams | 0.26 grams | ||
| Vitamin C | – | 26.7 mg | ||
Properties of oak for health
1. Useful for skin care
Oak has various properties for the skin, one of which is skin tightening. After you soak or boil this fruit in water, you can apply the tannin-rich juice to your skin to reduce the pain of burns and skin rashes, promote faster wound healing, and reduce inflammation or burns. This water is also used for the local treatment of pain.
2. It helps with digestion
Like most nuts, acorns are high in fiber, making them great for digestive health. Fibers regulate bowel movement and treat constipation and diarrhea. Oak benefits people with irregular bowel movements, abdominal cramps, bloating, and other digestive problems.
3. It prevents diabetes
One of the essential properties of oak for diabetes is regulating blood sugar and thus avoiding this disease. Research showed that oak kernel extract has various properties for treating complications caused by diabetes. These properties are due to the presence of fiber and complex carbohydrates in oak fruit.
4. It causes heart health
Oak is a good alternative for people who want to reduce their fat intake. The unsaturated fat of these brains is five times that of their saturated fat, which balances cholesterol and prevents obesity, atherosclerosis, and other diseases that threaten heart health.
5. Increases body energy
Oak contains many complex carbohydrates, meaning you will have power for a long time. You can replace regular flour with acorn flour or include acorn kernels in your diet. Acorn coffee is also a healthier alternative to empty carbs or simple sugar in energy drinks that only give you a short burst of energy.
6. Good for bone health
The excellent combination of oak minerals, which includes phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, makes bones healthy and delays the onset of osteoporosis. Calcium is one of the essential minerals for bone density, and a large amount is found in oak.
7. Regulates metabolism
Oak fruit is rich in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, essential in regulating metabolism. Regular consumption of acorns regulates several enzyme processes necessary for the body’s health.
8. It heals
Oak is a rich source of protein, which plays a vital role in creating new tissue and cells, repairing damaged areas, and quickly recovering after injury and illness. Adding acorns to your diet will help you speed up the growth and healing process.
How to eat oak?
You can eat acorns raw, but they have a bitter taste and are difficult to digest due to the presence of tannins. You can boil this brain or soak it in water until it turns brown. This makes the acorn edible. The presence of tannin in this brain can irritate the stomach wall and affect your digestion. In the following, we explain three ways to prepare oak.
1. Cold water method
The easiest way to remove the tannin from the oak kernel is to use cold water. Many Native American tribes put the powdered acorns in running water, such as a river, to make them edible. The flow of water causes the tannin to come out. If you don’t live near a clean, cold river, you can place your acorns in a bowl or pot filled with cold water. This procedure may take several days or even weeks. You should change the water at least once a day and continue doing this until the water becomes clear. You can then taste the oak to ensure it is no longer bitter.
2. Boiling water method
This method is much faster but consumes more natural resources. First, fill two large pots with water. Boil water in a pot and add acorns to it. Wait for the water to darken, then boil the water in the other bank. Move the acorns between banks, discarding the tannin-containing water in each pot each time. Do not put acorns in water that has not been boiled; this will combine the tannin with the starch. Cooking destroys acorn starch, so if you want to make flour out of it, don’t do it.
3. Blender method
This method is done with the help of a home blender or food processor. Put the acorns with the skin in the blender, add a glass of water, and mix them until a saturated solution is obtained. Keep this solution under running water using a fine mesh. Some pith and oak oils are lost, but the fruit’s tannins are also removed quickly.
Effects of oak
- Mild side effects: excessive consumption of oak can cause nausea and stomach upset due to the presence of tannin. To prevent this complication, remove all these bitter compounds from the oak.
- Oak poisoning: Oak poisoning occurs due to its excessive consumption. This poisoning can damage the digestive system and kidneys.
final word
Oak is a great fruit, and its combination of minerals, vitamins, healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates makes it an incredible food source. This fruit can be consumed as a nut or used to prepare flour, coffee, and other compounds. Of course, remember that removing its bitter compounds called tannin is better before consuming oak to avoid its side effects.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
