ARE ACORNS SAFE TO EAT-min

ARE ACORNS SAFE TO EAT?

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Acorns were once a staple food for various societies. Still, many folks fear consuming them because they contain tannins that make them taste bitter. But are acorns as harmful to our body as the thorns are to the skin during harvest?

Every food has its advantages and disadvantages, likes and dislikes. While acorns are the nuts of the famous oak tree, they are also easy to process. There are different acorns species, e.g., red and white oaks. Different types of species have varying amounts of tannins level into the bargain. For example, the red oaks have more tannins and are bitterer than the white oaks because they are harvested at different times of the year. Discussed hereunder are the benefits and the side effects of acorn.

Anti-nutritional factors in acorns

Tannins are considered ant nutritional factors and thus hinderthe body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Apart from that, excessive consumption of tannins can cause side effects like bloating, diarrhea, liver damage, and in extreme cases, cancer. Like other anti-nutritional elements like flavonoids, lectins, and saponins, tannins leach out of acorns when boiled and soaked in water. The water turns brown from the tannins and should be poured; the processes are repeated until the color of the water is almost turning clear. Although no studies talk about the effects of acorns when eaten raw, most people do not consume them raw.

 Acorns are very nutritious when prepared in the right way for consumption. Acorns are packed with the following nutrients; Potassium, zinc, vitamin A and E, and other vital nutrients. In addition, acorns are low in calories and come in healthy unsaturated fats.

The benefits of acorns

Rich in omega 3 fats

Aforementioned is the article, acorns are packed with healthy amounts of unsaturated fats. One of these includes, Omega 3 fats, which are essential fatty acids hence can not be made by the body, so they have to be acquired through the daily diet. What’s more, omega three play a vital role in the body, e.g., eye, heart, and brain function. Unsaturated fats also help in maintaining the blood level at optimum.

Gut health

Acorn is a rich source of fiber, which nourishes the healthy bacteria in the gut. The gut bacteria is key in food digestion, and its imbalance can lead to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. In addition, acorns have been known to ease if not treat stomach complications such as diarrhea, vomiting, and other common digestive complication. A concentrated amount is needed when preparing the herbal to be more effective. Though more research should be carried out about its medicinal advantages.

Corns are good for the heart

While acorn oil is said to contain phytosterols, it helps lower the amount of bad LDL cholesterol in our blood, enabling a smooth flow of blood across our bodies and maintaining low blood pressure.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant compounds that act as a protective layer against cell damages of any kind. Acorns contain different types of antioxidants, e.g., vitamin A and E Studies show that acorns contain more than 60 different phenolics. With this in mind, it is recommended to consume the antioxidants in foods rather than supplements. This is because, without proper care, antioxidant supplements can be harmful to the body. Although they are rich sources of nutrients, research shows that excessive consumption of vitamin A and E have been linked to be one of the causes of premature deaths.

A potentiallimitation of acorns

Allergic reactions

Acorns, just like the other nuts, cause allergic reactions to some people. It is considered one of the trees with the most common allergens. Its allergic reactions are characterized by anaphylaxis, mild itching with rushes, and scratchy throat. People who are allergic to tree nuts are advised not to consume acorns because the side effects are adverse and life-threatening.

Tannins

As Aforesaid, acorns contain tannins. Tannins are ant nutrients that hinder the digestion of certain nutrients in our bodies. Back then, it was reported that people who ate raw acorns experienced cases of constipation, bloating, diarrhea. However, no research has been conducted to establish the effects of consuming raw tannins. Tannins can be reduced to less harmful levels in acorns by applying different methods like; soaking and boiling before actual preparation to allow the tannins to leach out then pour the water away. It is imperative to consider this before preparing acorns to avoid any health effects.

Consumes time during preparation.

The process of removing tannins from acorns can be time-consuming. Considering it has to be soaked for along time, for better results overnight. Boiling also takes a long time. This process appears burdensome to many people but is the most effective. Use running water when washing acorns to avoid carrying forward the tannins.

 Serving acorns

Once prepared and all the tannins have been removed, acorns have a sweet taste and mild flavor. Acorns can be roasted and eaten as snacks or coated with sugar and other flavor and eaten as candies. Depending on the method of preparation, acorns can be such a delicacy. Other people prefer drying acorns like other nuts and grinding them into a fine flour that can prepare cakes, pieces of bread, and even doughnuts. Intriguingly, acorns can be made into butter and used as a spread for slices of bread.It is recommended that more research be done on the healthbenefits of acorns and how tannin can be reduced to avoid causing harm to its consumers and scaring them off its usefulness in our bodies.

Conclusion

 Acorns are considered safe to eat apart from the raw ones which researchers are unsure of the side effects. Tannins are removed from acorns by soaking and boiling to ensure they are safe for consumption and less harmful to the body. Nevertheless, acorns are antioxidants, keep our hearts healthy, and are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. With all said and done, more studies should be done to discover other species of acorn and their importance to the body.

Crystal Kadir

MS, Durham University
GP

The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.

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