Acorns Health Benefits, Nutrition & Safety Facts

Acorn is a nut of an oak tree with a hard external covering, topped by cupules. These couples are indeed where the nut attaches itself to the oak branch. The nuts can be found falling from the trees. Most of it is across the Northern hemisphere. 

Acorns have many numbers of health benefits, including their ability to protect the heart, boost energy, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. These nuts also help to build strong bones, growth and repair, soothing inflammation, eliminating diarrhea and skin care. 

Oak trees were commonly seen in the Northern part of the globe such as in Europe and the United States of America. Till today, acorns are widely used in China, Japan, and Korea. 

There are roughly 400 species of oak trees all over the world, almost all of them in the northern hemisphere. Some of the varieties are, Northern red oak, White oak, Water oak, Bur oak, Coast live oak etc. 

Acorns have a significant amount of fiber, which makes them ideal for improving digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and decreases the risk of constipation and diarrhea. This is good for people suffering from irregular bowel movements, cramping, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues. 

Acorns are a very good source of B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine and riboflavin, which are very important for regulating metabolism.

MAIN THING: Regular consumption of acorns can help regulate a number of enzymatic processes in the body that are important for overall health.

Acorns can be good for fatty people or an alternative for people wanting to cut down on their overall fat content. Acorns have a high amount of HDL which is good cholesterol that can reduce the LDL cholesterol. Acorns have five times more unsaturated fats as compared to saturated fats, which ideally improve overall cholesterol balance and prevent obesity, atherosclerosis and other dangerous conditions that threaten heart health. 

Acorn is also highly concentrated with antioxidants. Lack of antioxidants can produce oxidative stress in brain cells. High levels of oxidative stress are a major risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. 

Antioxidants which are present in acorn further lower the level of oxidative stress and prevent the death of brain cells. Antioxidants present in acorns inhibit cholinesterase which reduces the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease such as confusion, memory loss, inability to think and concentration etc. 

Acorn is also rich in Gallic acid. Gallic acid works as a protector and protects the brain and brain cells from the damage and help in delaying the onset or worsening of Alzheimer's disease.

MAIN THING: Acorn include in diet help to improve brain functionality.

Acorn is rich in antioxidants. Due to the deficiency of antioxidants can produce a high level of oxidative stress and produces, Insulin resistance, Low insulin sensitivity, Beta-cell dysfunction and High blood glucose levels. 

Acorns restrain the action of an enzyme called 'alpha-glucosidase'. This enzyme delays the digestion of carbohydrates and slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into simple sugar or glucose during digestion and prevents a spike in the blood glucose levels. Thus, acorns can contribute to the management of diabetes mellitus. 

High levels of blood glucose and oxidative stress for a prolonged period can negatively affect the eyes, kidneys, veins and the heart like diabetic complications. 

MAIN THING: Acorns are rich in antioxidants which can combat the negative effect of oxidative stress and help to lower high blood glucose levels.

Acorn has many nutrients that protect the skin and prevention against skin disease. Acorn has an astringent agent, in tannins which are used for skin diseases like acne, burns, wounds, cuts, etc. Acorn is topically applied to the skin in order to soothe burns and rashes, speed up healing of cuts and wounds and reduce inflammation or burns. 

The antioxidants remove signs of aging, soothe irritation, heal scars and protect the skin against the effects of UV radiation. Vitamin C also prevents the skin from drying. Vitamin A protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. This helps to prevent cell death, sunburn as well as prevent dry and wrinkled skin. Protein helps stimulate cellular repair and the growth of new tissues. 

It helps in cleansing skin by removing impurities. It not only helps in cleansing skin but also helps in making it soft and smooth.

MAIN THING: The impressive levels of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein in acorn make it excellent for the health of the skin.

Acorns have calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Calcium and phosphorus which is an important mineral to maintain the strength and structure of bones. Manganese work as a constructor of bones by regulating the enzymes and hormones which are involved in the process of bone metabolism. Phosphorus assists in the mineral density of bones. So for healthy bones, it is a must to balance the calcium and phosphorus and manganese level. 

Calcium is one of the most vital minerals for bone mineral density and is found in high concentrations within an acorn.

MAIN THING: The presence of zinc, magnesium, calcium and copper in acorn, help to the person who has the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone health.

Antibacterial property 

Acorns have excellent potential as an antibacterial agent against different bacteria because of the presence of tannins in acorns. Tannins have an astringent property and that's why it also helps in wound healing. They also inhibit the development and spread of bacteria and microbes and thus prevent further spread of bacterial infection. 

Acorns have rich in protein. Proteins are one of the most important parts for the body to be safe and healthy. If the body has an adequate amount of protein it can help in the process of creation of the new cells and tissues. So if any injury or any infection occurs acorn help in reduces infection as well as pain with help in the healing process faster.

MAIN THING: Due to presence of tannins in acorn help in wound healing and inhibit growth and spread of bacteria in body.

Toxicity: Excessive consumption of acorns can cause nausea and stomach upset due to the tannin content. So take only food amount. 

Choose the acorns that are green or dark brown. The light brown colour usually indicates that the acorns have been on the ground longer and are more likely to have become dehydrated. 

Select the largest acorns and avoid those with obvious cracks, holes or damage from rodents or worms and those that feel unusually light or hollow. 

Do not wash or soak acorns before storage as the water and room temperature will start the germination process. 

Freshly harvested acorns should be stored at 33-41°F as soon as possible. A home refrigerator is adequate; however, the temperature will vary greatly within each appliance.