3 benefits and 3 downsides of consuming Acorns you should know about

Read on to know all that you must be aware of regarding acorns!

Acorns are the nuts grown on oak trees and its consumption by humans has often been debatable. Presence of tannins in acorns gives it a bad repute as these plant compounds can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. However, upon cooking, by either soaking or boiling, most of the tannin leach out of acorns, which may make it safe for consumption.

Surprisingly, these nuts are low in calories. It has been studied that acorns are rich in vitamin A and E, potassium, manganese, and iron.

Here are the 3 potential benefits of consuming acorns.

Gut health. Acorns are rich in fiber that nourishes the good bacteria thriving in the gut. Acorns are also used as an herbal remedy to treat nausea, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

Antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, catechins, quercetin, resveratrol, gallic acid, and several other plant compounds are found in large numbers in the acorn.

Easily available. Acorns are grown in abundance on the oak trees and mainly in the Northern hemisphere. So, many people can avail the benefits of the nutritive properties of this nut.

Downsides of consuming acorns are as follows.

Raw acorns are unsafe. Raw acorns contain a high amount of tannins, which works as an antinutrient by reducing the absorption of certain nutrients. Tannins are also associated with several health problems such as liver damage, cancer, nausea, constipation, etc.

Allergy. Many people worldwide suffer from tree nut allergy and acorn being one of these has the potential to trigger the same as well. The allergic reaction to tree nuts ranges from mild itching to watery eyes, scratchy throat, and even to anaphylaxis.

Difficult to cook. It is evident by now that raw acorns are unfit for consumption and one has to cook them properly for consumption. The problem with acorns is that these have to be either boiled or soaked before consumption, which is not the case with other nuts.