The beech nut has the scientific name Fagus sylvatica. It is commonly known as copper beech, oriental beech, common beech, European beech, beech and European beech. It is a delicious tree. It is originated in Asia, Europe, Canada and North America. It has small triangular nuts which are from 15 – 20 millimeters and it is long about 7 – 10 mm. The beech nut is rarely seen in the urban areas because it cannot grow in the atmosphere that is rich in carbon monoxide.beech nut
The beech nut grows in deep, rich, moist, chalk, limestone and other well – drained and fertile types of soil. The root of this tree is shallow, even superficial, with large roots which are spreading out in all directions. It has smooth bark which is light gray or greenish in color. It is thin and easily scarred. The taste of beech nut is sweet. The leaves and oil of the beech nut are used.
This nut is rich in minerals, such as manganese, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium and iron. It has vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 and folate. The leaves of beech nut have a very nice mild flavor, so they go well mixed in salads. The seeds of beech nut can be dried and ground into a powder and then used in cereals flours when they are made into bread, cakes, etc. The large amounts of beech nut may be toxic. You should avoid beech nuts during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Health benefits of the beech nut
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Kidney disorders
The seeds of beech nuts are considered as toxic in large quantities. You can make a decoction which is shown that can boost the kidney function and stimulate the urination. It is a diuretic which can help to clear out the toxins of the body, including excess fats, salt, waste and water and it can help to improve the overall efficiency of your metabolism.
Hair care
This nuts have unique chemical components which can help to stimulate the hair growth and they can strengthen the hair follicle beds. You can use the oil extracted from this nut if you suffer from hair loss or if your hair is brittle. The oil which is extracted from this nut should be added to carrier oil and used on the hair to boost the strength and appearance.
Antiseptic properties
It is known that the branches of beech nuts can be distilled down by a process of dry distillation to produce a type of fat or creosote and this can be applied topically to wounds in order to protect them from infections and microbes. Also, this sticky substance can be applied to the skin to improve its appearance, reduce the signs of aging and scarring and soothe the inflammation. Also, there are some studies in which are shown that it can be a good treatment of burns, frostbite, boils, psoriasis and eczema.
Infant health
This nut has significant levels of Vitamin B6 which is making it a wonderful addition for pregnant women who want to ensure the health of their babies. The Vitamin B6 is also known as folate or folic acid and it is essential vitamin for preventing neural tube defects in infants. If you are pregnant woman, then you should add beech nut in your diet. You should use it in moderation because it has some toxins when it is consumed in larger quantities.
Improved digestion
It is not very common to eat the leaves of beech nut, but the beech nut leaves and shoots have been eaten for hundreds of years, particularly in times of famine. The high cellulose and fiber content in it is good for regulating the digestion and it is considered as a good food in case of hikes, camping trips, etc.
Antioxidant potential
The bark of beech trees is rich in lignans and other antioxidant substances which can boost your immune system a lot. We know that antioxidants can help to protect your body from free radicals which are cause for chronic diseases and cell mutation, including cancer. By drying the bark of beech nut and treating it properly, it can become a viable source of hugely beneficial antioxidant compounds.
