Introduction
The scientific name of the Beech tree is Fagus sylvatica L. it belongs to the family Fagaceae. The common name of this tree is European beech. as the name suggests it is widely distributed across Europe and is one of the dominant species in the forest ecosystem (1). this tree is very important both ecologically and economically as it spread over roughly 14 million hectares (3) The most common species of the beech tree is in Croatia (4). This article is about beech tree and beech tree nuts and their benefits.
Tree nuts offer affordable nutrition and beneficial compounds. Popular varieties like hazelnut, almond, and walnut are well-researched, while information on wild-grown nuts is limited (5).
Beech tree nuts yield oil (15-20%) affected by moisture. The oil contains tocopherols, gondoic acid, oleic-linoleic fatty acids, and carotenoids, suitable for cosmetics or a healthy diet (5).
Nutritional value of beech tree nuts
The beech tree nuts or mast are rich in Vitamins like thiamine, pyridoxine, folate, and pantothenic acids. Besides this tree nut is also rich in essential fatty acids. Other important compounds are carotenoids, tocopherols, and oleic-linoleic fatty acids. It is also rich in minerals like calcium and zinc (8).
many rural parts of Europe’s continents widely depend on these beech tree nuts especially during the winter season due to their rich nutritional components (6).
Beech tree nuts benefits
Heath benefits of beech tree nuts are antacids, antipyretics, antiseptics, and antitussives (9).
1. Antacids
The nuts of the beech tree help in reducing or neutralizing stomach acidity. Beech nut leaves and shoots, eaten for centuries during times of famine, contain high cellulose and fiber that aid digestion, making them good food for hiking and camping trips.
2. Antipyretics
Helps in reducing the fever of the body.
3. Antiseptics
The extracts of this tree reduce the harmful effects of germs. Dry distillation of beech nut branches produces a protective fat or creosote for wounds and skin. It can improve appearance, soothe inflammation, and treat burns, frostbite, boils, psoriasis, and eczema.
4. Antitussive property
According to reference (10), hemicellulose polysaccharides a renewable resource found in beech trees are natural polymers that have been shown to help reduce coughing.
5. Antiviral potency
Herpes simplex virus belongs to the Herpesviridae family and causes infection in humans from ancient times. The extracts of beech tree help in reducing the potency of this virus (11).
6. Diuretic properties
Beech seeds are toxic in large amounts, but a decoction can boost kidney function and stimulate urination, helping eliminate toxins like fat, salt, and waste from the body, and improving metabolism.
7. Healthy hair
Beechnut oil, due to its unique chemical composition, can stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. It can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to hair for a healthier appearance.
Side effects of beech nut tree
- The ancient Greeks believed that beechnuts or ‘mast’ were the first food eaten by humans. The nuts are edible but should not be eaten in large quantities. Excessive consumption of raw nuts may cause poisoning.
- The tree is best avoided in food and medicine when pregnant or breastfeeding (7).
- Like all other nuts, beech tree nut also causes allergy.