Hazelnuts have a sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a paste. They are also called filberts and are rich in nutrients and have a high content of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Here are some of the numerous health benefits we can obtain from eating hazelnuts.
Health Benefits of Hazelnuts
Contains Phytochemicals for Brain Health
Present in hazelnuts are phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, and proanthocyanidins which are included in the group known as flavonoids.
Consumption of foods rich in flavonoids has been linked to improved brain health, enhanced circulation, and reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
As per the Hazelnut Council, we can enjoy the amazing health benefits of hazelnuts by just consuming a handful of it as a snack.
Enhanced Muscles
Hazelnuts feed our muscles as they are loaded with protein. More muscle means that fat is burned faster, and most people have an easier time losing or maintaining a healthy weight.
Delectable Bone Health
Hazelnuts are rich sources of minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Magnesium is key to building healthy bones. This nutrient is especially important for older women who are at risk for osteoporosis. Phosphorus is also an essential component of bone metabolism. Manganese and copper are important co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Meanwhile, iron helps in dealing with microcytic-weakness.
Healthy Fats for Heart Health
Hazelnuts contain healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which can help protect our heart. Aside from these, they are also good sources of oleic acid that helps in lowering levels of LDL cholesterol and can raise levels of HDL cholesterol. Lowering LDL’s means lowering heart attack and stroke risks.
Loaded with Vitamin E
A 100 grams serving of hazelnuts can provide approximately 15% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin E. Hazelnut oil is also a known source of vitamin E.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect our cells from damage. It is a key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes. It may also help in lowering our risk of anemia and preventing the disintegration of the red blood cells.
Savory Skin Health
Hazelnuts have powerful antioxidants that help remove damaging free radicals in our bodies.
These nuts help protect against the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays due to its richness in Vitamin E. Aside from this, they can also provide protection against skin cancers and reverse the effects of skin aging by reducing inflammation.
Also, hazelnuts have the highest content of proanthocyanidins or PACs, a class of polyphenols that have been reported to have a significantly higher level of antioxidant activity, when compared to others such as vitamin E and vitamin C.
