Hazelnuts are a fruit with a thick shell and a seed inside that is eaten. The properties and benefits of hazelnuts are multiple, and make this nut a very complete food.
Hazelnuts can be found practically all over the world. Although they are most commonly consumed roasted, they are a nut that can be eaten raw, as well as being an important ingredient in desserts and salads.
13 properties and benefits of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are highly caloric, so high consumption is not recommended.. In addition, some people are allergic to this and other nuts, so it should be consumed in moderation and with due precautions, for example, warning of its presence in a dish that we have prepared for a group of people.
Apart from these small contraindications, hazelnuts have several beneficial properties for the body.It is convenient to know them in order to include them properly in our diet and thus enjoy what this fruit has to offer us.
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1. Against cardiovascular diseases
Hazelnuts help prevent cardiovascular diseases. This property is due to the fact that, like most nuts, hazelnuts have a significant content of oleic acid. have an important content of oleic acid, as well as proteins, antioxidants, and vitamin E..
They are also low in sodium and have a good amount of potassium. This makes it a suitable food to prevent diseases related to the circulatory system and heart, such as hypertension.
2. Energy supply
Athletes consume hazelnuts to provide energy. They are rich in protein and calcium, which added to its contribution of vegetable fats make this nut an ideal food for people with a lot of physical activity..
But in addition to being ideal when a high physical effort is made, hazelnuts are also suitable for those who have continuous mental activity, such as students. A small amount of hazelnuts as a snack is enough to enjoy these benefits.
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3. To consume during pregnancy
Hazelnuts are a recommended food during pregnancy. An important compound for the proper development of the baby during pregnancy is folic acid.. It is recommended to consume it in sufficient quantities to prevent congenital diseases such as spina bifida.
Doctors usually prescribe folic acid supplements when women become pregnant, however ingesting it directly from a source rich in this compound is much better, in addition to the fact that you can enjoy its good taste.
4. Constipation
Another characteristic of hazelnuts is that they have a good content of vegetable fiber. Although this nut is not famous as an ally against constipation, it is a food that counts among its characteristics with a high content of fiber..
Although the consumption of hazelnuts could not be recommended as a treatment against strong or chronic constipation, it is pertinent to indicate its regular consumption in moderate quantities to help a correct intestinal transit or to alleviate mild constipation.
5. Strong bones
The minerals present in hazelnuts strengthen bones. Phosphorus, magnesium and calcium are the main minerals that can be found in these small and delicious nuts, and it is thanks to these that help maintain healthy bones.
A regular and prolonged consumption of hazelnuts has proven to be efficient in helping to prevent osteoporosis.. The teeth also benefit from the consumption of minerals through the intake of hazelnuts.
6. Against stress
Among the properties and benefits of hazelnuts is to combat stress. In order for the body to adequately resist stress and its effects on the organs, it needs to have a strengthened nervous system.
The vitamins and minerals found in hazelnuts are the perfect allies for the nervous system to function properly, thus helping to optimize the body’s reaction to stressful situations.This helps to optimize the body’s reaction to stressful situations.
7. Against anemia
A person suffering from anemia, can rely on the consumption of hazelnuts. The lack of iron absorption in the body often causes anemia. In this situation, it is recommended to increase the consumption of iron and to accompany it with a source of vitamin C..
Vitamin C favors the absorption of this important mineral, which is found in a significant amount in hazelnuts. So part of the iron intake can be made through the consumption of this nut.
8. Anti-aging
Hazelnuts contain vitamin E and phytonutrients. These two elements are excellent antioxidants that fight free radical damage in the body, responsible for the accelerated aging process.
One of the most well-known properties and benefits of hazelnuts is that of counteracting cell aging.. While this is directly reflected in the prevention of wrinkles, antioxidants also act on free radical damage in the various organs of the body.
9. Suitable for diabetics
People suffering from diabetes can eat hazelnuts with peace of mind. This nut contains few carbohydrates and they are slowly absorbed.. This, together with its high fiber content, makes it a suitable food for people with diabetes.
Hazelnuts are often included in some desserts, breads or cakes. It is a way to give them flavor without increasing their caloric or glucose content, so it can become an excellent option to improve the dishes of diabetics.
10. Cholesterol under control
Hazelnuts can be an excellent aid to control cholesterol. Their fatty acids raise good cholesterol (HDL) but also reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). For this reason, hazelnuts are said to help maintain cholesterol balance.
It is for this reason that hazelnuts are considered to be good for the heart. Their properties and benefits are auxiliary to cardiovascular health.. However, it is important to remember not to consume them in excess.
11. Cancer prevention
Some components of hazelnuts are considered anticarcinogenic. Hazelnuts contain beta-sitosterol, a chemical compound that is recommended to prevent colon and breast cancer.
In addition, hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, another substance that is considered an ally in reducing the risk of developing cancer.. For this reason, a regular and moderate consumption of hazelnuts is recommended for its prevention.
12. Skin care
Hazelnuts are also used to make oil for food and cosmetic use. As cosmetic use, it is ideal for sensitive skin as an excellent moisturizer.. It also provides the skin with important nutrients.
Vegetable fatty acids and vitamin E are excellent for the skin, which is why hazelnut oil is used very successfully on the skin of the face and especially on the body.
There are currently many skin care products on the market that contain these oils.
13. Intestinal parasites
Another benefit of hazelnut is to combat intestinal parasites. Although it is a little known property of hazelnuts, it is known that have vermifuge properties, that is to say, they fight parasites or worms that may appear in the intestines..
Although a regular consumption of hazelnuts can help in this purpose, it is actually the hazelnut oil that is effective in eliminating intestinal parasites. The recommendation before using hazelnut oil to eliminate parasites is to consult a doctor to make sure that the treatment is correct.