8 Effective Hazelnut Health Benefits

hazelnut

People all over the world love hazelnut coffee. But how does it taste and what are the health benefits? Delicious hazelnut coffee is made with the finest hazelnuts that have been roasted and ground to perfection. The great taste of hazelnut coffee has been loved all around the world for many years.

One of the most important properties found in hazelnuts is that of reducing cholesterol. It reduces LDL cholesterol, the bad kind, by more than forty percent. It also reduces the total cholesterol in the body by ten percent.

The other beneficial effects include protecting the nervous system and preventing damage to the brain. The nut has been known to prevent epileptic seizures.

What is a hazelnut?

The hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is a large tree with a fleshy bark that can be brown, black, or reddish-brown and is a native of Europe and Asia. It is a perennial herb that has a deciduous litter of aromatic flowers.

It has strong anti-viral properties. A type of tea called “hazelnut” was introduced in England in the eighteenth century, which may have been the first tea.

It contains many essential ingredients that have healing abilities like fatty acids, vegetable oils, and vitamin E. Today the seed is cultivated for its edible nuts, and the wood is harvested to make candles and jewelry.

Nutritional value of hazelnut

There is much dietary value of hazelnut for those who like the nutty flavor, but it is important to note that these nuts are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Also, they have significant amounts of magnesium and phosphorus. The nutritional value of hazelnut also includes fiber which is very important because the fiber helps in easy digestion and elimination of waste products from the body.

It has a high nutritional value, for it has a combination of protein, calcium, and iron with low levels of carbohydrate and cholesterol.

One ounce (28 grams) of hazelnuts contains:

  • Calories: 176
  • Total fat: 17 grams
  • Protein: 4.2 grams
  • Carbs: 4.7 grams
  • Fiber: 2.7 grams
  • Vitamin E: 21% of the RDI
  • Thiamin: 12% of the RDI
  • Magnesium: 12% of the RDI
  • Copper: 24% of the RDI
  • Manganese: 87% of the RDI

Why do people choose hazelnut? 

Hazelnut can strengthen the human immune system, increase metabolism and even help with weight loss. The reason that this nut has these benefits is because of its antioxidant properties.

They say that the hazelnut contains “essential fatty acids which can prevent cell damage due to free-radical activity and oxidative stress.”

Although there are many benefits in our life, there are some negative aspects as well. These include the fact that it causes diarrhea when taken excessively.

Another problem that people might experience is that you may develop asthma because of the substance found in hazelnut.

Health benefits of hazelnut

Mountain Hazelnut is a tree native to Eurasia, in the mountains of North Europe. The root of this tree is a dark gray color; the leaves are needle-like and contain numerous white hairs.

I can’t exactly tell you what the benefits of Mountain Hazelnut are, other than to say that it is one of my favorite herbs. Here are the health benefits of hazelnut.

1. Powerful antioxidant

The nut is a good source of vitamin e, which is a powerful antioxidant. It is also a good source of vitamin A and other vitamins.

The antioxidants found in hazelnuts help prevent free radical damage and thus reduce the risk of certain cancers. Free radicals are dangerous to the skin, nerves, arteries, and kidney tissues.

2. Promote women’s health

Like other nuts, hazelnuts are high in proteins and contain significant amounts of potassium, fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium. The mineral and vitamins in hazelnuts are helpful for women to optimize fertility.

Nut products that include hazelnuts help promote good breast health. Other health benefits are improving the digestive system, preventing diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, and cancer.

3. Anti-inflammatory properties

Hazelnuts are an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-viral, digestive aid, and even weight loss.

Its nutritional value can be obtained by either drinking it or eating the nutrients.

4. High contents of dietary fiber

Nut products high in protein and dietary fiber content are especially beneficial for athletes and people suffering from constipation. The fiber helps in regular bowel movements and reduces the absorption of fats and cholesterol.

Hazelnut oil is used as a natural dietary fibre and a popular topical remedy for dry skin. The skin around the mouth, neck, and eyes can be treated using this oil.

It has an effective anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve swelling. Hazelnut oil can be applied to cuts, scrapes, and bruises for relief and healing.

5. Promotes liver function

Another health benefit is improvement in liver function. It enhances the activity of bile flow and decreases the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the bloodstream.

A high intake of hazelnuts improves glucose tolerance, liver function, and immunity. Studies also reveal that hazelnut oil prevents cell death in carcinogenesis and prevents bacterial growth and infections.

Hazelnut oil contains moderate to high levels of essential fatty acids, which are good for cellular functions.

6. Good source of vitamins and minerals

It is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. It contains antioxidants, which are good for your body, especially in combating free radicals and minimizing the effects of aging.

It is one of nature’s richest sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Studies show that people who follow a nutritionally balanced diet gain more energy and are less prone to diseases.

7. Supports cardiovascular health

It may improve cardiovascular functions, digestive functions, risk of pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, lowering blood pressure, and lowering blood sugar. The nut is also rich in protein, required by the body for many body functions.

However, people with nut allergies should exercise caution in choosing hazelnut. It is because it contains a substance called allergenic latex, which can cause an allergic reaction.

8. Reduces the effects of aging

People who want to prevent or reduce the effects of aging are advised to consume it regularly.

Consuming it improves skin condition, hair, nails, and bones and helps protect against diabetes, heart disease, liver failure, and pancreatic cancer.

Side effects

There are no major side effects of taking high amounts of folate.

High levels of folate can cause abnormal cell growth in the uterus. Therefore, women of child-bearing age are advised to stay away from nuts that are high in folate.

Some preliminary studies indicate that the benefits are connected to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.

How to eat hazelnut?

Since it is strong, you shouldn’t consume large amounts regularly. It also means you should steer clear of chocolate if you happen to be allergic to nuts – the acidity in chocolate can react with the nut oils and make for a rather unpleasant aftertaste.

If you’re going to indulge in hazelnuts, you should know a bit about hazelnut spread. Spread is made from the hard shell of the hazelnut and tastes best with the soft center of the nut.

If you decide to eat, the best thing to do is test a little bit first. You might like it on its own, or you may find it added to another type of nut. Most of the time, the flavor is mild, although it can be strong in some stores.

My Final Words

The benefits of hazelnut are countless; for example, it is a rich source of soluble fiber, magnesium, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants. These ingredients are all good for the body because they help remove waste from the digestive tract, enhance blood circulation, increase energy levels, and strengthen the immune system.

They also promote a healthy nervous system, improve circulation throughout the body, and control cholesterol. It also helps in weight loss and reduces cholesterol.

As a powerful antioxidant, it can destroy free radicals in the body that can cause disease and even cause cancer. All in all, this delicious nut is very healthy.

To sum up, the benefits are clear. It is delicious nuts with many health benefits. Moreover, it provides dietary as well medicinal benefits. Now you know what they are!

By Sonam Tobgay

I'm the creator of Healthy Lifestyle blog. I've been fascinated with health related articles and information since 2005 and have spent most of my waking hours consuming health contents from the top professionals in this field. My goal is to share the best tips and news about health, benefits of fruits and vegetables, and other health related issues so you can follow and lead a healthy life.

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