The benefits of hazelnuts |
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Hazel (Latin name Corylus avellana) is a shrub-like plant widely distributed throughout Europe and West Asia.
It usually grows between three and eight meters in height and provides tasty and nutritious fruits - nuts.
Hazelnut belongs to a group of nuts and thanks to its great popularity around the world it is present in many recipes and products.
Its popularity is confirmed by the fact that over 800,000 tons of hazelnuts are produced in the world every year.
Its distinct sweet taste and the high nutritional value are the reasons for such great popularity.
Hazelnut is rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which make up by far the largest share of its total fat content.
An excellent source of nutrients
Hazelnuts are in the group of foods relatively rich in calories seeing that 100 grams of hazelnuts contain 628 kcal.
The largest proportion of 100 grams of hazelnuts is fat, about 61 grams.
Especially important are healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with 7.9 grams per 100 grams.
Hazel is a very good source of dietary fibers and 100 grams of hazelnuts contain 10 grams of fibers, which is 39 percent of the recommended daily amount.
Proteins are also an integral part of hazelnuts. They can be found in the amount of 15 grams per 100 grams of hazelnuts, which is about 30 percent of the recommended daily amount for the average person.
Hazelnuts are a very good source of minerals - manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Furthermore, they are rich in vitamins E, B and folic acid.
The healing properties of hazelnuts
In addition to the significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, nuts are rich with phytosterols.
Phytosterols are biologically active steroid alcohols of vegetable origin.
They are appreciated for their capacity to prevent cardiovascular diseases and tumors.
Oleic fatty acid is another excellent healing nutrient found in hazelnuts.
This acid acts to reduce blood pressure and to prevent heart attack and stroke.
Another feature of this famous fatty acid is its effect on brain activity and memory.
Studies have shown that regular intake of oleic fatty acid can significantly improve memory.
In addition, hazelnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids are known to have numerous health benefits, which is why many experts recommend their regular consumption.
Due to the high amount of vitamin E, hazelnuts are very good antioxidants that help fight free radicals, slow the signs of aging and strengthen immunity.
Interestingly, the hazelnuts are unique because they contain a considerable amount of folic acid.
This vitamin is usually found in green leafy vegetables, but it can easily be destroyed by heat treatment.
In just two minutes of cooking, almost 90 percent of folate in vegetables is destroyed.
Folic acid is essential for pregnant women because its deficiency in pregnancy leads to miscarriage and infant deformities.
Everything listed above shows that hazelnuts, along with other nuts, are very healthy and valuable food.
Hazelnuts, due to their nutritional composition, are helpful for:
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases
- reducing the risk of tumor
- fighting free radicals
- improving memory and mental abilities
- reducing bad cholesterol
- strengthening immunity
- healthy development of the fetus
Hazelnut oil
If you have oily and problematic skin, hazelnut oil can help.
This oil is very rapidly absorbed into the skin and leaves no greasy residue.
Therefore, it is an excellent solution for oily and combined skin.
In addition, it helps with varicose veins, acne, cracked capillaries, stretch marks, scars and cellulite.
Buying, storing and application of hazelnuts
In our region, hazelnut is very prevalent and it is not hard to find it in stores or at markets.
You can buy hazelnuts in shells or cleaned
They will last longest if you keep them in the shell, tightly sealed in a plastic container or a bag.
If you keep them in the refrigerator, hazelnuts will remain usable up to a year.
Hazelnuts that are not in the shell have a much shorter shelf life so they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six months.
In addition to the various creams and cakes, hazelnuts can be used in soups, fillings, pasta, ice cream, sauces, etc.
If you want to get the most benefit from hazelnuts, soak them overnight in order to activate the enzymes and then eat them raw, without any thermal treatment.
Hazelnuts are, like other nuts, very healthy and beneficial food. Eat nuts as often as possible, preferably every day.
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