Health Benefits of Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are also known as cob nuts or, filberts which are slightly larger than hazelnuts. There are over one hundred varieties of these nuts grown throughout the world including the United States and Canada. Over 70% of hazelnuts are grown in Turkey making it the largest commercial grower of hazelnuts in the world.

There are many health benefits to hazelnuts, but the most widely known benefits are the benefits they provide for the heart. They have no cholesterol and are low in saturated fats but high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

According to research people who consume hazelnuts or hazelnut oil have a 50% better chance at surviving a heart attack than those who don't consume hazelnuts.

60-70% of hazelnut consists of oil. Hazelnuts or hazelnut oil are the best sources in vitamin E which is good for heart muscles and all other muscles within body. It prevents the disintegration of red blood cells, and helps to form the red blood cells, muscles and other tissues.

Hazelnuts contain arginine which is an amino acid which helps to relax the blood vessels.

They are a good source of folate which reduces the risk factors for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, depression, and neural tube defects which are birth defects of the brain and spinal chord. Thus they are essential for the reproductive system.

They are a good source of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 which are good for mental health, especially in young children.

Hazelnuts have a high fat content which is needed to absorb and digest vitamins K, E, D, and A. They are good for healthy skin and hair, and help to control body temperature.

Hazelnuts also contain calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, protein and dietary fiber.

They are high in antioxidants which help the body to get rid of free radicals which over time cause cancer and other diseases. If cancer cells have already begun to form, hazelnuts help to defuse these cells.

The pecan is the only other nut to contain a higher amount of Proanthocyanidin (PAC). Hazelnuts contain the highest amount of PAC among superfoods, and similar amounts as organic dark chocolate.

The antioxidants in PACs are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. These antioxidants are also known to strengthen blood vessels.

Hazelnuts have a brownish skin which when intact contain three times more PACs than those without skins.

Hazelnuts are processed into oil, butter, hazelnut spreads, ground into flour or meal which can be used for baking.

Hazelnuts go well with coffees, chocolate and vanilla. They may be toasted and used in salads or crushed and sprinkled on baked goods.

The best way to eat them is raw and you only need about 25-30 grams (about a handful) of these delicious nuts each day to obtain the maximum health benefits.

Although they can be purchased in or out of the shell it is better to buy them still in the shell because they go rancid quicker when out of the shell.

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