Hazelnuts or hazelnuts, a favorite of many, are a real treasure trove of vegetable protein, dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids. Also in these nuts are a lot of omega-3 and omega-6, vitamins A, E, B6, B12 and C, folic acid, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron and antioxidants.
Hazelnuts are very caloric. On 100 g of the product is about 700 kcal. This is a real energy bomb that will help energize the body quickly and for a long time. However, those who want to lose weight should not lay on these nuts – the daily norm of hazelnuts is no more than 15 kernels.
Hazelnuts are able to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol and thus take care of the health of the cardiovascular system. In addition, fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium and magnesium normalize blood pressure.
As already mentioned, hazelnuts have antioxidants. And where antioxidants, there and the prevention of aging and even cancer. For the latter are responsible proanthocyanidins and vitamin E. It has been proven that hazelnuts are more effective than other nuts in preventing breast, prostate and colon cancer.
Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin protect the retina from oxidative stress and even from ultraviolet light. For this alone, hazelnuts are worth appreciating.
Hazelnuts are able to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol and thus take care of the health of the cardiovascular system. In addition, fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium and magnesium normalize blood pressure.
The fats in hazelnuts help reduce inflammation and have a positive effect on metabolism. Hazelnuts can be a good assistant in the fight against type II diabetes. Fatty oleic acid in the composition of these nuts affects the sensitivity to insulin.
Hazelnuts are very useful for schoolchildren, students and all those who have to work with their heads a lot. Nutrients in hazelnuts promote concentration, quick assimilation of information and increase the speed of data processing.
In the diet of pensioners hazelnuts are also necessary – it protects the brain from age-related changes, helps to strengthen memory and serves to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Hazelnuts are very appreciated by athletes for their ability to relieve muscle pain, eliminate spasms and cramps and strengthen muscles. This nut is also good for bones and joints. Magnesium in its composition is responsible for all this.
And hazelnuts also help fight depression and stress, thanks to alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 and omega-6.
Contraindications
The main and strictest contraindication is a nut allergy. No matter how useful hazelnuts are, in case of individual intolerance, they can only do harm. Also do not eat hazelnuts to people suffering from GI diseases, liver problems and a severe form of diabetes.
Children of preschool age hazelnuts are better not to give – their GI tract is not yet ready to process such a dense and heavy product, there may be stomach pain and constipation.
And, of course, do not get carried away with nuts if you want to lose weight. Hazelnuts can be a healthy snack, but exceeding the norm of 15 kernels per day is very harmful to the waist.
