Hazelnut is a brown exotic fruit that grows on the hazelnut tree. It is a member of the nut family. Hazelnut is widely used in dairy and confectionery products such as milkshakes, coffee, pastries, cookies, and spreads. We can also have hazelnuts raw, roasted, or blanched. Large quantities of commercial hazelnuts are typically grown in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Hazelnuts have a sweet taste and can be consumed raw, roasted, or ground into a paste.
Hazelnuts, like other nuts, are high in nutrients and contain a lot of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Here are seven scientifically proven health benefits of hazelnuts.
1. Improves Heart Health
According to studies, eating hazelnuts on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also lower cholesterol levels in the body, which promotes heart health by lowering the risk of a heart attack. Hazelnuts are also high in oleic acid, which is beneficial to heart health.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Hazelnuts are also useful for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of diabetes. According to one study, eating hazelnuts lowers high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the body, which aids in sugar control.
3. Anti-inflammatory
According to studies, hazelnuts have antioxidant properties. Because they contain monounsaturated fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients, including them in your diet reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. As a result, hazelnut lowers the risk of chronic diseases in the body. An animal study also suggests that hazelnuts have hypoglycemic effects in females, which aid in diabetes management.
4. Immunity Booster
Hazelnuts, in addition to providing numerous health benefits, boost the body's overall immunity. According to studies, hazelnut's high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties protect the body from infections and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Improves Fertility
Hazelnuts can also help women become more fertile. According to studies, foods high in protein, lipids, and antioxidants are essential for increasing female fertility. It is advantageous because hazelnuts are a good source of these nutrients. Hazelnuts also contain minerals that aid female fertility, such as selenium, iron, zinc, and calcium.
6. Aids Digestive Health
According to research, hazelnuts' dietary fibre, polyphenol compounds, and unsaturated fatty acids increase the number of microbes in the gut and improve gastrointestinal health. It aids in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Hazelnuts contain fibre and polyphenols, which act as probiotics to aid digestion. As a result, hazelnuts can help you lose weight.