Hazelnuts are nuts that are obtained from the Corylus avellana tree or also called hazelnut, which is native to Asia. These fruits contain various properties, vitamins and minerals, which are very important for the well-being of the body, which is why they are widely consumed and used in the preparation of different recipes such as cakes, salads, jellies, ice creams and sauces.
According to studies carried out, hazelnuts provide great health benefits, since thanks to their nutrients they can combat and prevent different diseases, especially those related to the cardiovascular, immune and digestive system; In addition, they are very useful for the care of the skin and hair, since it allows to keep them repaired and hydrated.
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Hazelnut benefits
Hazelnut is a very beneficial dried fruit for health, since thanks to the nutritional properties it contains, it allows to prevent some diseases or conditions, thus keeping the body healthier.
Among the benefits provided by this fruit, the following stand out:
Promotes skin and hair care
The hazelnut contains vitamin E, it is ideal to be used in cosmetology, since with it an oil is made that helps care for both hair and skin, since it allows to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Fight constipation and improve digestive processes
The fiber and manganese contained in this fruit help to facilitate the digestive process, so that in this way the food can be well assimilated, in addition, by containing laxative properties it can avoid some problems such as constipation.
Lowers blood cholesterol levels
Hazelnut contains fatty acids such as omega 6 and 3, which are necessary for the body, since they reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, in addition, the oleic acid found in its composition helps to raise cholesterol Well, all this considerably favors the health of the person, since it helps to avoid any cardiovascular problem.
Protects the cardiovascular system
This dried fruit strengthens the heart and veins, this is because in its composition there are antioxidant properties and vitamin B6, which help prevent some diseases of the cardiovascular system, in addition, they allow control of blood pressure.
Strengthens the immune system
Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins that help strengthen the immune system, which is very beneficial because it protects the body from different bacteria or viruses that cause diseases, in addition, by increasing the defenses, conditions such as flu, colds and bronchitis are prevented .
Delays premature aging
This dried fruit is considered a natural antioxidant thanks to its high content of vitamin E, this helps to eliminate free radicals that cause damage to cells and, in turn, cause premature aging. Therefore, consuming hazelnuts significantly delays aging, thus making the person look much younger.
Ideal for bones and joints
The minerals found in hazelnut serve to keep both bones and joints healthy and strong, which is very useful because it can prevent some diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Relieves premenstrual syndrome
Another benefit that this fruit offers is that by containing vitamin B6 it helps in the correct hormonal regulation, which in turn, considerably alleviates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, which is why its consumption is highly recommended for women.
Hazelnut properties
Hazelnut is a highly valued dried fruit and consumed by people, this mainly due to its exquisite flavor and the multiple nutritional properties it contains, which are very useful to keep the body in perfect condition. Therefore, it is necessary to know that hazelnuts are composed of:
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A.
- C vitamin.
- Vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B9)
- Vitamins E.
Minerals:
- Potassium.
- Football.
- Magnesium.
- Match.
- Manganese.
- Iron.
- Sodium.
- Selenium.
- Zinc.
In addition, it contains many properties that are beneficial for the health of the body, among them are the following:
- Antioxidants
- Energetic.
- Diuretics.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antihemorrágicas.
- Astringents
Different ways of consuming hazelnuts to take advantage of their properties
Hazelnuts are very versatile, since they can be consumed fresh, dry, salted, toasted, with or without the shell and candied, which is why they are fruits widely used by people, especially as an aperitif. Among the most common ways of ingesting this fruit are the following:
- Cereals.
- Salads
- Salsas.
- Ice creams.
- Chocolates.
- Cakes.
- Oils
- Jellies
It is important to note that to preserve this fruit it should be left with the shell that protects it and avoid wetting it, since in this way it can be in good condition for a longer time, in addition, it is advisable to place it in a properly closed container and leave it in a place that is protected from both the sun and insects.
Hazelnut contraindications
Although hazelnut is a fruit that provides great benefits due to the nutrients it contains, its consumption must be regulated, since an excess of it could be harmful to health. That is why this fruit is contraindicated for the following cases:
- Children under five years of age: due to the folic acid that this fruit contains, it can cause allergies in children under 5 years of age, therefore it is necessary to avoid or in any case balance its consumption with other proteins. In addition, it is advisable not to give them this fruit naturally, since not being prepared to chew it correctly, they could choke.
- People allergic to nuts: hazelnut consumption is not recommended for those who are intolerant or allergic to nuts, as it could cause some problems and aggravate allergy symptoms.
- Those who are overweight: people who suffer from obesity should consume this fruit in moderation, since it contains high amounts of calories, which can significantly affect their weight.
What side effects can hazelnut consumption cause?
Hazelnut is a very healthy fruit, but as with any other food, an excessive intake of it can cause some health complications, although in general they are not serious, it is necessary to take precaution to take advantage of its benefits healthily.
Among the side effects that an excessive consumption of this fruit can cause are:
- Allergies
- Respiratory problems.
- Redness of the face.
Conclusion, is the consumption of hazelnuts recommended?
Hazelnut is a fruit that, as it contains various nutritional properties, provides many benefits to those who consume it, thus keeping the body healthier and free of diseases; therefore its consumption is highly recommended.
In addition, it is important to mention that despite how healthy this fruit is, it can cause some adverse health effects, especially when it is consumed in an exaggerated way, which is why it is very important to control its intake, so that it This way you can take advantage of all its benefits in the best possible way.
However, in case of presenting any discomfort or negative effect on health at the time of consuming the fruit, it is recommended to avoid its intake and go to the doctor in case the problem lasts.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.