Not just for their pleasant taste, these little seeds have a lot to offer for your health. Scientific research has demonstrated many benefits of hazelnuts , from improving heart health to promoting healthy skin and hair.
Hazelnut under the microscope: its nutritional composition
Rich in essential nutrients, hazelnuts are real nutritional bombs. At the heart of these small seeds is a significant concentration of vitamins , minerals and dietary fiber .
Hazelnuts are very energy dense , possessing approximately 628 calories per 100 grams. They are also a very good source of protein and monounsaturated fats , which have beneficial effects on the blood lipid profile. They contain a significant amount of vitamin E , a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin B9 (or folic acid), necessary for the production of new cells in the body, especially during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
On a mineral level, hazelnuts provide a good amount of magnesium , which participates in many reactions in metabolism, potassium , contributing to good heart function, and also phosphorus , essential for healthy bones and teeth. Dietary fibers , essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system and particular allies for satiety.
Hazelnut and its impact on heart health
Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like oleic acid. These types of fatty acids, along with a balanced diet, can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) . This is good news for your heart because high LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Hazelnuts are an excellent source of magnesium , an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in more than 300 enzyme functions in the body, including regulating heart rate. Adequate magnesium intake can help prevent hypertension , which is a major risk factor for heart failure.
Hazelnuts are also rich in vitamin E , a powerful antioxidant that can protect your cells, including those in your heart, from damage caused by free radicals. This valuable vitamin could also help prevent the development of plaques in your arteries.
Hazelnut, an ally for skin and hair
Rich in vitamin E , hazelnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants which are beneficial for skin and hair. Vitamin E acts as a protective shield against skin damage caused by free radicals and environmental pollutants. It also keeps skin hydrated by helping to retain the skin's natural moisture, providing softer, more radiant skin .
The natural oils found in hazelnuts can improve hair health . Hazelnut oils can help strengthen hair follicles, thereby promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss. Its regular use can also improve hair shine and elasticity.
Conclusion
The potential of hazelnuts for our well-being is undeniable. It is a fruit with multiple benefits that deserves our full attention in our daily diet. The various benefits , ranging from heart health to the radiance of our skin and hair , are reason enough to include hazelnuts in our diet. Hazelnut is generous in essential nutrients , not to mention its pleasant taste which makes it a key ingredient in many recipes.
