Nutritional Value:
Hazelnuts have been ranked as one of the most nutritious nuts because they supply significant amounts of protein and fiber, vitamin E, B1, B2 & B6 vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Nutritional Value:
Hazelnuts have been ranked as one of the most nutritious nuts because they supply significant amounts of protein and fiber, vitamin E, B1, B2 & B6 vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic and essential fatty acid linoleic acid that help to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
These nuts are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous healths promoting phyto-chemicals; that help to protect against diseases and cancers.
The nuts are exceptionally rich in folate which is unique to nuts. Folate is an important vitamin that helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, nucleic acid synthesis, and most importantly, neural tube defects in the fetus. Good news for expectant mothers!
Hazel nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 15 g per 100 g (providing 100% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.
These nuts like almonds are free in gluten and therefore are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies and celiac disease.
The nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), and folates.
They are rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Copper and manganese are essential co-factors for anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron helps prevent microcytic-anemia. Magnesium and phosphorus are important components of bone metabolism.
Hazelnut oil has nutty aroma and has an excellent astringent properties; helps to keep skin well protected from dryness. It has also been used in cooking, and as “carrier or base oil” in traditional medicines in massage therapy, aromatherapy, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
References:
http://www.actahort.org/books/445/445_39.htm
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/hazelnuts.html
http://www.suite101.com/content/hazelnuts-for-health-a52029
http://www.downthelane.net/hazelnut.php
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