Hazelnuts: The Brain-Boosting and Heart-Healthy Nuts

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Hazelnuts are also called filberts, and they contain a variety of nutrition, health and medicinal benefits. These nuts can help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, treatment of high cholesterol and are a good source of minerals, protein and vitamins.

Hazelnuts are known to be a great nutritional option. Experts reported that hazelnuts are filled with proteins, vitamins and good fats, which earned them the FDA heart healthy seal of approval.

These nuts rank at near the top of many of the important health categories. Hazelnuts are a rich source of vitamin E, protein, B vitamins, folate and arginine. In 2003, the FDA or Food and Drug Administration, approved the health claim that associated nut consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease. Here are the amazing health benefits of hazelnuts.

Hazelnuts: The Brain-Boosting and Heart-Healthy Nuts
hazelnuts health benefits / pixabay

Health Benefits of Hazelnuts:

1. Contains Phytochemicals for Brain Health

Hazelnuts contain phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins, quercetin and kaempferol.
These proanthocyanidins are included in the group known as the flavonoids.

Flavonoids may help in brain health, decrease symptoms related with allergies and enhance circulation. As per the Hazelnut Council, consuming just a handful of hazelnuts as a snack can provide amazing health benefits and that includes phytochemicals to your body.

2. Contains Healthy Fats for Heart Health

Hazelnuts contain heart-healthy fats that can help in protecting heart health. They are high in healthy mononunsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while low in unhealthier unsaturated fats.

Also, hazelnuts are a good source of oleic acid. Oleic acid can help in lowering levels of LDL, bad cholesterol, and can raise levels of good cholesterol, HDL, in your body. This makes hazelnuts a good addition to baked muffins and salads.

3. Good Source of Vitamin E to Boosts Immune System

A 100 grams serving of hazelnuts can provide approximately 15% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin E. Also, hazelnut oil is a known source of vitamin E.

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Vitamin E helps in the reducing the risk of anemia and prevention of the disintegration of the red blood cells,. A proper circulation of blood also strengthens your immune system, thus keeping cold, fever and other illnesses at bay.

4. Loaded with Antioxidants to Fight Aging

Hazelnuts contains many minerals and vitamins that are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants remove damaging free radicals in your body and help in preventing major disease and illness such as heart disease and cancer.

Hazelnuts are a great source of vitamin E, which helps to fight disease and aging by reducing inflammation. Just 1 serving of hazelnut can provide a whole day’s amount of manganese, which is not an antioxidant but is a huge contributor to enzymes that are. Also, hazelnuts have the highest content of proanthocyanidins or PACs, a class of polyphenols that give foods such as dark chocolate their and red wine, their “astringent mouth feel” compared to other nuts.

Studies have reported that PACs have a significantly higher level of antioxidant activity, when compared to others such as vitamin E and vitamin C, which only work in certain environments. These nuts are also are known to fight aging and help fight-off disease.

5. Rich Source of Minerals for Bone Health

Hazelnuts are rich sources of minerals, including manganese, potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, calcium, selenium and iron.

Iron helps in dealing with microcytic-weakness. Phosphorus and magnesium are important components of bone metabolism. Manganese and copper are important co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Read More:
1. What Happens to Your Body 4 Hours After Eating 5 Walnuts?
2. What Happens to Your Health When You Eat Walnuts Daily?
3. Eating Nuts May Help You Live Healthier and Longer

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