Top 5 Health Benefits of Hazelnuts!

Everyone has a nut that they cannot resist, from pine nuts to the humble peanut, nuts are a fantastic source of natural fats that you cannot get enough of. Hazelnuts are a listed superfood with tons of health benefits as well as an excellent flavour. There are, however, some misconceptions about hazelnuts including the idea that they contain lots of cholesterol which scientists have disputed. They are actually low in cholesterol and high in healthy fats. So get nuts about these nuts with our Top 5 Health Benefits of Hazelnuts!

1. Helps Prevent Coronary Heart Disease
According to Dr D. G. Richardson, this is one of the number one causes of death amongst young adults in the USA. He states that whilst most nuts contain the oils necessary to help prevent CHD, hazelnuts have been proven to reduce your risk of nefarious heart disease as well as several other types of cancer. This is because hazelnuts contain high amounts of tocopherol (Vitamin E) which is a powerful antioxidant, vitamin B6 and oleic acids.

2. Rich in Vitamins B and E
Vitamin B (B12 and B6, in particular) is an important part of your metabolic diet that tends to come from dairy and meat products. These vitamins affect things like your brain function and are one of the more common deficiencies seen in adolescents and children. Hazelnuts are a great natural source of vitamin B6 so if you want to be on the ball for your studies, that job interview or build your own empire, a handful of these nuts will help!

3. Contains Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated Fats
In an older study conducted for The Journal of Lipid Research, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats were proven to have less cholesterol making them better for you to consume than saturated fats. Hazelnuts are high in both of these fats so if you’re looking to cut saturated fat out of your diet, hazelnuts are a great source of the healthier version.

4. Good for your skin
Alongside helping your heart, hazelnuts have proven health benefits which affect your skin. According to The American Journal of Critical Nutrition, vitamin E has a significant effect on plasma concentration in your skin which suggests your favourite vitamin E-rich food stuff is good for your skin as well as your heart. Bio Oil is rich in vitamin E so if you have issues with your skin, you can choose to chow down on some hazelnuts or apply the vitamin directly to your complaint. Either way, you’ll be benefiting from this powerful nut.

5. Contains Magnesium and Manganese
These two minerals are usually found in leafy greens like spinach. They are important for your bones, enzymes, and even affect your ability to absorb nutrients. Hazelnuts are great for magnesium and manganese so eating a decent amount of nuts will help you strengthen your bones, fortify your brain and protect your heart.

Aren’t nuts incredible? I love them! If I’m ever out for the day and need a healthy snack or something to add to my stir fry, a handful of nuts are always my go-to option. Hazelnuts are bursting with flavour and (as they are chock full of so many vitamins, healthy fats and minerals) make the perfect addition to any healthy diet. Nut (or nut butter) obsessed? Which ones do it for you? Tell tell us about your faves, how you have them and recipes in the comments below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. (Why not check out some of our other nut and seed articles to help you keep YOUR Fit switched ON!)

Sarah Martineau

Sarah is a budding journalist who loves nothing more than indulging in well-made vegetarian and healthy food. A vegetarian for just over two years she's been writing and creating multi-media factual content for even longer! Some of her more recent achievements include interviewing Justine Greening, the Secretary of State for Education, and creating short videos with James Holland, a famous history journalist. Currently, Sarah studies Media Production at Bournemouth University where she regularly keeps fit and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

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