10 health benefits of consuming hazelnuts

Hazelnuts have been consumed by people of even the prehistoric era. Although quite healthy, hazelnuts are not the one people primarily consume for health reasons. Here are 10 reasons why you must consider including hazelnut as part of your healthy diet.

Hazelnuts are naturally endowed with great nutritional content as each 100g serving of this nut provides 9.7g dietary fiber, 15g protein, 114mg calcium, 4.7mg iron, and a good amount of an assortment of essential vitamins and minerals. Apart from this hazelnut is an excellent source of antioxidants as well. Here are the 10 ways in which hazelnut helps us stay healthy.

Healthy heart. Hazelnut is high in potassium and magnesium, both of these nutrients are great vasodilators. The high fiber content of hazelnuts is beneficial to remove LDL cholesterol and the presence of good fat in this nut is useful to carry out the vital regenerative process in the body.

Manages diabetes. Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium are associated with prevention of diabetes and hazelnuts are the perfect food ingredient for this. Hazelnuts also promote storage of good cholesterol and lower the bad one. There are studies that relate consumption of hazelnuts with a lesser spike in blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Brain health. Presence of good fats, proteins, thiamine, vitamin E and K, and selenium makes hazelnuts an excellent ingredient to assist in cell regeneration, prevention of Alzheimer’s, improved memory, and healthy functioning of the brain.

Prevents cancer. The high antioxidant content of this nut is beneficial to reduce the risk of breast, lung, and prostate cancer.

Assist in weight loss. It has a high amount of good fats and dietary fiber, which reduces excessive food cravings and if eaten as snacks it helps to keep the energy levels high in between the meals.

Protects neurons. High folate content of hazelnuts is associated with brain health and efficient transmission of information between the neurons. This nut has required nutrients to help in the production of myelin sheath for nerves.

Muscular health. The presence of proteins, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium in hazelnuts helps to build muscles, relax muscles, reduce muscular soreness, and replenish them.

Bone health. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus in hazelnuts maintains the bone density and reduces the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.

Anemia. A combination of iron, copper, and folate in hazelnuts produces more red blood cells and increases hemoglobin levels in the body.

Skin health. Being a rich source of vitamin C and E, regular consumption of hazelnuts can certainly enhance the glow and make the skin healthy.