Hazelnuts: benefits and harm to the body

Everyone knows that nuts are a valuable source of energy that supports the satiety of the body and allows you to be active. They are often taken as a snack, on hikes, and in addition, they are valued as a fragrant and tasty dessert treat. What is the use of nuts for the body, when they can and should be consumed, and when not, we will consider further.

Where does hazelnut grow and what does it look like

Hazelnuts have long been grown in Europe and Asia Minor; many centuries ago it was harvested in the Caucasus and the Balkans. At one time, the well-known breeder Michurin was engaged in the cultivation of sustainable cultivated varieties of hazelnuts, after which it became possible to grow hazelnuts in any conditions.

60% of the world's hazelnut supplies come from Turkey, where walnuts are grown on the hillsides. Also today it is popular in North America.

Hazelnuts grow on trees in small clusters, similar to chestnuts. The fruits of the nuts have an outer shell of pulp and a green "skirt", inside of which is hidden a bone nut.

The walnut shell is normally almost rounded, resembles a heart shape with a cape at the tip, an average of 2 cm in diameter. Under it are the kernels of the nut, which are eaten, and also used for medicinal purposes.

Shrubs or trees take root in any conditions, do not require abundant manual watering and bear fruit for several decades, without degeneration.

Hazelnuts and hazel: what is the difference

The terms "hazelnuts" and "hazel" are often used synonymously, since these nuts have a common origin. More specifically, hazel is a wild hazelnut, the progenitor of hazelnuts. It was he who began to cultivate and ennoble, having eventually got a large and rich aromatic nut of noble varieties called hazelnuts.

These two subspecies have slight differences. Hazelnuts are a little more elongated, resemble acorns, have a more grassy and not so bright nutty aroma. Hazelnuts are distinguished by the high quality of the oil obtained from its fruits, a sophisticated rich aroma, and its nuts look like balls with a light “brain” relief.

In general, these nuts do not differ in composition. In stores, you can often find ennobled hazelnuts, but hazel is often sold on hand. The fruits may not be so fragrant, but in general will also bring many benefits to the body.

What is more useful: hazelnuts or almonds

Since hazelnuts and almonds are two unlike nuts, it is difficult to talk about which one is more useful. Ideally, such products should be included in the diet and alternate to provide the body with a full complex of vitamins and minerals.

Many consider almonds to be a dietary nut because it contains less fat, as well as a rich supply of vitamin E, which is good for the skin and has an antioxidant effect. Nevertheless, hazelnuts are the leaders in terms of content:

• Manganese needed for bones and sugar control
• magnesium, indispensable for the proper functioning of the nervous system;
• copper, necessary to maintain a healthy blood composition and relieve inflammation;
• folic acid, useful for endocrine and immune systems;
• as well as fluorine and cobalt.

At the same time, alkaloids are present in the almonds - potentially harmful substances for the body.

Both nuts are very useful and appropriate in the diet of all people in the absence of individual contraindications.

How much hazelnut can you eat per day

The benefit of the product is fully manifested only when it is taken in dosage. To avoid harm, do not overeat these nutty nuts. Young women with moderate activity are recommended to consume 25-30 g per day, it is enough to do this 2-3 times a week. Men can increase the portion to 40-50 g, depending on the intensity of physical activity and metabolic rate.

It is advisable for children to consume only 15–20 grams at a young age and 20–30 grams in a teenager, and care must be taken to prevent allergies. Older people also normally have enough 20 grams of nuts to not overstrain the digestive system.

In one hazelnut kernel, an average of 2-3 grams, so a day you can eat 2 servings of 5-8 nuts.

Composition and calorie content

Hazelnuts, like any other nut, have a rich nutritional composition. It is characterized by high-quality vegetable protein, high in fat, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

The calorie content of hazelnuts is about 650 kcal per 100 g of product. Of these, 15 g are in proteins, 60 g in fats and up to 10 g in carbohydrates. Therefore, hazelnuts in its nutritional value can be compared with meat and eggs. Walnut is becoming a major source of fat and protein in vegetable diets and in vegan diets.

The vitamin-mineral composition of the product is represented by iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluorine, zinc, selenium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, as well as vitamins of groups B, A, E, PP, K and C. Thanks to this nutlet is valuable for its firming and antioxidant properties, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Which hazelnuts are healthier: roasted or raw

Plant proteins are often very difficult to absorb by the body, and sometimes even cause allergies. During heat treatment, they fold and become digestible. Therefore, from the point of view of food lightness, hazelnuts, like many other nuts, it is advisable to bake before use. It can also be fried in oil or sugar syrup.

Nevertheless, raw nuts contain a high level of phytonutrients, and during heat treatment, most of the beneficial substances break down. Therefore, experts recommend eating fresh hazelnuts in small quantities.

The best option to preserve all the beneficial properties and facilitate digestion is to use hazelnuts themselves in processed form, as well as fresh peanut butter, which is not accepted to be thermally exposed.

What is useful hazelnut

Hazelnuts are rich in essential amino acids and vitamins, which contribute to the rapid saturation and strengthening of the body. They have a positive effect on all major organs and systems.

General benefit

1. Strengthen the heart muscle and blood vessels, normalize blood pressure and maintain a balance of calcium and potassium for the proper functioning of CVS.
2. They fight harmful cholesterol and protect vessels from the development of atherosclerosis.
3. They control blood sugar due to their high manganese content.
4. They participate in the formation of red blood cells (iron, copper, calcium) and platelets (vitamin K).
5. Protect the nervous system, ensuring its normal functioning, maintaining mental functions, normalizing stress resistance and mood (magnesium, B vitamins).
6. Stimulate the quality of the digestive tract and normal metabolism, improve lipid metabolism, displacing all harmful from the body. The fiber content helps to cleanse the intestines and improve absorption, eliminate constipation and bloating.

Hazelnuts are also useful for increasing fertility due to their high content of vitamins E and B9.They normalize hormonal levels, support tissue health and stimulate the synthesis of healthy germ cells.

For skin, hazelnuts are useful for their healing, nourishing and moisturizing functions. It protects from direct sunlight, softens the skin, eliminates dead skin particles, saturates the epithelium and hair with vitamins and valuable oils, protects against peeling, irritation, drying out, tightness, stimulates the production of collagen.

At the same time, hazelnuts contribute to the cessation of inflammatory processes, and also has an anticarcinogenic effect. It is in this nut that contains a substance that in pharmacology is used in drugs to fight cancer.

Walnut strengthens the immune system, and also helps to build healthy muscles, strengthens bones. Also polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins in its composition contribute to the renewal and rejuvenation.

It is recommended to everyone to use hazelnuts, you can alternate it in the diet with meat dishes and use it as the main source of calories or take it as a snack to stimulate brain activity and produce high-quality energy throughout the day. It is very useful to combine hazelnuts with dried fruits and vegetables.

Depending on the characteristics of the body and medical indications, hazelnuts can bring benefit or harm to each person, so it is worth considering some recommendations in more detail.

For women

1. The most valuable properties of hazelnuts for women is its ability to nourish the skin and hair, as well as cleanse the body. Hazelnuts will help improve complexion, tighten contours, saturate cells with moisture, valuable fats, make them elastic, relieve irritation and inflammation, and rejuvenate the skin.
2. Hair after masks and balms with hazelnut oil becomes soft and shiny, strengthens throughout the structure, ceases to be brittle. Also, the oil strengthens the structure of nails, thanks to which it is possible to grow long and beautiful natural nails.
3. In addition, hazelnuts well support the nervous system, helps to avoid mood swings, apathy, and increased sensitivity. It stimulates mental abilities and relieves fatigue and stress.
4. Hazelnuts have a positive effect on the reproductive system, maintaining hormonal balance and increasing the body's ability to bear a healthy child.
5. Hazelnuts become an excellent snack, so you can refuse sweet or jam stress, which is very important for women seeking to be slim.

For men

1. In a strong half of humanity, nuts are necessary in intensive sports training for the active development of muscles, increase energy potential, and also to normalize metabolism.
2. Hazelnuts are also useful for mental stress, it will help to overcome stress, emotional overstrain and sleep disorders.
3. In addition, it helps protect the body from atherosclerosis and heart disease, which men are more likely to experience than women.
4. Due to the properties of hazelnuts to normalize blood flow and strengthen muscles and blood vessels, as well as anti-inflammatory substances in its composition, this nut helps fight impotence, increases male sexual strength. In addition, it improves the quality of seminal fluid.
5. The constant strengthening of the body with nuts will allow you to quickly cope with colds and, in general, better tolerate diseases and ailments.

During pregnancy

Hazelnuts are recommended to be introduced into the diet even at the stage of pregnancy planning, since it is very rich in folic acid (B9), which is necessary to prepare the body for bearing the fetus and at the stage of its development.

Hazelnuts during pregnancy contribute to the proper laying and development of the nervous, skeletal-muscular system of the baby, its internal organs and general immunity. A positive effect on the skin and tissues avoids stretch marks, age spots, irritations and other problems.

High levels of iron, copper, vitamin K and manganese will ensure a normal blood composition and prevent the development of anemia. Plant proteins will help maintain muscle tone and increase endurance, which is important during the gestation of the baby, and during childbirth. Hazelnuts also protect against constipation and inflammatory processes, which will contribute to a more calm pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

In the lactation period, the use of nuts can significantly improve the quality of milk, saturating it with valuable proteins and fats, calcium and vitamins. Therefore, in reasonable portions, nuts during lactation can and should be consumed. It is important to ensure that the child does not have rashes or digestive upsets. If there are signs of an allergy to nuts, you will have to postpone this product.

In addition to general strengthening of the mother’s body and promoting recovery after childbirth, hazelnuts will protect the skin of the breast, make it supple, moisturized and soft. This nut will help maintain a normal level of red blood cells, protect blood and milk from cholesterol, so that a woman feels cheerful and strong.

For kids

For a child’s body, hazelnuts are valuable in the first place for their ability to strengthen bones, have a beneficial effect on blood formation, and also charge with energy necessary for full development and activity. Thanks to valuable vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts contribute to the healthy development of the nervous system, brain and cognitive functions.

You need to understand that nuts are a rather heavy product, therefore they are not introduced into the diet of babies in order to avoid overloading the digestive system and allergic reactions. Ideally, nuts can be safely given to children after 5 years. Up to this age, babies can use hazelnuts, but it is necessary to consult a pediatrician about the doses and forms of use.

Can I eat hazelnuts while losing weight

Although nuts are a high-calorie product, when they lose weight, they have a positive effect on the body under one important condition: in no case should you exceed the daily portion. Otherwise, the nut can cause gastrointestinal upset, and also harm the figure. If you use a little hazelnut, it will benefit as follows:

1. It will help get rid of bad cholesterol and cleanse the blood.
2. Stimulates lipid metabolism.
3. It will control blood sugar levels, helping to avoid unnecessary snacks and poor health.
4. It will help cleanse the liver and intestines from toxins and toxins.
5. It will have an antioxidant effect, rejuvenating and accelerating the renewal of the body.
6. It will support the work of the heart and brain in the face of a decrease in daily servings of food, physical training.
7. Strengthen nerves, help maintain stability and avoid breakdowns.
8. Protects the musculoskeletal system from the loss of beneficial components.
9. It will contribute to muscle building, which is important for a slim figure, strength and endurance of the body.
10. Allows skin to remain healthy during body cleansing.

During a diet for weight loss, you have to limit the amount of carbohydrates and fatty foods consumed, so it is important to make up for the lack of valuable fat necessary for the brain to work and maintain immunity. Therefore, hazelnuts are not only possible, but also need to be introduced into a healthy diet in order to lose weight correctly and without harm to health.

Hazelnuts in medicine

In folk and even traditional medicine, hazelnuts are recommended as a support agent for diseases of the heart and joints, diabetes, to improve the skin and increase immunity.

With diabetes

Hazelnuts are one of the good foods for diabetes. Due to the high content of sugars or starch, diabetics have to give up many foods with high GI. This limits their diet to vitamins and valuable trace elements. Nutritionists recommend filling the shortage with nuts.

Hazelnuts are slowly digested by the body, maintaining a sense of satiety and for a long time nourishing the diabetic with energy, which does not cause sudden jumps in blood glucose levels. At the same time, hazelnuts are rich in manganese, copper and vitamins, allowing you to control not only sugar, but also the level of cholesterol in the blood. Moderate consumption of nuts will help maintain the body's strength without the abuse of carbohydrates.

Important: the glycemic index of hazelnuts is 15 units.

With pancreatitis

During the acute phase of the disease, hazelnuts, like other nuts and fatty foods, are forbidden to eat, so as not to harm the body. In the case of reactive pancreatitis and in the calm phase of a chronic disease, it is possible to introduce a nut, but only in processed form - dried or fried without oil. At the same time, it is important to observe small portions, chop the nut and eat it with low-fat dairy products and vegetable purees.

With gastritis

When the gastrointestinal mucosa is irritated, it is better to refuse nuts or use them very carefully: in a crushed and processed form, gradually and accompanied by other soft foods. The daily norm is reduced to 4–5 nuts per day, while it is advisable not to eat hazelnuts daily.

Interestingly, the body copes with hazelnut oil with gastritis much better, since it does not have coarse fiber and allergenic proteins. Moreover, it is rich in vitamins E and A, K, as well as other trace elements that help relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue healing.

For constipation

Hazelnuts are able to cleanse the intestines and eliminate stale slag masses. However, it is not a recommended product. It is better to resort to constipation to vegetables and fruits with soft pulp, which have a laxative effect, for example, pears, plums, zucchini. At the same time, hazelnuts will help stabilize the composition of the blood, as well as avoid the loss of potassium necessary for the normal functioning of the kidneys and heart.

With gout

Any fatty and spicy food with gout is prohibited. Nuts are also not recommended by doctors, as they usually contain a lot of purines. Nevertheless, some species are acceptable in small quantities. These include hazelnuts.

To saturate the body with valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids and strengthen the heart, as well as purify the blood, you can gradually use hazelnuts, monitoring your well-being and refusing the product in cases of exacerbations.

Hazelnut based traditional medicine recipes

In folk medicine, not only hazelnut kernels are used, but also its shell, bark and tree leaves. Decoctions and tinctures are prepared from them, as well as compresses and healing mixtures.

1. To help themselves at home cope with the symptoms of colds, bronchitis, asthma, 10–12 hazelnut nuts are crushed into crumbs and added to hot milk. They drink this drug in a glass 3 times a day until the disease subsides.
2. Interestingly, the same recipe for goat milk with honey is considered a remedy for impotence. And with prostatitis, the walnut shell is brewed. 0.75 liters of water are taken per 0.5 kg of shells, brought to a boil, boiled by a third, the mixture is cooled and filtered. Take 2 tbsp. 3 times a day before meals for half an hour. The course of treatment is 2 months.
3. With varicose veins, you can use walnut bark. Take grated raw materials at the rate of 1 tbsp. into a glass of water.The mixture is brought to a boil, kept on low heat for 5 minutes, after which it is insisted for about 3-4 hours. A strained broth is drunk half a glass 3 times a day, preferably before meals. The broth is not stored for a long time.

Hazelnuts in cosmetology

Most often, hazelnut oil is used in cosmetics. It perfectly nourishes the skin and hair, helps restore elasticity and protects against the destructive effects of the sun. Oil is added to scrubs as a base, so as not to damage the skin in sensitive areas with abrasive particles. Wraps and masks help strengthen and nourish hair, skin and nails. Hoods are also added to anti-aging creams for mature skin to restore its elasticity and eliminate a dull complexion. Hazelnut pulp is also used as a natural dye for hair to give it a noble chestnut-chocolate shade.

Recipes:

1. To revitalize the skin of the face, you can prepare such a serum: 3 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil, 12 drops of essential oils of geranium and lavender. The mixture needs to be slightly warmed up in a water bath to carefully combine the oils. You can store the product for up to 2-3 weeks (it does not disappear). Apply serum to the skin in a few drops with massage movements. Suitable for normal and other skin types.
2. To restore split ends, you can mix 2 yolks, 1 large spoonful of walnut oil and 1 drop of lemon peel oil. Knead the mask and apply to wet hair for 30-40 minutes under the film, then rinse with shampoo. Curls will acquire softness, shine and elasticity.

Cooking Hazelnuts

In the kitchen, hazelnuts are used in the preparation of many dishes. Most often, we are used to seeing it as a powder on cakes, ice cream, in cereals and dairy products. Also, crumbs are often added to dough, chocolate and fondant sweets.

Nevertheless, hazelnuts are often used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes, added to the stuffing with minced meat, pies, sauces, gravy and casseroles. In the recipes of some salads, crushed walnut is found.

There are also traditional dishes including hazelnuts and hazel. For example, halva is made from nut flour or meal, and kozinaki and roasting are made from crushed nuts. Many people know the Caucasian useful sweet Churchkhel, which is made on natural juices.

In addition to additives, hazelnuts can also be the main component. So, they make nut paste from it, often with the addition of cream, cocoa products or honey. It is usually spread on bread or cookies, and is also served with fruit.

Hazelnut oil is seasoned with salads and desserts. You can’t fry anything on it, since such a product smokes very much when heated, and even loses its useful properties.

There are also recipes for “nut bread” without adding flour, which is very popular among vegetarians and raw foodists. Such a product may include starch, dried fruits, seeds of other plants, and fruit and vegetable purees. A thick plastic mass is prepared that resembles a dough, after which it is molded and dried in a cold way.

The beneficial properties of hazelnut oil

Walnut oil is obtained by cold pressing, due to which it retains all its beneficial properties and maximum vitamins. This is especially true for vitamin E, 50% of which breaks down during heat treatment of hazelnuts. Hazelnut oil is considered a delicacy, but it is available in stores. It is used in cooking, cosmetology and even medicine for the preparation of medicinal mixtures.

1. Hazelnut oil has a healing and calming effect, it also softens the skin and hair, helps to eliminate stretch marks, rough skin and peeling.
2. When used internally, it has a beneficial effect on the heart, digestive tract, immune and nervous systems.
3. Oil can be used for allergy sufferers. Most often, rejection and discomfort are caused by proteins of nuts, which remain in the cake and do not enter the oily liquid.
4. It is also indicated for gastritis, colds and inflammatory diseases for the speedy restoration of tissues and increase the body's resistance.
5. Oil is used in aromatherapy. On 5 sq.m.premises in water you need to add 2-3 drops. The smell helps to relax the nervous system.

Harm and contraindications

In order not to harm the body, hazelnuts must be consumed a little. Nutritionists recommend eating a nut in the morning or for lunch so that the fetus can be completely digested by the body. In the event of allergic reactions, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

It is necessary to carefully use hazelnuts in the following cases:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• problems with the liver and acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergies to other nuts: macadamia, Brazilian, walnut, chestnut;
• in children under 5 years old.

In the case of chronic diseases, it is necessary to find out from the attending physician the possibilities and dosage of eating hazelnuts and other nuts.

How is an allergy to hazelnuts
An allergy to nuts can be expressed as intestinal discomfort, and skin reactions:

• rashes, increased sensitivity of the skin, burning on the lips;
• burning or "itching" in the intestines;
• flatulence, bloating, unusual bubbling in the stomach;
• fever, acute headache;
• nausea, a sign of suffocation or increased pressure, swelling of the lymph nodes.

A nut allergy is usually not like a cold, it is more like an indigestion or a general malaise. In the event of disturbing symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as well as completely eliminate suspicious foods from the diet until the cause of the allergy is clarified.

How to choose and store hazelnuts

In order for hazelnuts to retain their nutritional properties for as long as possible, it is better to give preference to whole nuts sold in shells. It not only stays fresh longer, but also costs much less.

In order not to buy spoiled nuts, pay attention to their freshness:

• boxes should be bright and shiny, not dusty;
• nuts should in no case be moist / wet, with signs of mold;
• during shaking, a characteristic knock should be felt.

If you buy peeled hazelnuts, also pay attention that the brown film is intact, otherwise the kernels can be considered to have lost their healing properties.

Store hazelnuts in linen bags in a cool, dry place. Closed nuts remain useful throughout the year, and when stored in the refrigerator from 2 to 4 years. It is advisable to eat peeled nut for a couple of months. You can not store hazelnuts in polyethylene, as this may cause fungus in them. It is also undesirable to keep them in the sun.

How to quickly peel hazelnuts from shells

There are several easy ways to get rid of hazelnut shells:

1. Use a nutcracker or garlic squeezer.
2. Anneal the nuts and hit each hammer.
3. For large quantities - put them in a bag, put something heavy on top (brick, board) and press on the press. After that, sort out the cracked nuts and repeat the procedure for the remaining ones.

And to remove the film from the nuts, you can douse them with boiling water and hold in it for about 15 minutes or boil in boiling water for 1-3 minutes. After that, they need to be sharply cooled, like boiled eggs, under cold water.

Is it possible to give hazelnuts to animals

Some nuts are introduced into the diet of pets to enrich their food with minerals, but you need to be careful with this supplement. Hazelnuts are not recommended for dogs or cats, since a high content of calcium and iron can trigger urolithiasis.

Also, nuts often become allergens for dogs and cats, causing digestive upsets. It is forbidden to give pets such a delicacy in its entirety, so as not to provoke indigestion.

About whether it is possible to give a pet oil to improve the quality of the coat, as well as ground nuts themselves, it is better to ask the veterinarian in more detail, taking into account the breed of the pet.

How to fry hazelnuts

Hazelnuts can be dried as a whole, as well as peeled. Dried boxes are much easier to break. Whole hazelnuts are most often dried in the oven, and peeled hazelnuts - in a pan or otherwise.

In the oven

So that the nuts do not dampen and are stored longer, they must be dried. Then the aroma will become saturated and less grassy. To do this, put the shelled nuts in a shelled baking sheet and place in an oven preheated to 90 degrees. Drying will take 2-3 hours. Periodically, the fruits must be turned over so that they are dried evenly from all sides.

You can fry peeled nuts. Then the oven needs to be heated to 180 degrees and the nucleoli distributed on the sheet. It will be enough to keep them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After turning off, they need to be allowed to walk on a cooling pan or pour into a deep bowl and cover with a towel.

In the microwave

You can quickly cook nuts in the microwave by placing them in any convenient container in 1-2 layers. You need to choose the greatest power. For 750 watts in cooking time it will take about 5-6 minutes. You need to follow the nuts. At the first application of this method, it is better to periodically remove and check them, since they are fried from the inside in the microwave oven, and you may not immediately understand in appearance that the nut is ready.

When they begin to crackle in the cooking process, then about a minute remains. After removing the nut will still reach readiness, so it is not recommended to fry them to a pronounced golden "blush".

In the pan

The easiest way to fry a small amount of hazelnuts until cooked is to heat it in a dry pan for 10 minutes. The main thing is to stir the nut, not letting it burn. It is not necessary to cover the pan with a lid so as not to trap moisture. Ready nuts can be sprinkled with salt.

Interesting facts about hazelnuts

1. Hazelnuts are a universal nut that is usually added to hot main dishes, salty snacks and desserts.
2. Only a nut whose fruits are 2 cm in diameter is considered quality, varietal variety does not imply a deviation from such a norm.
3. Circassians cultivated hazelnuts as early as 4–3 centuries. BC.
4. A dangerous moment may be that hazelnut allergens can accumulate, so rejection and unpleasant symptoms may appear not from the first use.
5. The tradition of adding hazelnut extract to coffee and chocolate drinks also came to us from antiquity, this was done to give the drink a rich and unusual aroma.
6. Hazelnuts is an official Oregon plant in the United States.

Not for nothing, nuts are considered very useful and valuable food that nourishes the brain, muscles and skin. Try to cook something unusual with hazelnuts and discover new aspects of healthy fruits.

Hazelnut photo