HAZELNUT

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, boast an array of health benefits:

1. Cancer Prevention: Hazelnuts and their pastes are abundant in gamma tocopherol, a type of vitamin E known to lower the risk of certain cancers, notably prostate and lung cancers. Resveratrol, found in hazelnuts, also possesses antioxidants believed to prevent cancer.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants present in roasted hazelnuts’ skin and kernels, such as flavonoids and phenols, exhibit anti-inflammatory traits, potentially aiding conditions like arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Blood Pressure Regulation: Rich in fiber, hazelnuts are beneficial for individuals with Type II diabetes, reducing stress on the heart and assisting in managing diabetes.
4. Cholesterol Reduction: Hazelnuts contain healthy cholesterol (HDL), helping to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and mitigating the risk of heart diseases. The fiber content also contributes to regulating cholesterol levels.
5. Nervous System Support: Abundant in Vitamin B6, hazelnuts aid in amino acid formation and neurotransmitter synthesis. They also produce serotonin, melatonin, and GABA, assisting in stress reduction. Additionally, the trace amounts of copper support neurotransmission.
6. Bone Health: Hazelnuts provide a surprising amount of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K, essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing bone-related ailments.
7. Eye Health: Loaded with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, hazelnuts protect eye tissues from sun-induced damage, contributing to the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
8. Weight Management: Incorporating a handful of hazelnuts into your daily diet, along with other nuts, can aid in weight loss.
9. Gut Health: Hazelnuts’ high fiber content promotes beneficial gut bacteria, potentially increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate.
10. Red Blood Cell Production: Hazelnuts contain iron and copper, facilitating iron absorption and aiding in raising red blood cell counts.

These benefits underline the nutritional richness and diverse advantages hazelnuts offer when included in a balanced diet.