Hazelnut

Hazelnuts have many nutritional values. It includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. It helps decrease blood fat levels, regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar levels, among others.

The hazelnut, also known as the filbert, is a type of nut that comes from the Corylus tree. It is mostly cultivated in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts.

Like other nuts, hazelnuts are rich in nutrients and have a high content of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Here are seven evidence-based health benefits of hazelnuts.

Benefits

The benefits of hazelnuts are many but as with anything in life, moderation is key hence the advice of a handful of nuts. Turkey, as the world’s biggest hazelnut supplier, even used to have advertisements promoting the little wonder back in the day. Rightfully so, hazelnuts are truly a superfood.

• Lower levels of harmful cholesterol.
• Support bowel movements.
• Reduce weight gain.
• Protect against cell damage.
• Support heart health.
• Improve insulin sensitivity.
• Reduce inflammation.
• Improve sperm count.

Hazelnut Tree

Uses

Hazelnuts are used in baking, desserts, and chocolate for chocolate truffles. Hazelnuts have a sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a paste. Hazelnut oil, pressed from hazelnuts, is strongly flavored and used as a cooking oil.