Whether you prefer to eat them raw, roasted or as an ingredient in a tasty dish, hazelnuts are loaded with nutrients. They are commonly used for coffee and pastries. Many hazelnut health benefits stem from the manganese, copper, folate, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium they contain. Hazelnut benefits the body by boosting brain health, improving skin and hair health, combating obesity and even helping to prevent cancer.
Hazelnut Health Benefits
1. Promote Heart Health
Hazelnut health benefits include improved heart health. Hazelnuts contain fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids, both of which work to lower cholesterol levels. Research has shown that hazelnut benefits the body by reducing inflammation, improving blood lipids and increasing HDL cholesterol. Hazelnut's magnesium content also helps balance calcium and potassium in the body to regulate blood pressure.2. Help Manage Diabetes
Hazelnut benefits a diabetes diet thanks to the monounsaturated fats it contains. A 2015 study found that individuals who consumed more nuts in their diets experienced lower cholesterol levels. The study also found that increased consumption of nuts help lower blood lipids in diabetics. Hazelnut health benefits include the ability to improve glucose intolerance and fight diabetes. (1)
3. Provide the Body with Antioxidants
Hazelnut benefits the body with a healthy dose of antioxidants. The Vitamin C and Vitamin E in hazelnuts work to fight free radicals in the body that can cause heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. Hazelnut health benefits also include the ability to lower inflammation levels to fight off disease.4. Boost Brain Health
Hazelnut health benefits include the ability to boost brain health. Hazelnut's Vitamin E, manganese, thiamine, folate and fatty acids all work to keep the brain sharp and healthy. Consuming higher levels of Vitamin E is linked to less cognitive decline. Studies have shown that Vitamin E may also work as a natural Alzheimer's treatment. A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that hazelnut health benefits include neuroprotective qualities. Hazelnuts benefits the brain by promoting healthy aging, improving memory, combating depression and maintaining healthy nerve function. (2)5. Help Prevent Cancer
Thanks to the powerful antioxidants it contains, hazelnut health benefits include the ability to help prevent cancer. Research has shown that Vitamin E can help reduce the risk of prostate, breast, colon and lung cancer. Studies suggest that Vitamin E may also work as a natural cancer treatment due to its ability to prevent the growth of mutations and tumors. (3)
