By Whether it’s the rich, chocolatey goodness of Nutella or the creamy texture in gourmet desserts, hazelnuts have been winning hearts—and taste buds—around the globe. Beyond their decadent allure, hazelnuts are little nutritional powerhouses with a plethora of health advantages. We’ll take you on a tasty and educational tour through the world of hazelnuts in this blog, including what they are, why they’re so healthy, how to eat them, and why you should have them in your pantry.
What are Hazelnuts and where you can find them?
Hazelnuts are edible seeds that come from the hazel trees also known as the Corylus avellana. Hazelnuts are also known as filberts or cobnuts, depending upon the region they come from. Originally hazelnuts come from Europe and Asia, and have unique round shape with a hard brown shell and are slightly sweet and buttery in taste.
Unique Benefits of Eating the Nutritional Gems : Hazelnuts
Ultra Rich in Antioxidants
Hazelnuts contain powerful antioxidants like phenolic compounds. These compounds not only combat the oxidative stress in the body but also reduce inflammation, protect cells while lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Excellently Aids our Brain and Cognitive Function Support
Hazelnuts have lots of healthy fats, vitamin E, folate, and manganese which are altogether proves great for maintaining sharp mind. According to some studies it is also shown that hazelnuts can positively protect our brains from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Heart Health Booster
Hazelnuts are brimming with the goodness of monounsaturated fat,s especially oleic acid. These fats reduce the bad LDL cholesterol while helps in raising the good HDL cholesterol. Further the presence of magnesium, potassium and fiber supports blood pressure and improves circulation as well.
Abundant Source of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerhouse of good skin health, brain functioning and the immune system too. And hence hazelnuts are loaded with the power of vitamin E which makes you and your skin shine inside out.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
The vitamin E and antioxidants in hazelnuts save us from the UV damage, while improves elasticity in the skin and promote hair growth and shine. Because of its brimmed goodness of vitamin E it is used as a common ingredient in natural beauty products.
Supports Weight Management
Although hazelnuts are calorie dense, they may actually help you in weight control. Hazelnuts contain a perfect combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber which pave the way to staying full for long, increase satiety level, and reduce the urge to snack unnecessarily.
Good for Diabetics
Hazelnuts are sweet, but they have a low glycemic index. Further, their richness in dietary fiber and good fats makes them a perfect diabetic friendly snack, but you need to consume them in moderation. They even help in regulating blood sugar levels while also improving insulin sensitivity.
Fun and Easy Ways to Consume Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are really tasty to eat whether you consume them in raw form, roasted, or blended in butter. Further, here are some delicious and easy ideas to consume hazelnuts:
Include it in your Breakfast
Take some chopped hazelnuts and sprinkle it over your oatmeal, cereals or yogurt. You can also add hazelnuts to morning granola or smoothie bowls for a more healthy and nutty twist.
Baking Desserts
Hazelnuts for their versatile flavor, is popular ingredient in any confectionary store. It is commonly used in cookies, cakes, and even brownies while make energy bars and truffles taste awesome.
Snack Time
You can consider hazelnuts as a healthy snack option. You can consume it raw or roasted and make a crunchy, nutritious snack. Further, you can lightly roast them at home too to enhance its flavour more.
Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnut is a famous option for adding sweetness and flavor to smoothies or simply used to spread over toast. You can make your own hazelnut butter at home by blending roasted hazelnuts with a pinch of salt and dash of vanilla.
Hazelnut Milk
A non dairy and creamy alternative to regular dairy milk is hazelnut milk. It is perfect for coffees, cereals or can just be taken as it is.
Tips and Tricks to Keep Hazelnuts Fresh in the Kitchen
Hazelnuts are rich in oil and hence if they are not stored properly, they can go rancid. So, here are some tips and tricks to keep them fresh:
- Shelled Hazelnuts should always be kept in an airtight container, and that too in the fridge or freezer.
- Do not store hazelnuts with other strong smelling items, as they absorb odors very easily.
- If you store whole in shell hazelnuts properly, you can store it upto 6 months in a cool, dry place.
Did You Know ?
Turkey produces about 70% of the world’s hazelnuts all alone.
- The Ferrero Rochers company, who are also the makers of Nutella consumes the largest hazelnuts around the world.
- Italy is the world’s top hazelnut producer; here, the hazelnuts are considered gourmet.
- The Celtic name for hazelnut is “Coll”.
- Hazelnut Trees were considered sacred in ancient mythology, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
Precautions to Consider While Consuming Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are almost safe to consume for most people, but here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
- Caloric density: Hazelnuts have a very high fat content and because of their sweet and yum taste its very easy that you may overeat them. Therefore, it is very essential to stick yourself to moderation and enjoy benefits without overdoing the calories.
- Nut Allergies : Hazelnuts are tree nuts; hence if under any conditions you are allergic to such nuts then prevent not consuming it as they may trigger serious allergic reactions.
- Oxalate Content : Hazelnuts also contain oxalates, so people who are prone to kidney stones should consume hazelnuts in moderation.
Why You Should Add Hazelnuts to Your Diet
Hazelnuts are the ideal combination of nutrients, crunch, and taste. They strengthen heart health, stimulate cognitive function, enhance skin and hair, and are highly adaptable in both sweet and savory meals.
Hazelnuts are the solution whether you’re searching for a more intelligent snack, a nutrient-dense supplement to your meals, or a cosmetic ingredient for radiant skin.
So go ahead and make some homemade hazelnut butter, create a smoothie, or take a handful. Your taste senses and body will appreciate it!
