hazelnuts are also known by the name 'filbert' and are considered an amazing fruit with a slightly sweet taste and they are spherical to oval in shape. They are generally found all across the world but mainly cultivated extensively in countries like Italy, Turkey, and the United States.
Health benefits of hazelnuts:
- hazelnuts are enriched with a lot of fiber and contain a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids which are helpful in reducing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in our body.
- Premature aging can be significantly reduced by regular intake of hazelnuts as because they contain vitamin-A and vitamin-C, two of the most powerful antioxidants thus preventing the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles on our skin.
- They keep our skin hydrated due to the presence of vitamin-E in plentiful amounts and helps in keeping our skin smooth and soft.
- They are considered as a brain food because they contain a lot of micronutrients like manganese, thiamine, folate and fatty acids which helps in boosting our brain functions and improves our cognitive abilities.
- hazelnuts are highly recommended for pregnant women as they contain a huge amount of folate which is helpful in preventing megaloblastic anemia and other neural defects in the babies.
Studies suggesting health benefits of hazelnuts
Recently a new study which was administered by the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University found that older adults who consumed hazelnuts regularly in their diet for 16 weeks were found to be significantly improved in their levels of two key micronutrients.
The results showed an elevated blood concentration of magnesium and elevated urinary levels of the breakdown product of alpha-tocopherol known as vitamin-E.
Since older adults are at an increased risk of developing many chronic illnesses and deficiency of vitamins and minerals can play a significant role in aggravating the situation so, it is advisable to consume hazelnuts on a regular basis to keep healthy body and mind for a longer period of time.
The researchers also stated that the objective of the study is to find out whether the older adults who consumed hazelnuts for a period of 16 weeks shows any improvement in biomarkers of micronutrients like vitamin-E and magnesium.
The participants which include women have consumed hazelnuts for a period of 16 weeks showed good results.
Blood and urine samples were measured the first and at the end, in order to determine the plasma and serum concentrations of magnesium, glucose, lipids, insulin and urinary metabolites of vitamin-E. Presence of various other nutrients was also measured by a lymphocyte proliferation assay.
These new findings were definitely helpful in complementing additional knowledge about the role of nuts in maintaining sound Health.
