Delicious Hazelnuts for a Healthy Body

Maybe you like the hazelnut-based chocolates, but have you ever considered that these nuts are also extremely beneficial for your health? Hazelnuts are used in various recipes and dishes and they are also useful in flavoring the coffee and liqueurs. What many people don’t know is that these nuts are also powerful antioxidants and they contain essential proteins that can help in weight loss diets. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium and are free of sodium and cholesterol. Include them in your regular diet and you will get the following miraculous benefits.

Maintain a Healthy Heart

These brown nuts don’t contain cholesterol and they are rich in unsaturated fats. The oleic acid in the hazelnuts, for example, reduces the LDL cholesterol and improves the “good cholesterol”. Consume one cup of hazelnuts and you will obtain the daily required dose of magnesium. This will balance the calcium levels so that the health of your heart can be maintained.

Combats Constipation

Hazelnuts contain fiber and they are effective in promoting the bowel movements. They will loosen the stools and prevent or treat constipation. So, if you suffer from this problem, try eating a handful of hazelnuts.

Beneficial for the Nervous System

Hazelnuts contain vitamin B6 that will keep the amino acids functioning and the nervous system healthy. The vitamin B6 in these nuts is also useful in maintaining the proper functioning of serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and various other neurotransmitters. It also slows down the aging process and keeps the dementia and depression at bay.

Empowers the Immunity

The magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and the other nutrients in the hazelnuts are necessary for a strong immune system. These ingredients will also ensure the proper blood flow in the organism. As a result, by consuming hazelnuts, you can stay away from infections and health conditions.

Prevent Cancer

Hazelnuts contain a vitamin E source called alpha-tocopherol that has antioxidant properties. Different studies have demonstrated that this substance can reduce the risks of developing bladder cancer by almost 50%. The manganese in these nuts is also essential in producing an anti-oxidative enzyme that can prevent various types of cancer.

Fights Depression and Stress

The omega 3 fatty acids and the alpha-linolenic acid are important compounds that can be found in the hazelnuts. When combined with B vitamins, these ingredients can prevent or offer relief from schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, stress and various other psychological conditions. All these elements are also essential in enhancing the memory and stimulating the serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Consume raw hazelnuts to benefit from these properties or eat dark chocolate with hazelnuts.

Beats Menstrual Cramps

The calcium, vitamin E and magnesium in the hazelnuts are also beneficial in combating the menstrual cramps. Consume them before or during your period to ease the cramps and the pain and manage the menstrual cycle.

Prevent Diabetes

If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, then hazelnuts are the healthiest snack for you. The dietary fiber will keep you full and the reduced amounts of glucose will keep the sugar levels at bay. The hazelnuts will also decrease the bad cholesterol and will keep the diabetics away from heart diseases.