Hazelnut is a type of nuts that usually used for snacks and an ingredient of various beverages. Rich in nutrition, hazelnut can give lots of benefits to our health. Hazelnut contains vitamin, protein, fibre, and fat which are good for the body. As quoted in Medical News Today, there are several health benefits that we can get from hazelnut.
- “Streamlining” the digestive system
Hazelnut is one of the sources of food fibre which is good for the body. As we all know, fibre may help to “streamline” the digestive system so that constipation can be prevented. One serving of hazelnut (28 gr) contains 2.7 gr of food fibre.
- Preventing damage on cells
Hazelnut is rich in antioxidant which may help to prevent cell oxidation. Proanthocyanidin is an antioxidant contained in hazelnut that is known to help to prevent and treat several types of cancer. Vitamin E contained in hazelnut is also known to help to protect the body from cell damage related to cancer.
- Maintaining the health of the heart
According to the result of studies, hazelnut is known to help to reduce the amount of LDL in the blood. LDL is a type of cholesterol which may increase the risk of heart disease. Results of studies also show that consuming hazelnut for at least 18%-20% of our daily calorie intake may help to reduce the level of cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL in the blood. By maintaining the level of cholesterol in the body, risk of heart disease may be reduced.
- Maintaining blood sugar level
Hazelnut contains oleic acid which may help to increase the sensitivity towards insulin. In a study, oleic acid is known to help to reduce the blood sugar level in type-2 diabetes patient by increasing the sensitivity of the body towards insulin.
- Helping to treat inflammation
“Good” fat contained in hazelnut is known to help to treat inflammation. According to the results of a research conducted by the University of Rome Tor Vergata, consuming at least 40 gr of hazelnut may help to treat inflammation on a healthy person
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Getty Images
Source(s):
- Medical News Today - What are the health benefits of hazelnuts? (2018). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323807.php, November 28, 2018.
- Healthline - 7 Ways Hazelnuts Benefit your Health (2018). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hazelnut-benefits, November 28, 2018.
- Renzo, D. L., Merra, G., Botta, R., et al (2017). Post-prandial effects of hazelnut-enriched high fat meal on LDL oxidative status, oxidative and inflammatory gene expression of healthy subjects: a randomized trial. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 21(7): 1610-1626.