By Chisom Ibemere
Hazelnut is a fruit that is gotten from the Hazel tree which comes from the specie Corylus avelana. It is used in confectionary and in making chocolate bars, coffee, Nutella. Its oil is gotten from pressing the Hazelnuts and it has strong flavour and is used in cooking. Its kernel which is gotten from the seed can be eaten raw, roasted or used grounded to paste.
Hazelnuts are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals. They have a crunchy, sweet flavour and are found in abundant quantities for commercial purposes in places like Turkey, Italy, Portugal and Spain. It is a nutrient dense nut, which contains unsaturated fatty acids, fibres, proteins, phytochemicals, calcium, magnesium, selenium, potassium, vitamins B complex and polyphenols.
Nutrients such as polyphenols and fibres are probiotics which house good bacteria that aid digestion of food. It also improves the number of good bacteria in the gut and eliminates the bad ones. Good bacteria enhance the gut health, reduce constipation and treat irritable bowel problems. It also helps to keep the weight in check.
Hazelnut improves the heart health and prevents the risks of getting cardiovascular related diseases. It is rich in Oleic acids and contains unsaturated fatty acids which keep the heart in good working conditions. Hazelnuts are rich sources of anti-oxidants which fights free radicals that causes and damages the cells. It reduces the risks of cancers especially cancer of the colon by improving cell survival.
Hazelnuts rich vitamin C and E including healthy minerals improves the bone health and prevents Osteoporosis and bone related problems. They helps to boost immunity and save the body from all forms of infections. This is due to its anti-oxidants properties. They improve the quantity of micronutrients which the body requires for proper functions thereby keeping the body free from chronic diseases.
Hazelnuts are known to contain nutrients that improve fertility especially in women. These nutrients may include selenium, zinc, iron, calcium, lipids etc. They also eliminate hair loss, protect the skin from damages, wrinkles and treat infections.
Hazelnuts contain essential amino acids like Tryptophan, Tyrosine which improve the cognitive ability and enhances the functioning of the nervous system.
