Hazelnut - properties and applications. Hazel: types, description, composition and properties, use, contraindications Hazelnut its useful properties

Hazelnut(otherwise hazelnut) - the fruit of woody shrubs called hazel. It is most common in southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, but these are not the only places where it grows. Hazelnut is also bred in Germany, North America, Italy, the Balkans, etc.

The popularity of hazelnuts is growing every year. In cooking, it can be used in almost any dishes and preparations. Despite the fact that the hazelnut is a very high-calorie product and rich in vegetable fats, you should not be afraid to add it to your diet. The fats contained in it are useful, and if you do not abuse this product, then the number of calories will not be so high.

1. Fights heart disease.
Hazelnut helps in the fight against heart disease. In addition to being a rich source of fiber, it also contains a sufficient amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, which help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Research by the American Society for Nutrition found that diets high in hazelnuts resulted in lower bad cholesterol, reduced inflammation, and improved blood lipids. Hazelnuts also contain a significant amount of magnesium, which helps to regulate the balance of calcium and potassium, thereby leveling blood pressure spikes.

One cup of these nuts is equivalent to 50% of the required daily amount of magnesium. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating calcium levels. Excess calcium is known to be detrimental to heart health. Magnesium protects the heart by preventing its overexertion.

2. Helps in the treatment of diabetes.
Hazelnuts are a rich source of healthy vegetable fats. A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found the response of diabetic patients to the addition of hazelnuts to their daily diet. As with other studies, it was concluded that patients experienced lower cholesterol levels. What was surprising, however, was the fact that the level of blood lipid lowering in diabetics was higher than in those who do not suffer from this disease.

Diabetics with high cholesterol should consider adding hazelnuts to their daily diet. The high level of manganese in hazelnuts is also beneficial in the fight against diabetes, as it affects blood glucose levels and insulin production. In addition, hazelnuts are a good source of magnesium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes.

3. Rich in antioxidants.
Hazelnuts contain many vitamins and minerals, which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals and help prevent serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, which helps fight aging and disease by reducing inflammation in the body.

Hazelnuts have the highest content of proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins have a significantly higher level of antioxidant activity compared to vitamins C and E. They also help in the fight against premature aging.

4. Improves brain function.
Hazelnut is a powerful source of energy. It is full of elements that improve brain and cognitive function and help prevent degenerative diseases that develop with age. Due to the high levels of vitamin E, manganese, thiamine, folic acid, and fatty acids, a diet supplemented with hazelnuts helps maintain brain function.

A high level of vitamin E levels out cognitive decline, and also plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Manganese has been shown to enhance brain activity associated with cognitive function.

Thiamine is commonly referred to as the "vitamin of nerves", it plays a role in maintaining the functions of the nervous system and has a tremendous impact on human cognitive function, improves concentration and memory. This is why thiamine deficiency can lead to brain damage. High levels of fatty acids and protein help both the nervous system and the fight against depression.

5. Helps prevent cancer.
Due to the high amount of antioxidants, hazelnuts are very important in the fight against cancer. Vitamin E is a useful supplement in cancer prevention. It has been found to help in reducing the risk of prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancers. Vitamin E also prevents the growth of mutations and tumors.

Through other studies, manganese has been found to have potential antitumor activity. For example, research conducted by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Jiangsu University in China and published in the journal Inorganic Biochemistry showed that manganese could be a potential anticancer compound.

From the leaves of hazelnuts, a substance is extracted from which preparations for cancer are made.

6. Fights obesity.
Nuts are an excellent stimulant for a healthy metabolism in the body. People who consume large amounts of nuts show a higher rate of weight loss due to an increase in metabolic rate. Thiamine plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. It helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is a source of energy. Thiamine also helps in the production of new red blood cells, which are essential for maintaining energy.

The protein, dietary fiber, and high-carb content of hazelnuts help keep you feeling full for longer, which helps prevent overeating. As we have already found out, hazelnuts are a source of healthy fats, which puts them in a number of foods that can fight obesity.

7. Good for muscles.
Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining calcium levels in the cells of the body, which aids in muscle contraction, preventing muscle strain, relieving muscle tension and pain, and preventing muscle fatigue, spasms and cramps. Research shows that a good dose of magnesium can actually help build muscle.

8. Eliminates constipation.
Since hazelnuts are a rich source of fiber, they can be safely included in the diet to support intestinal motility. It normalizes the stool, and thus prevents constipation.

9. Good for bones and joints.
Magnesium, along with calcium, is essential for healthy bones and joints. Accumulated in bone tissue, it comes to the rescue when there is a sudden deficiency of this mineral. In addition, hazelnuts contain manganese, a mineral beneficial for bone growth and strength. It is especially beneficial for menopausal and postmenopausal women to avoid osteoporosis.

10. Improves the health of the nervous system.
Vitamin B6 is considered essential for the absorption of amino acids. They, in turn, are responsible for the health of the nervous system. Vitamin B6 deficiency is known to interfere with the synthesis of myelin (the nerve insulating sheath responsible for the efficiency and speed of electrical impulses), which is necessary for optimal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B6 is also required for the proper production of various neurotransmitters, including adrenaline, melatonin, and serotonin.

11. Normalizes the digestive system.
Manganese (activating and catalyzing enzyme) is a mineral that plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. This mineral is also the main carbohydrate and protein metabolic agent. The higher the level of manganese in the body system, the better the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates. This, in turn, improves the health of the digestive system. 100 g of hazelnuts contains 210% of the required daily intake of manganese. The dietary fiber present in these nuts ensures proper absorption of nutrients, ensuring the disposal of waste and toxins from the body through the stool.

12. Strengthens the immune system.
Nuts are rich in a variety of nutrients, including various minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. All of them are necessary to ensure proper blood circulation. When blood enters every cell of the body, it saturates it with all the nutrients. This makes the body stronger and stronger, the strength of immunity increases, which, in turn, prevents various undesirable conditions.

13. Eliminates stress and depression.
Hazelnuts contain a good dose of alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These elements, along with B vitamins, play a significant role in preventing and alleviating various psychological conditions, including anxiety, stress, depression, and even schizophrenia.

14. Good source of vitamin K.
Vitamin K is a blood vitamin. It plays a significant role in preventing excessive blood loss by inducing platelet synthesis, thus protecting you from life-threatening situations. This vitamin is also essential for proper calcium absorption, which reduces the risk of calcium-deficient fractures.

15. Helps to gain weight.
Hazelnuts are high in fat and high in calories, so they can help you gain weight in a useful and healthy way. However, before taking this step, consult your doctor to avoid unnecessary complications.

16. Useful for varicose veins.
Even in ancient times, with the help of hazelnuts, they fought against varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. This, again, is possible due to the iron contained in hazelnuts.

Benefits for women

17. Useful when planning a pregnancy.
Folic acid contained in hazelnuts is necessary for the female body at the stage of pregnancy planning. However, before using hazelnuts as a source of folic acid, check with your doctor.

18. Useful for pregnant women.
Proper nutrition is important during pregnancy to keep mother and baby healthy. Hazelnuts are a rich source of various nutrients necessary for the proper course of pregnancy. Eat these nuts in moderation and combine them with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. And also consume enough water to avoid constipation.

19. Useful for the gestating fetus.
Hazelnut contributes to the formation of the musculoskeletal system of the baby, forms its bone tissue and nervous system.

20. Useful for lactation.
Hazelnut stimulates the production of breast milk, improves its fat content and quality. Thanks to nuts, it will be as nutritious as possible and provide the child with the necessary useful elements.

Skin Benefits

21. Prevents premature aging.
Hazelnut contains vitamins A, E and C, which are antioxidants. The synergistic effect of these vitamins prevents the appearance of wrinkles, thereby eliminating the initial signs of aging.

22. Moisturizes the skin.
The moisturizing and conditioning properties of hazelnuts make it an ideal natural moisturizer for sensitive and dry skin.

23. Saves from ultraviolet rays.
Hazelnut oil can be applied to the skin. It will act as a natural sunscreen. To do this, you need to mix a few drops of sesame, avocado, walnut and hazelnut oil and apply this mixture on the skin before going out into the sun.

24. Promote skin health.
Antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage the skin. They also protect the skin from cancer caused by ultraviolet rays. Flavonoids together with antioxidants stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. This allows you to remove dead and damaged cells, making the skin healthier, smoother and younger.

Hair Benefits

25. Dyes hair.
Nuts are used as a natural ingredient in various dyes. Along with giving your hair a delicious brown hue, hazelnuts also ensure that the color lasts for a long time. In addition, it provides additional protection by maintaining the health of the ends of the hair, protecting them from damage caused by chemical attack.

26. Strengthens hair.
To strengthen the hair, you can use hazelnut oil. It must be rubbed with massaging movements into the scalp. Without washing off the oil, wrap your head in a towel and go to bed. Wash your hair the next morning with a mild shampoo.

Benefits for men

27. Prevents prostate diseases.
The composition of hazelnuts contains a complex of vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the process of hematopoiesis and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It is these properties that have a healing effect. For men with prostate problems, it is recommended to consume about 50 g of hazelnuts daily.

28. Improves male power.
Due to its rich composition, hazelnuts contribute to the natural production of testosterone. Thus, the duration of sexual intercourse increases, premature ejaculation is prevented and the quality of spermatozoa improves.

Harm and contraindications

1. Allergic reactions.
Hazelnuts can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, allergic reactions. People who are allergic to tree nuts, such as macadamia and others, tend to be allergic to hazelnuts.

2. A dangerous combination with existing health problems.
Do not use hazelnuts for people with bowel disease, liver dysfunction, severe diabetes. If you have other serious diseases, consult your doctor if you can use hazelnuts in your diet.

3. Undesirable for children.
In preschool children, hazelnuts can cause abdominal cramps and constipation.

4. Use during pregnancy.
Although we talked about the fact that hazelnuts are useful during pregnancy, you should not abuse them in any case, as it can cause a threat to the baby, the flesh to the point of miscarriage.

5. Cautious use in the elderly.
People over 50 should be more careful about eating this nut. The fact is that at this age the gastrointestinal tract can not always cope with its work. Hazelnuts are a dense and hard food that may seem too difficult to process for a tired digestive tract.

6. May cause headaches.
Another of the side effects of hazelnuts can be a sharp and unbearable headache. This is due to spasms of the vessels of the head. At the slightest discomfort, it is better to stop using this product and consult a specialist.

Chemical composition of the product

The nutritional value of hazelnuts (100 g) and the percentage of the daily value:

• The nutritional value
• vitamins
• Macronutrients
• trace elements
• Fatty acid

• calories 651 kcal - 46%;
• proteins 15 g - 18%;
• fats 61.5 g - 95%;
• carbohydrates 9.4 g - 7.34%;
• dietary fiber - 6 g - 30%;
• water - 5 g - 0.2%.

• A 2 μg - 0.2%;
• With 1.4 mg - 1.6%;
• K 14.3 mcg - 12%;
• E 20.5 mg - 136%;
• B1 0.3 mg - 20%;
• B2 0.1 mg - 5.6%;
• B4 45.6 mg - 9%;
• B5 1.15 mg - 23%;
• B6 0.7 mg - 35%;
• B9 68 mcg - 17%;
• PP 5.2 mg - 26%.

• potassium 717 mg - 28.7%;
• calcium 170 mg - 17%;
• magnesium 172 mg - 43%;
• sodium 3 mg - 0.2%;
• sulfur 190 mg - 19%;
• chlorine 22 mg - 1%;
• phosphorus 299 mg - 37.4%.

• iron 3 mg - 16.7%;
• cobalt 12.3 - 123%;
• copper 1120 mcg - 112%;
• manganese 4.2 mg - 210%;
• fluorine 17 mcg - 0.4%;
• zinc 2.44 mg - 20.3%;
• selenium 2.4 mcg - 4.4%.

• omega-3 0.09 g - 1.5%;
• omega-6 6.8 g - 100%;
• palmitic 3.5 g - 18.7%;
• oleic 53 g - 108.6%;
• linoleic 6.8 g - 60.7%.

findings

Hazelnut is an incredible product with a lot of useful properties. It can relieve symptoms and even cure some diseases.

Beneficial features

• Fights heart disease.
• Helps in the treatment of diabetes.
• Rich in antioxidants.
• Improves brain function.
• Helps prevent cancer.
• Fights obesity.
• Good for muscles.
• Eliminates constipation.
• Good for bones and joints.
• Improves the health of the nervous system.
• Normalizes the digestive system.
• Improves immunity.
• Eliminates stress and depression.
• Good source of vitamin K.
• Helps to gain weight.
• Useful for varicose veins.
• Good for skin and hair.
• Useful for men and women.

Harmful properties

It is very easy to get carried away with nuts and quietly eat 2-3 daily norms. In no case should this be allowed, as this can lead to serious complications, especially if you already have some diseases:

• May cause allergic reactions.
• Possible danger with existing health problems.
• It is undesirable to give to children.
• Use with caution during pregnancy.
• Use with caution in the elderly.
• May cause headaches.

Any side effects can be avoided with the correct dosage of the product. Be healthy!

Research sources

The main studies on the benefits and harms of hazelnuts were conducted by foreign doctors. Below you can find the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16969381
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-014-0808-7
3. https://healthyforgood.heart.org/Eat-smart/Articles/Monunsaturated-Fats#.Vzso2ZMrKRu
4. http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/fats-and-diabetes.html?referrer=https://www. google.com/?referrer=https://draxe.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=45702&action=edit
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26561616
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23372018
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17645588
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21922132
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26739867
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12505649
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37452
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26808646
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123448/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25466495
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20674030
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26123047
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26897125
18. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3116/2
19. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food/article/hazelnuts-sweet-and-versatile
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26358166

Additional useful information about hazelnuts

How to use

1. In cooking.
Hazelnuts are a great addition to any dish. It can be used in various ways:

• Roast and use as a snack between main meals.
• Chop and sprinkle over breakfast.
• Grind, add to chocolate and spread on bread.
• Mix with berries and add to muffins or cake.
• Use with potatoes.
• As a side dish for fish or chicken dishes.
• Add to pasta sauce.
• Chop and add to pancake batter.
• For decorating desserts, etc.

The variety of dishes using hazelnuts is great.

2. Cooking churchkhela.

Churchkhela is hazelnuts strung on a string, soaked in concentrated grape juice with flour and dried. To prepare churchkhela, you need high-quality grape juice, 1/4 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. The mixture must be boiled, cooled, it should turn out thick. A thread with hazelnuts is lowered into it. The grape mass envelops the thread. Before once again immersing hazelnuts in grape juice, you must wait for it to dry completely.

3. In cosmetology.
Hazelnut kernels are used to produce oil. It can be taken orally as a medicine and can be used topically to improve the condition of the skin and hair. It is effective in the treatment of burns and to improve the overall condition of the hair. Helps to get rid of acne and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Hazelnut leaves are used to restore weakened hair. A special decoction is made from the leaves and used at regular intervals. With the help of a drug from twigs, you can quickly eliminate swelling and redness of the skin.

How to choose

• The size of a quality hazelnut kernel should be 2 cm.
• Buy hazelnuts should be in its shell, without it, it begins to quickly lose its useful qualities.
• Molds can form on shelled nuts.
• If you do buy unshelled hazelnuts, try to find varieties with firm, intact skins.
• If you buy roasted hazelnuts, remember that they contain fewer phytonutrients.
• If you find dark spots, traces of mold, cracks and dents on the nuts, refuse to buy.
• Nuts should not smell damp and moldy.
• It is better to buy nuts not in the markets, but in large supermarkets.
• The packaging must be tight and opaque.
• The date of manufacture should not be easily erased from the package.
• Nuts with a shelf life of 1 year are fake.

How to store

• Hazelnuts, even if stored for a short time without peel, lose most of their healing properties.
• After six months, the hazelnut, even in the shell, begins to lose its properties.
• Hazelnuts like temperatures close to zero, so it is best to store them in the refrigerator.
• If this product is stored in the refrigerator, its shelf life may be extended up to 4 years.
• It can also be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture. However, in this case, the storage period will not exceed 1 year.
• For storage, it is better to use a canvas bag or a paper bag.
• To check if the nuts are rotten, you need to shake the bag or bag - if the nuts make a rumbling sound, then they are perfectly preserved. If there is no characteristic sound, then some cores have deteriorated.
• Hazelnuts are strictly not recommended to be stored in polyethylene; they will deteriorate very quickly due to infection with fungi.

History of occurrence

Hazelnut has been known to man for a very long time. There is a version that about 10 thousand years ago our ancestors were saved from hunger by this fruit. As an industrial crop, hazelnuts have been known for over 600 years. Archaeological finds indicate that hazelnuts were widespread in northern Europe and were used as food there. The peoples of the Caucasus have been growing this nut for more than 6 thousand years, and the Circassians bred this culture as early as the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

In our country, Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin began to promote the cultivation of this crop in the northern regions. He experimentally crossed different types of hazel and different varieties of hazelnuts. Thus, frost-resistant hybrid hazelnut varieties with good yields for central Russia were obtained.

How and where is grown

Hazelnuts are yellow-brown, almost spherical, kernels weighing from 1.5-2.5 g. In gardens, they are grown for decorative purposes (a beautiful hedge is obtained from hazel bushes), as well as for using its fruits in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

60% of the world's hazelnuts are produced in Turkey. This plant is unpretentious and brings a good profit (about 2 thousand dollars a year per hectare). The Turks plant it on the mountain slopes. The aisles are lined with turf. Plants do not water, they have enough natural moisture. The nuts are harvested from the second decade of August slightly unripe, they are piled up and covered with foil. In a ripe nut, the kernel acquires a specific taste, and the shell becomes brown and shiny.

In Russia, hazelnuts are mainly grown in the Krasnodar Territory. In its world production, Russia occupies less than 0.2%.

• The daily intake of hazelnuts is 30-50 grams. Going beyond this range can cause digestive problems and other negative consequences.
• The energy value of hazelnuts is several times higher than the energy value of milk and bread.
• Hazelnuts are more nutritious than meat and fish.
• More than 50% of vitamin E is destroyed by roasting a nut.
• The benefits of roasted hazelnuts are 2 times less.
• Hazelnut should be consumed in the morning so that the product is completely digested and absorbed by the evening.
• At a high dosage, the allergen can accumulate in the body and cause a reaction, even if there was no initial allergy to nuts.
• In ancient times, hazelnuts were popular as a flavoring in liquor and coffee.

Perhaps every person has memories from childhood that parents often gave us nuts to eat. Most of us remember well how adult family members tried to crack open a hard nut shell with hammers, pliers or an ordinary stone, extracting edible nucleoli. At the same time, many people covered the forest fruits with a towel so that the split shell would not scatter in different directions. Today, this procedure can be dealt with much easier, since universal “nut crackers” have appeared on sale - special nutcrackers equipped with cells of various sizes. Moreover, not only walnuts, but also small round (or conical and oblong) nuts called hazelnuts have always been especially popular among fruits with an edible core and hard shell in our country. Due to its high nutritional value and healing properties, the beneficial properties of hazelnuts were valued even by our ancestors, who in lean years escaped from food shortages with the fruits of the wild variety of these gifts of nature. In difficult "hungry" times, people went to the forest to collect hazelnuts with their whole families.

What is this nut - hazelnut?

In fact, this fellow of the extensive nut family is a nut-bearing shrub growing in the forest, which is called hazel. However, the time has passed when people had to collect wild hazelnuts. The hazelnut we eat today is the result of many years of crossbreeding and selective selection of wild hazel. Plantations of this variety of nuts are mainly located in the southern regions: in Italy (there it is called the "Lombard nut"), Spain, the republics of the Balkan region, in the Crimea, on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Turkey is the world's largest supplier of cultivated hazel. In this sunny country, nuts, beloved by many, are preferred not to be harvested mechanically, but by hand, which does not require additional cleaning from garbage. As a result, the original product is environmentally friendly. The collected fruits are dried in the sun, using ovens, electric dryers, or on special grates, blowing them with warm air. This procedure is extremely necessary, since mold (aflatoxin fungi that cause severe allergies and even liver diseases) forms in damp fruits and the process of decay quickly begins. To date, the most common varieties of hazelnuts are "kerasund" (conical), "trebizond", "Crimean" (round) and elongated nuts "Badem".

Vitamin and mineral composition

Any products of plant origin are unique in their own way, as nature saturates them with a variety of substances that are very useful for our body. The hazelnut is no exception. The nut kernel is 25% vegetable protein, 15% carbohydrates (sucrose and starch), but the main advantage of these fruits is the rich content of fats, or rather, fatty acids - 60%. Moreover, these acids are presented in hazelnuts in all their diversity. It contains both saturated (palmitic, stearic) and monounsaturated (oleic) and polyunsaturated (linoleic) acids. All this determines the high nutritional value of cultivated hazel. 100 grams of hazelnuts contain about 700 kilocalories, which is important for a growing child's body, weakened malnourished people and supporters of a vegetarian diet.

Hazelnuts are rich in such biologically active substances as beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), vitamins C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol), PP (niacin), K (phylloquinone), as well as group B (thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic and folic acid). From the extensive list of mineral components, the presence of potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, and iron should be distinguished. Also, the composition of these natural gifts is supplemented with amino acids vital for the human body (arginine, leucine, tryptophan, glycine, etc.), flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds. Of course, such a wide list of useful components attracts the attention of people who care about their health, but it should be remembered that due to the high calorie content, you should not consume hazelnuts in excessive quantities. It is recommended to consume these nuts little by little, as a delicacy treat.

Useful properties of hazelnuts

When it comes to the benefits of any natural product, first of all, its healing qualities are meant. Of course, with the help of nuts, it will not work to treat serious diseases, but it is quite possible to reduce the risk of developing a particular disease. Therefore, based on the rich vitamin and mineral composition, we will consider the health benefits of hazelnuts as a source of vital energy and a prophylactic against many diseases. Currently, many people are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, which, of course, is a welcome fact. Some people prefer a plate of whole grain cereal for breakfast, others eat low-fat cottage cheese, others choose yogurt with fruit or just drink orange juice. It is equally useful to have hazelnuts in the house, which are desirable to eat in the morning as soon as a person wakes up. Nutrition experts believe that a morning dose of 15 to 20 nucleoli is an excellent energy boost for the whole day. If such consumption of forest nuts becomes a habit, then a feeling of vivacity, vitality and performance during the day will be provided.

Benefits for blood vessels, heart and circulatory system

Due to the high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as B vitamins, hazelnuts have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, protecting the “motor” of our body from various diseases. Regular use of these gifts of nature strengthens the heart muscle (myocardium), increases the level of hemoglobin, resists the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. And the amino acids present in hazelnuts relax blood vessels, stabilize blood pressure, and most importantly, prevent blood stickiness, which significantly reduces the likelihood of developing thrombosis and varicose veins. Also, don't forget about important heart nutrients like potassium and magnesium. These trace elements provide conduction of the heart impulse, regulate metabolic processes in the myocardium, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease.

Benefits for the nervous system

Modern life, filled with stress, worries, various fears, affects the health of almost all people in the most negative way. Irritability and long periods of depression are accompanied by headaches, insomnia and malfunctions of the internal organs and systems of our body with all the ensuing consequences. An extensive list of B vitamins present in hazelnuts ensures the transmission of impulses between nerve cells, participates in the production of neurotransmitters, which can become a reliable and impenetrable barrier to the development of asthenia, epilepsy, parkinsonism, encephalopathy, migraine and just periodic nervous breakdowns. In addition, hazelnuts have a positive effect on the functioning of the brain. In particular, many students often include these nuts in their nutritious diet in order to get energy recharge and activate thought processes, and for the elderly, one of the most terrible ailments is such a neurodegenerative pathology as Alzheimer's disease. It quietly sneaks up on a person, but its consequences are extremely destructive. An elderly person becomes unable to adequately assess the surrounding reality, and as the disease progresses, he almost completely loses speech and memory. The inclusion of hazelnuts in the diet of nuts will help to completely eliminate or significantly postpone the threatening danger of developing complete disability and the ability to navigate in the environment.

Benefits for the digestive system

The vegetable fiber contained in the cultivated fruits of the forest hazel normalizes the functioning of the intestines, has the ability to cleanse the body and stop putrefactive processes in the digestive organs. As a result, peristalsis of the intestinal tract is activated, constipation is eliminated, the body is freed from toxins and toxins, which strengthens its defenses and the ability to resist various ailments. Moreover, the mild choleretic effect of hazelnuts allows you to cleanse the liver of harmful toxic substances and metabolic end products. Therefore, hazelnuts are a great help for those people who want to avoid problems with the work of the stomach, intestines, liver and other abdominal organs involved in the digestion of food consumed.

Prevention of oncological pathologies

Medical scientists around the world are constantly looking for effective ways to counter such a terrible disease of mankind as cancer. In particular, from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus Baccata) they learned how to produce semi-synthetically the substance paclitaxel, which has a blocking effect on the division of tumor cells. On its basis, a drug of the same name is produced for chemotherapy. So, it turned out that this cytostatic compound, although in scanty amounts, was also found in hazelnuts. As a result of scientific research, the presence of paclitaxel allows these hazelnuts to be classified as a natural prophylactic against lung, breast and ovarian cancer.

Benefits for men

Diseases that affect the genital area are not uncommon for men. At the same time, the majority of representatives of the strong half of humanity really do not like to visit urologists. Meanwhile, it is useful to know that daily consumption of 50 grams of hazelnuts is a wonderful way to prevent prostatitis. Traditional medicine experts believe that hazelnut fruits significantly enhance the sexual capabilities of the male body and stop the development of inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. And if we take into account the presence of protein in hazelnuts, which helps to strengthen and build muscle mass, as well as zinc, which is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, it becomes obvious that hazelnuts are truly male food.

Benefits for women

There is no doubt that hazelnuts can have a beneficial effect on the health of the female body. The ability of these walnut fruits to thin the blood and prevent such a common disease among the fairer sex as varicose veins has already been mentioned. Also, experts say that the use of the nucleoli of this natural product is very useful for pregnant women. During the period of bearing a child, the vitamins and minerals contained in hazelnuts not only relieve nervous tension in expectant mothers, but also participate in the formation of the placenta. Women who are not indifferent to their appearance know that they make a wonderful, non-drying, fragrant nut oil from the fruits of cultivated hazel, which has a rejuvenating effect. A face mask based on hazelnut oil eliminates wrinkles and bags under the eyes, effectively cleanses pores and is used as a wound healing agent for various skin diseases. And to accelerate hair growth, give them volume, silkiness, shine, many women rub walnut oil into the scalp, which significantly improves their condition.

In addition, these nuts can contribute to weight loss, which is important for any female representative. Yes, hazelnuts are very high in calories, but there is no contradiction here, since they contain very few carbohydrates. This natural product saturates the body, but does not allow it to recover. Therefore, many women seeking to get rid of extra pounds periodically “sit down” on a nutty five-day diet, during which they eat a couple of handfuls of hazelnut kernels every day in 3-4 doses, drinking them with plenty of water. At the same time, it is allowed to eat fruits, vegetables, greens, only it will be necessary to completely exclude animal food, sweets and flour products. Such an easy diet will benefit any female body.

Hazelnut in folk medicine

This article has already said that nuts alone cannot cure existing diseases. However, one cannot ignore the centuries-old experience of traditional healers who have learned to use the healing properties of hazelnuts to improve people's health. In the old days, healers recommended a decoction of the nucleoli of the forest hazel to nursing mothers to increase milk production, and to infants to eliminate gas formation in the intestines. Drugs from the bark of this walnut bush helped men with problems with the prostate gland, and decoctions from hazelnut shells helped people suffering from low blood pressure. Here are a couple of recipes from the vast arsenal of traditional medicine specialists using such a wonderful representative of the nut family.

Recipe 1. Nut milk. Helps with bronchopulmonary diseases, accompanied by a strong exhausting cough, and also enhances lactation in women who are breastfeeding a child. You will need to free the hazelnut kernels from the shell in such a volume that you get 2 cups of peeled nuts. The feedstock is poured with lukewarm water (100 milliliters) and left to infuse for 10 - 12 hours. The nuts will absorb the liquid, after which they need to be ground to a powder state. Then another 100 milliliters of water is poured into the crushed nuts and the container with the mixture is put on fire. Immediately after boiling, the fire is turned off, the drug is cooled and 2 teaspoons of natural honey and half a glass of milk are added to it. Nut milk is taken one tablespoon before breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Recipe 2. Decoction of forest hazel leaves. Helps with heart disease, problems with the vascular system, and is also used as a general tonic. You will need to crush the leaves of the walnut bush and pour 2 tablespoons of raw materials with a glass of boiling water. Homemade medicine is infused for an hour, filtered and taken throughout the day: a third of a glass before each meal.

Hazelnut in cooking

These forest fruits, beloved by many, are fried, crushed and mainly used in confectionery, giving them a unique nutty flavor. Hazelnuts can be found in sweets, chocolate, cookies, cakes, ice cream, curd masses, glazed curds. In some countries, the fruits of cultivated hazel are added to salads, sauces, vegetable dishes, pates, and Italians (not surprisingly) even to pasta. These nuts go well with fruits, berries, cheese, sour milk drinks. And the most famous hazelnut delicacy is churchkhela, a national Georgian dessert. Many have seen merchants in the southern markets and beach bazaars of the Black Sea coast offering to purchase exotic multi-colored "sausages". This is exactly what this Georgian sweet looks like, the recipe of which we offer to our reader.

Ingredients
Hazelnuts - 500 grams;
Freshly squeezed juice (pomegranate, or grape, or apricot, or apple) - 1 liter;
Wheat flour - half a glass;
Sugar - a third of a glass.
A needle and a harsh cotton thread (taking into account that the optimal length of one walnut "sausage" is 30 cm).

Cooking method

At the lower end of the thread, you need to make a knot so that the nuts do not slip off. Thread the hazelnut kernels tightly onto a thread with a needle (you may need a thimble!), leaving 5 centimeters of the upper end of the thread free to make it convenient to hold the churchkhela. Having strung the nuts, make a loop at the upper end of the thread for further hanging the "sausages" to dry.

Fruit juice is poured into a saucepan (but not in an enameled one!), granulated sugar is added and set to boil over low heat, stirring constantly and removing the resulting foam. The volume of juice boiled as a result should be almost halved. The resulting condensed juice is called “badaghi” by Georgians.

One and a half glasses of juice are separated from the cooked "badaga", cooled and the flour is carefully diluted in it (the main thing is that there are no lumps!). The mixture with flour is poured into the bulk of the "badaga", the pan is put on a slow fire and continue to cook, again stirring constantly. The juice should boil down to a thick jelly, while its volume will decrease a little more. The result is a thickened, shiny mass, which is called in Georgian “tatara” (accent on the first syllable).

The entire walnut thread is dipped into the hot “tatara” (but not into the boiling one) (for 20 seconds), after which it is hung up for 2 hours to dry. Then this procedure is repeated several times (dipping the walnut thread into thickened heated juice and drying it) until the thickness of the “tartar” on the churchkhela reaches one and a half centimeters. To speed up the procedure, many craftsmen manage to dip several walnut threads into the "tatara" at the same time. The finished churchkhela is dried in the sun for about 3-4 weeks, making sure that it does not stick to the hands and remains soft. A month later, you can treat your loved ones, friends and long-awaited guests with this exquisite Georgian delicacy.

Thus, the beneficial properties of hazelnuts are beyond doubt, but it is not recommended to abuse these nuts, and you should also be aware of possible allergic reactions to this product. The fact that hazelnuts are a unique gift of nature for a person can hardly be disputed by anyone!

Hazelnut is the fruit of large hazel, or Lombard nut. The fruit (nut) is surrounded by a long cupule. The kernel makes up 25-63% of the mass of the nut. Hazelnuts are used for food, in the confectionery industry and for oil production. The main producers of hazelnuts are the countries of the Mediterranean.

Plant up to 10 m tall with gray branches, densely glandular-pubescent annual shoots. The leaves are rounded or broadly oval, 12 x 10 cm, with a heart-shaped base, with a sharp, short apex, pubescent along the veins below, twice serrated along the edge, with softly pubescent petioles, lanceolate stipules. The fruits are crowded.

Nut wrapper, 2 times longer than its length, tubular, pubescent, with wide teeth at the end. Yellow-brown nuts are almost spherical in shape, 15-25 mm long and 12-20 mm wide.

Useful properties of hazelnuts

Hazelnut is rich in nutrients, in terms of calories (about 700 kilocalories) it exceeds 2-3 times bread, 8 times milk, and chocolate. It contains up to 60% of oil, consisting of glycerides of oleic, stearic and palmitic acids, which prevent the growth of cholesterol in the blood, protect against vascular diseases, and are also essential for a growing body. Hazelnut is also characterized by a high protein content (20%), the presence of vitamins B1, B2,, minerals: potassium, iron, cobalt, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, cyamine, niacin, protein.

The most important feature of vitamin E is its ability to prevent the formation of carcinogenic factors in the body: it is a powerful prophylactic against cancer, as well as diseases of the heart and muscular system. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, iron is necessary for the blood, zinc for the production of sex hormones, potassium for the activity of the nervous and muscular systems.

As a dietary food product, it is used for diseases of the cardiovascular system and anemia, prostate enlargement, varicose veins, phlebitis, trophic ulcers of the glen and capillary hemorrhages. It can also be consumed by people with diabetes, and due to its low carbohydrate content, it can be eaten with a very strict diet without the risk of getting better. It contains substances that promote the introduction of toxins from the body (especially from the liver). The use of hazelnuts prevents putrefactive processes, cleanses the body and strengthens the immune system.

Hazelnuts are a source of energy for humans - 100 g of hazelnuts contains 639 kcal, as well as a high percentage of protein, from 16 to 19%. Hazelnut kernels contain 60 + 5% oil, consisting of glycerides of oleic, stearic and palmitic acids, which prevent the growth of cholesterol in the blood, protect against vascular diseases, and are also essential for a growing body. Therefore, hazelnuts should be an integral part of the nutrition of children, youth, and especially the elderly.

Hazelnut contains substances that remove toxins from the body (especially from the liver). It prevents putrefactive processes, contributing to the cleansing of the body and strengthens the human immune system.

Dangerous properties of hazelnuts

It is not recommended to give hazelnuts to children with chronic severe liver diseases and severe forms of diabetes. A contraindication to the consumption of these nuts can also be diseases of the pancreas, intestines, liver. Another reason why you should give up hazelnuts is individual intolerance. Also, these nuts are not allowed for people suffering from allergies.

It is worth knowing that the norm of daily consumption of hazelnuts is 30-50 gr. If you overdo it with the amount eaten, you can get a real headache. The thing is that a large amount of hazelnuts causes spasm in the vessels of the brain, especially in the front of the head.

It is also not advised to buy nuts without shells. When a hazelnut loses its shell, the disintegration of minerals and vitamins begins in its nuclei, and they lose their beneficial properties. In addition, it is important to know that after six months of storage, hazelnuts dry out and lose a significant amount of value. Therefore, after March-April, one can not hope for a special healing effect from these nuts.

From the video you will learn how to properly plant hazelnut seedlings in order to get a rich harvest.

Hazel or hazelnuts - nuts, whose benefits and harms are discussed in this material, are popular due to their rich taste and relatively low price (30-40% cheaper than almonds). Walnut is actively used in cooking and baking, as well as as an independent product.

vitamins

To answer the question of whether hazelnuts are useful, you can study its vitamin and mineral composition. The following vitamins are present in the hazel kernel:

1. choline (45.6 mg) is involved in the breakdown of fats and their conversion into energy used for breathing and physical activity;
2. E (20.4) - an antioxidant in the composition of hazel, which does not allow free radicals to penetrate into cells and accumulate there, increasing the likelihood of cancer;
3. PP (5.2) is part of an enzyme that provides oxygen saturation of cells;
4. C (1.4) increases immunity and body resistance to viruses and infections;
5. B5 (1.1) as part of the hazel nut promotes cell regeneration and rapid healing of injuries;
6. B6 (0.7) is involved in the formation in the liver of an enzyme responsible for the processing of carbohydrates and fats into energy;
7. B1 (0.3) is also involved in the processes of processing nutrients into energy, stimulates the brain;
8. B2 (0.1) protects the nervous system from the negative effects of stress, therefore it is indicated for men and women whose work is associated with stress (daily rate 5 mg);
9. beta-carotene (0.01), like vitamin E, has an antioxidant effect on the body.

Also in the composition in a minimum amount there are vitamin A (2 mcg), B9 (68 mcg), K (14.2 mcg). Less than fresh, a roasted nut is useful. When heated above 160 degrees, which occurs during the frying process, more than 50% of vitamin E breaks down. Therefore, the health benefits of roasted hazelnuts are slightly lower.

Minerals

The beneficial properties of hazelnuts are also explained by the minerals contained in nuts, their shells and oil from them. The kernels contain the following amount of these substances:

Small amounts contain fluorine (17 µg), cobalt (12.3 µg), selenium (2.4 µg) and iodine (2 µg). The benefits and harms of hazelnuts are almost independent of these minerals, since their content is very low. The calorie content of fresh nuts is 651 kcal. At the same time, the calorie content of 100 g of dried or roasted nuts is higher due to their loss of water.

Use

Hazelnuts, the benefits and harms of which are discussed in the material, like any other nuts, are heavy food for the stomach. It is difficult to digest in the stomach because it is rich in fiber and vegetable fibers (5.9 g). Therefore, it must be consumed in the morning in order for the product to be completely digested and assimilated until the evening.

To avoid weight gain, allergies and stomach pain, it is recommended to consume no more than 30 g of nuts daily for women and 40-50 g for men. If this dosage is exceeded, enzyme deficiency develops in the stomach, and the food stops being digested, resulting in pain. In addition, at a high dosage, the allergen can accumulate in the body and cause a reaction, even if there was no initial allergy to nuts.

Some are interested in whether hazelnuts are good for children. Before reaching the age of 14 years, the product should not be consumed. Weak digestive and immune systems can suffer when consuming such a "heavy" product.

Harm

Hazelnuts, oil from them and other derivatives are included in the group of products of increased allergenicity. Their proteins are often rejected by the immune system and cause it to trigger a defensive reaction - the production of allergic antibodies - histamines. An allergic reaction to hazel nuts and oil from them in men and women most often manifests itself on the skin.

For this reason, hazelnuts should not be consumed by allergy sufferers, as well as by pregnant women. The immunity of pregnant women works in “enhanced mode”, therefore the likelihood of allergies is higher. You can not eat them during lactation. Proteins accumulate in breast milk and can cause allergies in the baby.

Important! The calorie content of nuts is high - 651 kcal. Such a calorie content makes it undesirable to use nuts and oils from them by men and women who are watching their weight.

Hazelnuts, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are discussed in the material, are popular as a delicacy, an independent dish. However, you should not abuse it and eat more than 30 g per day. The calorie content of such a serving is small (about 230 kcal) and it will not lead to the accumulation of substances in the body that could cause allergies over time.

Some symptoms of the appearance:

• weakened immunity, frequent colds;
• weakness, fatigue;
• nervous state, depression;
• headaches and migraines;
• intermittent diarrhea and constipation;
• want sweet and sour;
• bad breath;
• frequent feeling of hunger;
• weight loss problems
• loss of appetite;
• night grinding of teeth, salivation;
• pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
• does not pass cough;
• increased sweating;
• pimples on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or doubt the causes of ailments, you need to cleanse the body as soon as possible. How to do it .

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