Hazelnuts and hazelnuts (hazelnuts): benefits and harms

The benefits and harms of hazelnuts have been studied scientifically and assessed by consumers. Many people know about the incredible satiating properties of nuts, replenishing energy reserves, and the ability of hazel fruits to cause intoxication. If on occasion you happen to enjoy a sweetish, buttery nut, it is important not to think about the consequences.It is better to first familiarize yourself with the useful product, find out the composition and some features of hazel, its ability to influence the body of healthy people even in the presence of pathology.

Hazelnuts and hazelnuts - what's the difference?

Nuts account for some percentage of the grocery basket. The assortment on store shelves of various types is quite large. When choosing between hazelnuts and hazelnuts, you rarely meet someone who knows the difference. Visually similar nuts are beneficial, but they also have some differences.

Hazelnut or hazel is a wild crop. The abundance of the harvest can be seen on the bushes in the thickets of the deciduous forest. Man's attempts to make the plant domestic were partially successful, since due to the lack of space in the country house or garden plot, large hazel harvests should not be counted on. In addition, the nut “in captivity” becomes more whimsical and requires special attention: rejuvenation, pruning, feeding.

Hazelnuts were bred by breeders and are a cultivated type of nut. There are many varieties of this type of tree, they are characterized by high productivity, have larger fruits and bring more benefits. Also, hazel is not an overly expensive product, but at the same time it is not inferior in taste and valuable qualities to more “elite” nuts.

When growing a garden crop - hazelnuts, summer residents do not have problems, since the tree is able to extract nutrients from the depths of the earth and does not need frequent saturation of the soil. A big advantage of cultivated nuts is their resistance to pests; therefore, there is no need to use chemicals to treat the nuts. Also, when compared with hazel, the fruits are significantly superior in size and taste.

Chemical composition of hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are a source of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids necessary for the body. It is much more nutritious than usual everyday foods - meat, potatoes, eggs. Most of the weight of the hazel is the kernel (60%), the rest of the nut is the shell. The most favorable climate for comfortable growth of hazelnuts is the Mediterranean countries.

Several centuries ago, yogis described the nutritional value of hazelnuts in a few lines: nuts exceed the nutritional value of eggs, they are superior to butter in terms of fat, and superior in protein to meat, but at the same time, it is more convenient for the digestive system to process hazel, since it does not require the expenditure of a large volume of gastric juices.

Composition of microelements and macroelements in hazelnuts

Macro- and microelements in hazelnuts are presented in the table.

What vitamins are in hazelnuts?

The vitamins in hazelnuts are described in the table.

Vitamin A helps strengthen barrier functions in the body, helps resist viruses, bacteria, and restore damaged cells. Hazel is endowed with powerful regenerating properties.Vitamin E is important for prolonging the youth and beauty of women. It is necessary to give elasticity to the skin and shine to the hair. It has the power to stop the aging process for a while, adjust blood circulation and the state of blood flow.

Vitamin K is essential for bone cell synthesis and blood clotting. B4 excludes psycho-emotional disorders and depressive states.

How many calories are in hazelnuts

When following a dietary diet, hazelnuts are introduced into the diet in small portions, since the calorie content per 100 grams is 651 kcal.

A glass of 250 ml contains up to 165 g of hazel kernels, it follows that after consuming such an amount of delicacy, the body receives almost the daily calorie requirement of a person on a diet - 1074.2 kcal.

In a 200 ml glass, 130 g of hazelnuts - 846.3 kcal. If you scoop up nut kernels with a tablespoon, you will get up to 30 g of product, which is 196 kcal and can replace the nutritional value of a full-fledged snack.

How many carbohydrates are in hazelnuts

With the norm of carbohydrates for the body being 211, hazelnuts contain 9.4 g. Of the total digestible mass, starch and dextrins account for 5.8 g, 3.6 g are sugars.

The benefits of hazelnuts for the human body

To get the maximum benefit from hazelnuts, it is recommended to consume them in small portions raw.Roasted nuts are also healthy, but during heat treatment most of the valuable substances are lost. For people who are scrupulous about counting calories, it is also worth remembering that raw hazelnuts are lower in calories.

Regardless of gender type and physiological characteristics, a person needs to include hazel in their diet for the following reasons:

• a small handful of hazel nuts can relieve hunger;
• hazelnuts help to quickly restore strength after surgery;
• eliminates iron deficiency (anemia, anemia), improves blood composition;
• hazel improves the function of the myocardium and vascular system - gives them strength and elasticity;
• the nut has a positive effect on the patient’s condition with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis;
• hazelnuts restore nutrient reserves;
• nut strengthens muscle fibers;
• the core has a positive effect on the function of the digestive organs;
• hazel has antioxidant properties, removes toxic compounds and toxins;
• eating hazelnuts prevents the manifestation of neoplasms of any etiology;
• the nut stimulates brain function, improves the efficiency of the function;
• Regular consumption of hazel normalizes sleep, calms the nervous system, and eliminates signs of depression;
• consumption of hazelnuts eliminates vitamin deficiencies and eliminates the occurrence of vitamin deficiency;
• the nut is an excellent anthelmintic;
• hazel quickly regenerates tissue after a burn;
• The nut has a healing effect for dermatitis.

The list of possibilities makes hazel an indispensable product on the table, but it should be noted that the nut affects all people differently. While admiring the beneficial properties, one should also take into account the contraindications of hazelnuts for the body.

What are the benefits of hazelnuts for women?

The nut is beneficial for women and it is difficult to overestimate the properties of hazelnuts. It is used:

• for the treatment of breast cancer;
• as a remedy for obesity;
• as an alternative to drugs that cleanse the liver of toxins;
• to improve the condition of skin, hair, nails;
• during intense physical activity;
• as an excellent immunostimulant;
• with a tendency to melancholy, depression;
• for the prevention of atherosclerosis;
• if necessary, improve brain activity;
• to improve lactation.

When combining nuts with milk, the product helps cope with infectious diseases.

What are the benefits of hazelnuts for men?

Consumption of hazelnuts can prevent problems associated with the prostate, and the nut, thanks to the phytosterol included in the structure, reduces the content of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

The composition of the nuclei stimulates the production of male hormones, which has a positive effect on the quality of sperm and intimacy.

What are the benefits of hazelnuts during pregnancy?

Doctors often recommend diluting a pregnant woman’s usual diet with hazelnut kernels. Nuts have a beneficial effect on pregnancy and fetal development. They also regulate the weight of the expectant mother and improve bowel movements, eliminating constipation. A small handful of hazel nuts can quickly saturate the body; the benefits for pregnant women are obvious - hazelnuts control weight, which is important for women during this period.

During the formation of the baby's skeleton, the nut performs the construction function of bone tissue and has a positive effect on nerve cells. Hazelnuts can easily replace vitamin complexes prescribed by a specialist.

The structure of hazel contains calcium and phosphorus, which are so important for the construction function of bone tissue.Tocopherol is involved in the formation of proper functioning of the respiratory organs. Vitamin E affects the maturation of the placenta and metabolic processes in it, and prevents exfoliation.

A pregnant woman needs foods that are beneficial and contain iron, as it is involved in hematopoietic processes. Hazelnuts help improve blood quality.

What are the benefits of hazelnuts for children?

Hazelnuts can be introduced into a child’s diet from the age of three. From this age, children independently absorb healthy food components. For children:

• from 3 to 5 years old it is not recommended to give more than 3 nuts per day;
• from 5 to 7 years - up to 4;
• from 7 years - up to 7 pieces.

Children are given nuts to give them strength, strengthen their immune system, and provide them with vitamins.

Hazelnuts are useful for children, as they have a positive effect on the development of the skeleton, muscular system, and mental development. When treating your baby to kernels, you don’t have to include pharmacy vitamins in your diet.

Is it possible to eat hazelnuts while breastfeeding?

Hazelnut kernels are useful for breastfeeding, as they stimulate milk production during lactation. They affect the quality of the secretion, enriching it with nutritional components. Prolonged natural feeding of a baby helps to build strong immunity, therefore, it is important for every woman to extend the period of breastfeeding for a year, two or more.

Is it possible to eat hazelnuts while losing weight?

Having chosen a low-calorie diet for yourself, there is no doubt that 30 g of healthy nuts will not undo all the work, but it is necessary to include them in the overall calorie count. The best time to take treats is the first half of the day, as a snack.

Use of common hazel in medicine

Common hazel, or hazel, has found its use in medicine, but only in alternative medicine. Adherents of conservative therapy do not use medicines based on plant components that provide benefits. In the 20th century, the external remedy “L2 Lesovaya” was prepared from hazel. The liquid was prescribed for dermatological problems, but due to its low effectiveness it was discontinued.

Due to the fact that non-traditional methods of treatment are popular today, people derive many beneficial properties from the kernels, leaves, and bark of hazelnut bushes.

Forest hazel has the following effects:

• regenerating, restorative;
• disinfectant;
• antipyretic;
• strengthening the barrier functions of the body;
• astringent, antidysenteric;
• improving digestive function;
• cleansing the ureters from stones;
• vasodilator.

The abundance of potassium in hazel improves the condition of the cardiovascular system, since, by replacing sodium, it relieves the muscle from excessive stress. Under the influence of the element, the vessels become stronger and more elastic. Hazelnuts are recommended for use when diagnosed with:

• heart failure;
• IHD;
• age-related wear and tear of the heart;
• atherosclerosis;
• varicose veins, thrombophlebitis;
• angina pectoris, hypertension;
• cerebral vascular sclerosis;
• haemorrhoids.

With the help of calcium and phosphorus, bone tissue is formed, bones and teeth are renewed. Phosphorus also saturates tissues, muscles, and nerves with energy. It follows from this that hazel kernels are indicated for the following conditions:

• excessive mental stress;
• joint ailments;
• rheumatism;
• neuropathy, senile dementia;
• pathologies of the bronchi and lungs.

Fatty acids contained in hazel nuts heal ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory foci in the digestive system, improve the function of bile secretion, and reduce blood toxicity.

Hazelnuts for type 2 diabetes

If you have high blood glucose levels, hazelnuts can be consumed raw or roasted. From the small list of acceptable species, hazel differs in that it contains more manganese and does not contain sodium or cholesterol. Eating 30 g of kernels per day can be a good way to prevent diabetes.

Hazelnuts for gout

For gout on the legs, all types of nuts are recommended, except peanuts; seeds are also useful. Hazel should be preferred because of its positive effect on bones and joints.

Hazelnuts for potency

Hazelnuts are essential for men's health. It improves blood circulation, maintains fat balance, and prevents blockages of blood vessels with cholesterol plaques. Full blood circulation and the quality of potency have a close relationship.

Thanks to zinc and selenium in the structure of hazelnuts, the production of male hormones is improved, sperm with better quality indicators is synthesized. Lysine amino acids present in the nuclei enhance erection.

Hazelnuts for gastritis

Like any nut, hazel is hard on the stomach. The nut is hard, and with gastritis it can cause unpleasant symptoms.In order for the kernels to have a therapeutic effect on lesions in the digestive organs, it is recommended to first crush the nut or chew it more intensively. The product must be included in the daily diet, but not in the phase of exacerbation of the pathology.

Treatment of prostatitis with hazel

Leaves, fruits, oil, and hazelnut bark are used to treat prostatitis. Alternative medicine has learned to use all the components of the plant for medicinal purposes. To eliminate the disease, prepare any convenient dosage form from hazel or resort to the proposed methods:

• therapeutic heating: put hazel leaves and branches (1/3 of the container) into a 0.5 liter pan, cook after boiling for 25 minutes - heat the prostate area over the pelvis;
• infusion of hazel leaves: leaves crushed in a coffee grinder with hazelnut bark (2 tablespoons), pour boiling water (400 ml), wrap, leave for 2 hours - drink half a glass four times a day;
• hazel bark for prostatitis: crushed bark (2 tablespoons), combine with boiled water (400 ml), simmer in a bathhouse (10 minutes), add a glass of warm water to the resulting volume - take half a glass four times a day.

Use of hazelnut shells in folk medicine

Hazel shells are beneficial for both men and women. It is used to treat prostatitis and uterine fibroids. Hazelnut peel decoction has a wide range of effects. By consuming the required dose before each meal, it heals the genital area, improves reproductive function, and gets rid of colitis, low blood pressure, and weakness.

Decoction of hazelnut shells: hazel shells from 2 kg of nuts, pour water (3 l), bring to a boil, simmer for 4 hours, then leave for 45 minutes - consume 30 ml before meals.

Hazelnut shells are crushed to a powder and added to the bath when bathing. For problems with joints, dermatological ailments, dysentery, the shells of hazel kernels provide an excellent therapeutic agent.

In crushed form, hazelnut shells are a ready-made substance for hemorrhoids and chronic diarrhea.

There are effective recipes from the peel against toxins, waste, and oncology. Tincture on hazelnut shells: unripe hazel fruits (15 pieces), pour vodka or diluted alcohol (1.5 l) - keep without access to light for up to 40 days. Take 1 tablespoon in the morning, before meals.

Which is healthier - hazelnuts or cashews?

To figure out which fruit is healthier, it’s worth giving them a brief description.

1. Hazel includes 12% protein, 16% carbohydrates, more than 60% fat, and a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. It is not prohibited to eat nuts even with high blood glucose levels. Hazelnuts have the ability to cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Indicated for pathologies of the heart and bloodstream, varicose veins. Due to its low carbohydrate content, hazel is acceptable and beneficial in dietary nutrition.
2. Cashews include niacin, carotene, and riboflavin. Indications for use may be: inflammatory pathologies on the gums, dermatological diseases, dystrophy. In India it is used as an antidote.

In the world, cardiovascular pathologies occupy a leading position in the list of dangerous diseases. You can combine several types of nuts, because they are not only a food product, a delicacy, but also an auxiliary medicine in treatment.

How many hazelnuts can you eat per day?

The norm for nuts for an adult is considered to be 30 g of hazelnuts per day, which is about 10 pieces.If necessary, follow a diet, the volume is reduced to 20 g.

Children are given hazel with special care. Introduced into the diet from the age of 3, starting with one kernel, gradually increasing to 7 pieces.

During gestation and lactation, the volume of hazel does not change, but it is recommended to use it in crushed form to avoid heaviness in the stomach. A nursing mother should remember that the nut is an allergen and should carefully monitor the baby’s reaction to the product. Hazelnuts with honey are useful, but not everyone can consume two allergens at the same time while breastfeeding; it is better to introduce foods into the diet one at a time.

How long does it take to digest hazelnuts?

Hazel is good for a snack, as a few kernels can satisfy your hunger for 2-3 hours. This is explained by the fact that it takes time to digest hazelnuts. Nutritionists recommend consuming the product in the first half of the day or soaking the kernels in water before use. After this procedure, the process of hazel processing is accelerated.

Hazelnut strengthens or weakens

Hazelnuts are difficult to digest, but when consumed correctly they are beneficial. If you do not exceed the recommended dose, the stool will be normal. When consuming large volumes of hazelnut kernels, constipation is guaranteed, which can subsequently cause hemorrhoids.

Why are hazelnuts bitter?

Hazel is saturated with fats, therefore, during long-term storage the product can become rancid. An unpleasant aftertaste is a sign that the hazelnut harvest was last year or was improperly stored.

Hazelnut poisoning

The benefits of hazelnuts are obvious, and it is almost impossible to harm the body with nuts. But it doesn’t take much for a useful product to become dangerous.

If hazel is stored without shells, it quickly deteriorates.Dismissing the bitter taste, further consumption may cause foodborne illness. Symptoms can be felt if a person is allergic to the product, as well as with individual immunity.

In case of poisoning with hazelnut kernels, the symptoms are as follows:

• nausea and vomiting;
• abdominal cramps;
• diarrhea;
• prostration;
• loss of consciousness;
• tachycardia alternates with bradycardia.

At the first sign of nut poisoning, you should call an ambulance.

Allergy to hazel

Hazelnuts bring great benefits and, in some cases, quite serious harm. The allergic reaction occurs due to pollen in the fruit and a protein similar in structure to that found in birch. Hazel causes the development of serious asthma, Quincke's edema, and anaphylactic shock. Since hazel begins to bloom at the end of March, you should prepare for this period in advance. Hazel leaves are endowed with medicinal properties, but there are also contraindications - people diagnosed with hay fever should avoid such treatment methods.

Signs of an allergy to hazel:

• inflammation of mucous tissues;
• itching, urticaria;
• blurred vision;
• sneezing;
• soreness;
• labored breathing;
• peeling of the skin.

Signs of the disease require medical intervention. It is important to smooth out symptoms in a timely manner to prevent the development of chronic bronchial asthma.

Contraindications to the use of hazel fruits

Despite the beneficial properties of hazel, there are also contraindications for the product, which should be taken into account so as not to harm your health and not aggravate the course of certain pathologies.

Eating large amounts of hazel nuts can cause:

• allergic reaction;
• headache;
• constipation.

Hazel is not used for autoimmune diseases and people with sensitization. You should not eat hazelnuts if you have psoriasis, diathesis, urticaria, or dermatitis.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of hazelnuts are two concepts with a fine line between them. Possessing medicinal properties, the nut, like any medicine, can be a panacea, or it can turn into poison overnight. Even if you consider a healthy product as a delicacy, it is important to observe the measure so as not to create health problems for yourself.

Recommended Posts

Hazel (hazelnut): planting and care in open ground

Bear nut (Hazel tree)

Hazelnut Purpurea

Red-leaved hazelnut

Manchurian hazel

hazelnut tree

Why does hazel not bear fruit in the garden?

How to roast hazelnuts

Hazelnut pruning