Hazelnuts are sweet in taste and incredibly nutritious. Botanically, the nuts are fruits from the "birch" or Betulaceae family of trees. The “Filbert” (C. maxima) is similar to the related “common hazel,” differing in having the nut more fully enclosed by the tubular involucre. In Britain, they are usually enjoyed as "cobnuts."
Scientific name: Corylus avellana.
The hazel tree is a small deciduous tree, originated in southern Europe and Turkey. It is now being cultivated in many regions of the world including USA as an important commercial crop.
Hazel tree begin producing fruits about three years after plantation. During each spring season, the tree bears inflorescence (catkins), consisting of cluster of monoecious flowers arranged closely along a central stem that ultimately become fruits by autumn.
Hazelnut oil, extracted from the nuts, has been used in as base or carrier oil in medicine, and in aromatherapy.
Health benefits of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in energy and many health-benefiting nutrients that are essential for optimum health. 100 grams (approx. 4 ounces) of nuts provide 628 calories. They are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic as well as essential fatty acid linoleic acid that help lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
These nuts are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals. Altogether, they help protect from diseases and cancers.
Hazels are exceptionally rich in folate, which is a unique feature for nuts. 100 g fresh nuts contain 113 mcg. Folate is an important vitamin that helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, nucleic acid synthesis, and most importantly, neural tube defects in the fetus. Good news for expectant mothers!
Hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 15 g per 100 g (providing 100% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.
These nuts, like almonds, are free in gluten and therefore are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas in gluten-sensitive, wheat allergies, and celiac disease patients.
The nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), and folates.
They are rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Copper and manganese are essential co-factors for anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron helps prevent microcytic-anemia. Magnesium and phosphorus are important components of bone metabolism.
Hazelnut oil has nutty aroma and has an excellent astringent properties; helps to keep skin well protected from dryness. It has also been used in cooking, and as “carrier or base oil” in traditional medicines in massage therapy, aromatherapy, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
*Click to enlarge the following graphic.
So, have you had your nuts today?
