Hazelnuts are a tree nut native to the eastern half of North America. Hazelnut trees are relatively easy to grow and begin producing nuts within 4-6 years of being planted. The nuts themselves are relatively small—about the size of a large marble—and round. Fresh hazelnuts are crunchy but can be ground into a creamy paste. They have a rich flavor that is still notable in recipes with other bold flavors, including chocolate.
Health Benefits
In addition to providing a quick source of energy and an easy source of plant-based protein, hazelnuts offer a variety of other health benefits. Here are some of the many ways you might benefit from adding hazelnuts to a healthy diet:
Improve Heart Health
Hazelnuts are a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have several heart-healthy benefits and have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In addition to their omega-3 content, hazelnuts are also packed with antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress that can contribute to hypertension. They contain high amounts of phenolic compounds, which help your heart stay healthy by reducing cholesterol and inflammation.
Reduce Cancer Risk
Oxidative stress may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Manganese superoxide dismutase—one of the antioxidant enzymes found in hazelnuts—helps decrease oxidative stress and may help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Hazelnuts also contain vitamin E, which helps protect cells against the types of cellular damage that can lead to cancer.
Finally, hazelnuts are a key source of proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins are chemical compounds thought to help reduce the risk of cancer. In test tube and animal studies, they prevented and treated certain types of cancer. Further studies are needed to see if the same results hold true for humans, but the initial findings are promising.
Nutrition
Hazelnuts provide a cholesterol-free energy source. They’re packed with healthy fats, including omega-3s, which can be good for your heart. Hazelnuts are also packed with the following key nutrients:
- Vitamin E
- Thiamin
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
Portion Sizes
Nuts are up to 80% fat. While most of the fats in hazelnuts are unsaturated fats, which can be good for you in moderation, fats have about twice the calories per gram as carbs or proteins.
These calories can add up quickly if you’re eating handfuls of hazelnuts as a snack. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes. Consider measuring out your hazelnuts into small portions rather than grabbing an entire bag of nuts. This will help ensure you eat only what you intend to eat.