Hazelnuts

Special Precautions of Hazelnuts

Hazelnut seems to be safe for most people in food amounts. But some people are allergic to hazelnuts and have had serious allergic reactions including life-threatening breathing problems (anaphylaxis). People who are allergic to peanuts, mugwort pollen, Brazil nut, birch pollen, and macadamia nut might also be allergic to hazelnut.

The benefits of Hazelnuts are

Hazelnuts provide many benefits if included in a well-balanced diet. These nuts have many health benefits that aid in protection against diseases.

• Hazelnuts are known for their Vitamin E components that are essential in developing the muscles, especially that of the heart – one of the most important organs in the body.
• As a form of protection from anemia.
• Another major benefit of hazelnuts is that they increase the production of red blood cells that aid in transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. This is because hazelnuts are rich in folic acids that are needed by both babies and adults.
• Like other nuts, they also contain good amounts of protein necessary for the production of muscle tissues.
• Cardiovascular Benefits : Hazelnuts are rich in unsaturated fats, the kind that are actually good for the heart. Much of this fat is oleic acid, shown to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and raise the "good" HDL kind. One cup of hazelnuts contains almost half of our recommended daily amount of magnesium, a mineral that regulates calcium levels in muscles. When calcium levels are high the heart may contract, and beat irregularly. Proper amounts of magnesium keep the heart from overexerting itself by promoting healthy rests between contractions.
• Cancer Prevention : Studies have found that the alpha-tocopherol type of vitamin E hazelnuts are so rich in may cut the risk of bladder cancer in half. Additionally, the manganese so abundant in hazelnuts goes a long way in protecting the body from cancer. Manganese is a constituent of an antioxidant enzyme produced in the mitochondria of the cells to protect the body from cancer.
• Muscles : Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the amount of calcium that goes into and out of the cells of the body. The proper amount of calcium at the proper time encourages muscle contraction, and allows the muscles to relax when they're not needed. This avoids muscle tension, soreness, spasm, cramps and fatigue. According to one Italian study, higher magnesium levels also increased the strength of the muscles.
• Skin Health : One cup of hazelnuts contains 86% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E. Vitamin E has been proven to protect skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as skin cancer and premature aging.
• Bone and Joint Health : About two thirds of the magnesium the body uses goes towards building the structure and strength of the skeletal system. Magnesium is a key mineral in the makeup of the bones, and is so important that the body stores extra magnesium on the surface of bones to be used in case of an emergency deficiency. Hazelnuts are also rich in manganese, a mineral essential for the growth and strength of bones. Post-menopausal women are often deficient in manganese and can benefit from its ability to increase the density of bone, and fight osteoporosis.
• Nervous System The nervous system needs amino acids in order to function, and amino acids require vitamin B6. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin B6. Moreover, vitamin B6 is necessary for the creation of myelin, the insulating sheath of the nerve that increases the speed and efficiency of electrical impulses, allowing the nervous system to operate optimally. What's more, vitamin B6 is instrumental in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, and epinephrine.
• Digestive Tract Health : Hazelnuts are rich in manganese, which is an enzyme activator and a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It also promotes protein and carbohydrate metabolism. The high content of fiber in hazelnuts assures regular movement of food and waste through the digestive tract, distributing the burden of work evenly along the way and promoting the proper balance of chemicals and microorganisms necessary for a healthy digestive system.
• High in B Vitamins : Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 and B9 (folic acid). We rely on the B vitamins to dismantle proteins, fats and carbohydrates for us, thereby providing us with the energy we need to function. The B vitamin complex is used throughout the body, particularly for the health of nervous system. The B vitamins assuage stress, anxiety and depression. They also improve the memory and are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. B9 aids hormone synthesis and riboflavin is necessary for healthy red blood cells. Niacin improves skin health ensures the normal function of the digestive and nervous systems. Some B vitamins help build and repair damaged DNA.