Learn About the Nutritional Benefits of Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts continue to lead the way as a nutritional option. Experts agree that hazelnuts are packed with vitamins, protein, and good fats, earning them the FDA heart healthy seal of approval.

In the food industry, hazelnuts are currently eaten raw, roasted, blanched, minced, sliced, powdered and pureed. Hazelnuts are also used as a premium ingredient in chocolates, biscuits, confectionary products, sweets, pastries and ice cream and in meals and salads. Hazelnuts have not yet reached their full potential in the United States. With much wider sustainable production, they could be a main component of a healthy diet. Many top chefs are choosing to include hazelnuts in more and more recipes and dishes because of their excellent flavor and health value.

Hazelnuts for Your Health

Nuts, in general, are considered very healthy. Hazelnuts rank at or near the top of many of the important health categories. Hazelnuts are a rich source of protein, vitamin E, folate, B vitamins, and arginine. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim that linked nut consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Cooking Oil

Hazelnut cooking oil has a similar composition to extra virgin olive oil with high content in Omega 9 and Omega 6 fatty acid. This makes hazelnuts another healthy cooking oil option with flavorful taste.

Oils are made of both good and bad types of fat. Bad fats are typically saturated fats, while good fats are mono and poly unsaturated fats. The best unsaturated fats include oleic acid, omega 9, omega 6, and omega 3. Compared to other cooking oils, hazelnut oil has really strong good fats, creating a healthy cooking oil alternative. It has been scientifically proven that a balanced intake of omega 3 and 6 along with a high level of omega 9 reduce the risk of cardiovascular related disease.