Oh, if only my delicious coffee creamer included real hazelnuts, then I would not have to feel so guilty about my coffee mug that is bigger than my head. Hazelnuts are a, somewhat, surprisingly healthy and amazingly delicious nut. One of my favorite ways to use hazelnuts is in desserts like Linzer Torte Cookies and cakes. It is so yummy, and who knew, it is healthy too! Lat week, we talked about a few healthier dessert options, one of which had hazelnuts.
One of the best perks of the Hazelnut is it's high vitamin B6 and vitamin E content. Vitamin B6 gives us natural energy that is free of that sugar crash and is vital for proper nerve functions. Vitamin B6 is is needed in the creation of myelin. The myelin sheath surrounds a nerve and increases the speed of nervous impulses, myelin is also necessary for nerve fiber regrowth. Vitamin B6 is also needed in the synthesis of epinephrin, serotonin, and melatonin. There is about 36% our daily value of B6 in one cup chopped hazelnuts and 86% of vitamin E . Vitamin E is necessary for skin, aiding in skin regeneration and reducing the harmful effects of UV rays. Vitamin E keeps skin healthier with fewer wrinkles and less sun damage.
Hazelnuts are also high in unsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid. This monounsaturated fatty acid is commonly found in olive oil, grapeseed oil, and many nuts. Studies show that this fatty acid lowers bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increases the good (HDL). The high amount of oleic acid found in hazelnuts make hazelnuts great for those with high cholesteral levels or cardiovascualr issues; especially since it also has high amount of magnesium- a calcium regulator needed for proper muscle contraction. If magnesium levels are too low in our bodies, our muscles can cramp, spasm, and get sore or fatigued easily.
Magnesium is also vital for good bone health. Magnesium is one of the biggest contributors to strong bones and is needed to fight osteoporosis. One cup of chopped hazelnuts has almost half the recommended daily intake of magnesium.