Hazelnuts: uses and nutritional benefits

• Anti-oxidant (flavonol, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, vitamin E): Hazelnuts have a high antioxidant capacity. Indeed, the ORAC score of Hazelnuts is estimated at 9645 µmol TE/100g. This score is explained by the concentration of antioxidant trace elements. We find copper, manganese, selenium and zinc which metabolizes free radicals by activating antioxidant enzymes. Hazelnuts also have a phenolic compound (flavonols) and vitamin E. The latter are powerful anti-oxidants.

• Cardiovascular protector (oleic acid, fiber, vitamin E, flavonol, copper, selenium, manganese, zinc): Hazelnuts protect against cardiovascular complications thanks to their lipid profiles. They are composed mainly of omega 9: oleic acid. Oleic acid is involved in cholesterol metabolism and is known to protect the cardiovascular system. In addition, Hazelnuts fight against cholesterol peroxidation and inflammation, which protects the vessels from atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol.

• Appetite regulator (fiber, lipid): Hazelnuts have a low glycemic index due to their low sugar content, richness in lipids and fiber. Thus, they help the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar levels promote feelings of satiety.

• Contributing to fertility (zinc, selenium): Hazelnuts contribute to male fertility. Carriers of zinc and selenium, these micronutrients are involved in the functioning of human reproductive functions. Zinc makes up the seminal fluid and maintains testosterone levels (hormone which participates in libido and the development of secondary sexual characteristics); selenium participates in the synthesis of spermatozoa.

• Laxative (fiber): Hazelnuts are rich in insoluble fiber. Insoluble fibers have the power to swell on contact with water. Within the intestinal lumen, they increase the volume of stools which accelerates transit.

• Contributing to energy metabolism (lipid, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B9, zinc, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B5): Hazelnuts have lipid energy. These products have a high energy yield: 9 kcal per 1 g of lipid consumed. This means that small quantities of Hazelnuts are enough to refuel the body. Especially since they provide numerous micronutrients for energy metabolism, we are talking here about zinc, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, vitamins B9, B6, B1 and B5.

• Anti-inflammatory (vitamin B9, vitamin B6): Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin B9 and a source of vitamin B6. These neutralize homocysteine, a pro-inflammatory amino acid. More precisely, it is through the methionine cycle that vitamin B9 intervenes, this cycle transforms homocysteine ​​into methionine, a non-inflammatory amino acid. Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor to produce cysteine ​​from homocysteine. Cysteine ​​is also important and is non-inflammatory.

• Immunomodulating (copper, selenium, vitamin B9, iron, zinc, vitamin B6): Hazelnuts encourage the proper functioning of the immune system by providing immunomodulating nutrients.

• Skin regenerating (copper, manganese, zinc): Hazelnuts contribute to maintaining healthy skin through their zinc intake. In addition, they contribute to the formation of connective tissue thanks to copper and manganese. Connective tissue supports the skin and contributes to its overall appearance.

• Skin protector (copper): Hazelnuts are rich in copper. Copper participates in the formation of melanin. This pigment acts as a screen against the sun's ultraviolet rays, which protects the genetic apparatus of cells.

• Anti-anemia (copper, vitamin B9, iron, vitamin B6): copper, iron and vitamins B9 and B6 are necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells: erythropoiesis. Hazelnuts contain these three nutrients, they thus contribute to the formation of red blood cells. Especially since they are rich in copper: copper participates in the transport of iron. Iron is therefore easily mobilized for erythropoiesis.

• Remineralizing (magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, vitamin B5): Hazelnuts are full of minerals, in particular magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and calcium. All are stored in bones, which contributes to their strength. The strong point of Hazelnuts is the supply of vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 participates in the metabolism of vitamin D: vitamin which increases the absorption and fixation of calcium.

• Hair strengthener (copper, selenium, zinc): copper, selenium and zinc influence the appearance of hair. Copper stimulates the formation of melanin, which influences hair pigmentation. Selenium and zinc contribute to maintaining hair. By providing these three trace elements, Hazelnuts strengthen the strength and color of the hair.

The hazel tree is a well-known tree in France. It belongs to the Betulaceae family. It is believed to originate from the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, around the edge of the Dead Sea. The hazel colonizes forest edges and clearings and appreciates rich soils. This shrub measures 2 to 5 m, its trunk is grayish and its leaves are short-petiolate. The flowers appear from January to March, long before the leaves. The hazel tree is monoecious: it has male flowers which form hanging yellowish catkins, and female flowers, inconspicuous, in a gray bud where only the red stigmas are visible at their tops.

The hazel tree fruits at the end of summer. Its fruit, the Hazelnut, is an achene protected by a tough shell. In 2017, more than one million tonnes of Hazelnuts were produced worldwide, with Turkey being the main producer (65%), followed by Italy and Azerbaijan. The hazel tree is also appreciated by truffle growers: certain hazel plants are said to be "mycorrhizal", meaning that they are capable of producing truffles under certain conditions.

Hazelnut taste, Hazelnut fragrance, Hazelnut flavor, Hazelnut aroma... So many variations that arouse the interest of our taste buds. They remind us as much of the power of roasted hazelnuts; as a cocooning moment subtly accompanied by a Noisette coffee. The aromatic notes of Hazelnut are highly sought after and arouse enthusiasm among the food industry. A study dated 2018 shows that the aroma of Hazelnuts and a clever mixture of aromatic notes responsible for the flavors of malt, butter, earth, caramel and... Moldy.