Healthy Giotto

GOOD TO KNOW

The hazelnut – strong nerve food
They contain more than 60% fat, sometimes even 70%, and a high percentage of valuable unsaturated fatty acids. These have a positive effect on our cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of certain cancers. They also ensure that our cell membranes remain flexible and permeable and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
But the hazelnut also contains over 14% protein and almost 10% carbohydrates, of which a lot of fibre. Its mineral content is also very high: first and foremost phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, but also sulphur and calcium, plus plenty of vitamin E + B, niacin vitamin C.
It also provides tannins that stimulate skin and intestinal function, strengthen blood vessels and normalise blood sugar levels. In combination with the abundant B vitamins, the fatty acids and protein components of nuts are very beneficial for the muscles. Nuts are generally regarded as nourishment for the nerves, which is why hazelnuts should not be missing from any trail mix. But please note: 100g have almost 650 calories!
Other ingredients of the hazelnut have a positive effect on the formation of blood cells and immune cells, and because of its great germination power it is said to contribute to the formation of human eggs and sperm, i.e. it is a “love fruit”.
It is now used in a huge number of preparations: from nougat, chocolate and pralines to sweets, cakes, biscuits and nut nougat creams for bread. However, there are two disadvantages: Firstly, most of these pastes contain a lot of added sugar, and secondly, allergy sufferers who react to hazelnut pollen usually also have an allergy to the nuts too. That’s why you should buy unsweetened nut cream or make it by yourself. What is also important: ground hazelnuts must be consumed very quickly, as they easily become mouldy, in which the oxygen in the air changes the contained fats, making the nuts taste rancid.

Nice To Know:
Did you know that they were among the very first fruits eaten by humans? Pollen discoveries show that the hazelnut spread throughout Central Europe many thousands of years before Christ. What is also very interesting: hazelnut trees sometimes grow up to 20 metres high (e.g. in the Himalayas).