(NaturalHealth365)  Hazelnuts are so much more than just a flavoring for your coffee creamer and cookies.  They make great snacks and can be included in your diet in a variety of ways.  In truth, hazelnuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.

They are even a good source of protein!  With all of these nutrients, they provide you with many more health benefits than you realize.  They are also versatile enough to be used in many different ways.

Hazelnut may help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol

A diet rich in hazelnuts has the potential to reduce the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream.  The best way to maximize the health benefits of hazelnuts is to consume a small amount of them every day.  They can be included in a heart-healthy snack or as an ingredient in your favorite dish.

The fiber and Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids content of the nuts will do wonders to support healthy cholesterol levels and strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.

Surprise!  Blood sugar levels may also benefit from a handful of these nuts

Eating a healthy mixture of nuts, that includes hazelnuts, on a daily basis has been proven to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.  Studies have been performed in the past that show a significant reduction of blood glucose levels when a mixture of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts was consumed every day for 12 weeks.

Its positive effect is understandable when you consider that hazelnuts also contain an abundance of oleic acid, which is integral in how the body responds to insulin.

Want to shed some extra pounds?  Hazelnuts may help

Because of hazelnut’s ability to improve the efficiency of insulin and the body’s response to it, eating nuts will actually lower your risk of obesity.  Minimizing your body’s ability to gain weight – helping you to prevent obesity.

Including more nuts in your diet is the best way to maintain a healthy weight without worrying about gaining unwaned pounds.  Just remember to avoid overconsuming nuts and/or seeds.

Promote regularity and combat constipation by adding this snack to your diet

In order for your body to function efficiently, you need ample amounts of dietary fiber on a daily basis.  When it comes to eliminating waste, efficient bowel movements are a must.

With the amount of dietary fiber contained in hazelnuts, adding a few to your diet in the form of a snack is the best way to maintain regularity and prevent constipation.

Maintain good health with this nutritional “powerhouse”

Nuts are often considered to be miniature powerhouses when it comes to the number of nutrients and fiber.  Hazelnuts are no different.  They contain an abundance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be used whole or chopped up in recipes.  Eating a few hazelnuts every day (approximately 12 – 18 kernels), will give you a reasonable amount and provide you with the nutrients you need to prevent illness and disease.

Hazelnuts have gone unnoticed for years, except as a flavoring for coffee creamer, cookies, and candies.  The fact is, hazelnuts add more than just flavor to your diet.  They also add texture and an abundance of nutrients that you can rely on to maintain good health and overall well-being.  Try some today and see how it works for you. (just be sure they are organic to avoid unwanted chemicals)

Sources for this article include:

WebMD.com
MedicalNewsToday.com
Healthline.com