Link With Lower Rates of Cancer

The high concentration of antioxidant chemicals, vitamins, and minerals in hazelnuts may provide anti-cancer benefits. Hazelnuts have the highest concentration of proanthocyanidins, a type of antioxidant found in nuts such as pecans and pistachios. Proanthocyanidins have been found in animal and test-tube experiments to help prevent and treat some types of cancer. They are thought to defend against oxidative stress. Furthermore, hazelnuts are high in vitamin E, another potent antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cell damage that may cause or promote cancer.

Similarly, a one-ounce serving of hazelnuts has 87% of the RDI for manganese. Manganese has been proven to aid the functioning of specific enzymes, which may minimize oxidative damage and the risk of cancer. Several in vitro studies have suggested that hazelnut extract may be useful in the treatment of cervical, liver, breast, and colon cancer. Furthermore, after an eight-week study period, an animal trial employing a product made from hazelnut skin extract resulted in a lower risk of colon cancer. Because most studies on the advantages of hazelnuts against cancer growth have been conducted in test tubes and on animals, further human studies are required.