Load With Antioxidants

Hazelnuts contain a high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, which can harm cell structure and accelerate the aging process, as well as cancer and heart disease. Phenolic chemicals are the most abundant antioxidants in hazelnuts. They have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol and inflammation. They may also be useful for heart health and cancer prevention. An 8-week study found that eating hazelnuts, with or without the skin, reduced oxidative stress substantially more than not eating hazelnuts, which had no impact.

The majority of the antioxidants are located in the nut's skin. This antioxidant concentration, however, may decrease after roasting. As a result, it is preferable to consume entire, unroasted kernels with the skin rather than peeled, roasted, or unroasted kernels.