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Hazelnuts Improve Diet

Sharon Palmer

I’m a huge fan of hazelnuts. These delicious, heart-healthy, crunchy nuts, which grow so well in the Pacific Northwest, are not only tasty, but packed with nutrition. In fact, research shows that these heart-healthy nuts can help amp up the nutrition power of your diet, because they contribute important nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin E. In a recent study, older adults who added hazelnuts to their diet for a few months significantly improved their levels of these two key micronutrients, according to new research at Oregon State University. In the study, 32 people aged 55 and older ate about 57 grams of hazelnuts (2 ounces or about one-third cup) daily for 16 weeks. Results showed increased blood concentrations of magnesium and elevated urinary levels of a breakdown product of alpha tocopherol, commonly known as vitamin E. The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition. Older adults are at particular risk for falling short of these nutrients, and lower concentrations are associated with increased risk of age-related health problems including Alzheimer’s disease.

Read more about the study here.

Image: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Hazelnuts, Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

For more studies on plant-based diets and health, check out the following:

My Take on the EAT-Lancet Report on Sustainable, Healthy Diets
High Fiber, Lower Mortality
Eat More Plants, Weigh Less

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