Hazelnut: Good 2ur Core

One of the finest foods you can ever feed yourself, is that of hazelnut. Hazelnut inspires confidence because it carries the frequencies of goodness and kindness. Combine that with the fact it is a nut - and nuts are the seeds, the beginning, the core of everything. There is no finer nut you can put into your body, than one that tells your heart, mind, body and emotions that you are good to the core. Hazelnut is scientifically the most beneficial nut for your heart, as well as reducing risks of Alzheimer’s, cancer and depression.

There are many ways to savor hazelnuts. You can munch a handful as a snack, or even grind them into nut butter and enjoy them on crackers or as a PB & J sandwich alternative. For massage and skincare, there are few ingredients as divine as hazelnut oil, yet it’s short shelf life makes it difficult to find in products. We enjoy hazelnut syrup in coffee, hazelnut flavoring in desserts, and even perhaps hazelnut flour in cooking. The benefits are greatest when it truly comes from a hazelnut, versus an artificial flavoring. However, it tends to carry the frequencies of goodness no matter how you consume it.

As far as the physical benefits of true hazelnut, a group of scientists at the Portland Institute in the United States studied real hazelnut extract (not artificial) and found a substance called paklitakselia. This became the basis for TAXOL, the world famous anticancer substance. Hazelnuts have been found to be a most beneficial nut for your heart health, because they contain several of the most highly beneficial compounds that protect against heart disease. First, they are high in the superb oleic acid, (a fatty acid that helps lower cholesterol), and low in any bad saturated fat. Second, you can eat them as an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium which help lower blood pressure. And third, hazelnuts arginine, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels and helps protect your cardiovascular system. These delightful nuts are deemed one of the most nutritious nuts (along with walnuts, pecans and almonds) because they supply significant amounts of protein and fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain the highest concentration of folate, which reduces risk factors for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and depression.

We live in a world that at this time, unfortunately is not always encouraging and inspiring. To consume a substance that reminds us that we are good and kind, helps us feel better as individuals. It also helps to spread more kindness in the world. The more acts of kindness that each of us does, the better place this world becomes. So find good, fresh hazelnuts and consume them as often as you can...and make this world, and your world a better place.

Hazelnut Recipes

These good to the core recipes makes for a great snack any time of day, or  impress your guests and serve as one of your appetizers for your next soiree.

Honey Roasted Hazelnuts

2 cups raw hazelnuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350. Melt together butter and honey and pour over the nuts. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over nuts and mix well so that all of the nuts are coated evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Spread evenly onto waxed paper and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to a couple of weeks.

Seasoned Roasted Hazelnuts

2 cups raw hazelnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons Braggs liquid aminos
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne or chili powder if desired

Preheat oven to 350. Put all ingredients into a bowl and stir together so that all of the nuts are coated evenly with the seasoning. Place onto a cookie sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Serve at room temperature or store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Recipes by Lydia Marshall