Hazelnut milk is a valuable nutritional source if you are vegan, vegetarian, or suffer from lactose intolerance. Do you know its benefits?
Although most people know it by this name, it is actually a vegetable drink made from hazelnuts and water, in which the nutrients of this fruit are present; to this, we owe its qualities.
What are the nutritional properties of hazelnut milk?
Although its chemical composition does not resemble that of cow’s milk, it offers just as many benefits to the body. This is especially true if its consumption takes place as part of a varied and balanced diet.
Hazelnuts, like all dried fruit, are energetic and complete. They offer vitamins, minerals, proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as fiber and antioxidants. For this reason, a drink based on this fruit ensures the supply of the aforementioned nutrients.
It contributes to the development and formation of tissues
Among the minerals contained in hazelnuts, we find potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron. All of these nutrients are essential for tissue formation and contribute to vital functions and growth. Cellular metabolic processes make use of these essential elements.
At this point, it is necessary to make it clear that calcium is not absorbed 100%, as is the case with dairy products. For those who don’t drink it, however, hazelnut milk can be a valuable source of calcium either. In case you buy vegetable drinks, the advice is to opt for those that report the addition of this nutrient.
Help prevent cardiovascular disease
The predominant fats in dried fruit are unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega 9, also present in almonds and pistachio. Although to a lesser extent, omega 3s are present.
These lipids are crucial for the development and functioning of the nervous system, as well as help to keep bad cholesterol (LDL) low, increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce triglycerides. According to the scientific studies available to us, hazelnut milk helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
Delays aging
Thanks to its content of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, hazelnut milk has antioxidant effects, which helps to prevent cell damage and delay aging. Besides that, it maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels.
It prevents constipation and improves digestive function
Hazelnuts contain fiber, useful for optimizing the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract, as they prevent and improve associated disorders, such as constipation and the formation of diverticula.
Dietary fibers are natural regulators of peristalsis, so they are useful for people suffering from chronic constipation. In any case, the total daily consumption will be adjusted according to the activity of the intestinal microbiota, with which it interacts.
Protects the nervous system
This fruit contains iron, folic acid, and other B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, and B6. Its consumption stimulates neuronal development and protects the nervous system . In fact, it can be consumed from infancy and throughout life.
How to prepare hazelnut milk to preserve its properties?
If you want to make it at home, take note of this recipe. You will need 1 liter of drinking water and some hazelnuts, but if you prefer you could add raisins, dates, vanilla, and other ingredients that add flavor.
- Soak the hazelnuts for 8 hours, so that they double their volume. Keep in mind that they must be raw. If roasted, they are not usable.
- After the indicated time, drain and put them in the blender.
- Pour 3 cups of water for each cup of hazelnuts, but if you want a different texture, you can change the proportions. The water will be added little by little, in order to facilitate the procedure.
- After having blended them, they must be filtered with a sieve to separate the liquid. Eventually, you will have obtained your vegetable drink.
- Pour the liquid obtained into a bottle with a lid and add the aroma you prefer.
Industrial products contain added sugars, you can check this by reading the labels. Sometimes they have the addition of calcium, in order to equate the supply of this nutrient of cow’s milk. Obviously, they also contain preservatives and the preparation takes place with industrial methods.
What to keep in mind about the benefits of hazelnut milk?
This drink is full of benefits, ideal as part of a varied and healthy diet. But remember that it does not contain the same nutrients as cow’s milk.
In case you do not consume dairy products, you must ensure the supply of nutrients such as calcium and proteins with the consumption of other food sources. The ideal would be to consult a nutritionist to prevent problems in the future, as the lack of certain nutrients has serious long-term consequences.
On the other hand, thanks to this drink we protect cardiovascular health and slow down aging. Remember to opt for the natural and homemade variants so as to avoid industrial additives. If you buy it at the supermarket, read the label to be sure of the product you are buying.
