Properties Of Hazelnut Milk
The properties of hazelnut milk are very nutritious and especially interesting if you are vegan, vegetarian, or lactose intolerant. Do you know what benefits it has?
Although most people know it by that name, we can say that it is actually a vegetable drink made from hazelnuts and water, in which the nutrients contained in this oilseed are present. That’s where his qualities come from.
What are the properties of hazelnut milk?
Although its chemical composition is not similar to animal milk, it also offers benefits to the body. This manifests itself, above all, when incorporated as part of a varied and adequate diet.
In fact, hazelnuts, like other oilseeds, are energetic and complete. They provide vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Thus, a drink made from them guarantees the presence of these nutrients.
Let’s take a closer look at the beneficial properties of this oilseed.
Contributes to tissue growth and formation
According to data from the National Directorate of Argentine Foods, the minerals supplied by hazelnuts include potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron. All of them are needed to form tissue, carry out vital processes and contribute to growth. Small metabolic processes in cells use these essential elements.
We must clarify that their calcium is not 100% absorbed, as is the case with dairy products. However, for those who do not consume them, this can be an important source. If you buy vegetable drinks, it is recommended that you prefer those that are fortified with this nutrient.
Prevents cardiovascular disease
The fats that predominate in oilseeds are unsaturated fatty acids, especially those of the omega 9 family, also present in almonds and pistachios. To a lesser degree, omega 3 is also present.
These lipids are essential for the development and functioning of the nervous system, as well as for keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) at low levels, increasing the good (HDL) and decreasing triglycerides. According to available scientific studies, hazelnut milk has the property of contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
slows down aging
Because it contains zinc, magnesium and vitamin E, hazelnut milk has antioxidant effects among its properties, so it is useful to prevent cell damage and delay aging. In addition, it also maintains the elasticity of blood vessels.
Prevents constipation and improves digestive function
Hazelnuts have fibers that contribute to the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing and ameliorating related symptoms such as constipation and the formation of diverticulitis.
Dietary fiber is a natural regulator of peristalsis, so it is useful in people with chronic constipation. However, its total daily consumption must be established based on the functionality of the intestinal microbiota.
Protects the nervous system
This oilseed contains iron, folic acid and other B-complex vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B6. Therefore, its ingestion benefits neuronal development and promotes nervous system care. It can be taken from childhood and throughout life.
How to make hazelnut milk to preserve its properties?
If you want to make hazelnut milk at home, write this recipe down. You will need 1 liter of drinking water and hazelnuts, but if you want, you can add raisins, dates, vanilla or other ingredients you like:
- First, you should soak the hazelnuts for 8 hours so that they are hydrated enough and double their volume. Keep in mind that they must be raw. It won’t work if they’re toasted.
- After that time, you must remove the water and place them in a food processor.
- In principle, you can use 3 cups of water for every cup of hazelnut soaked, but if you want the drink to be more concentrated, vary the amounts. Add water gradually to make the process easier.
- Once you have this part of the preparation ready, the next step is to pass the drink through a filter cloth to separate the liquid. Once that’s done, you have your vegetable drink.
- Finally, store it in a bottle with a lid and add any sweetener of your choice.
Industrialized versions often have preservatives and added sugar, which you can check by reading the labels. Sometimes they are fortified with calcium to match the same content as animal milk.
What to remember about the benefits of hazelnut milk?
This drink is useful and complementary to a healthy and varied diet, but remember that it does not have the same nutrients as cow’s milk.
If you don’t eat dairy products, you should ensure nutrients such as calcium and protein from other food sources. Ideally, you should consult a nutritionist to avoid future problems, as a deficiency of certain elements has serious long-term consequences.
If you include hazelnut milk in your diet, it will contribute to your cardiovascular health and slow down the aging process. Remember to prefer natural and homemade forms, which are always healthier than industrialized products. However, if you prefer to buy it at a market, read the label to be sure what you are buying.
