Hazelnut milk is a food of plant origin that is made from the fruits of the hazelnut (Corylus avellana), known as hazelnuts. Like other natural milks, it is easily digested and offers important contributions of vitamin E , folic acid, copper and magnesium , which is why it could become a substitute for cow’s milk , in some cases, for example, in those who are intolerant to lactose ; or a supplement to milk intake in general.
It is a natural antioxidant that prevents the action of free radicals. It can be of great help in the fight against increases in lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) especially to lower the so-called bad cholesterol (LDL) and promote the increase in good cholesterol (HDL).
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What other names does it receive?
Other names that hazelnut milk may receive are “hazelnut milk”, “hazelnut horchata” and “vegetable milk”.
Origin of hazelnut milk
The consumption of hazelnuts by man is so old that there are Chinese manuscripts dating back 5 centuries that already mention it. Through the Greeks and Romans it spread throughout the old continent, where it is still highly appreciated today. Many of the varieties currently cultivated were obtained in the 19th century, in which a great interest in hybridization and selection of hazelnut species developed.
Turkey is by far the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world. They have a cultivation tradition that dates back two thousand years and produces around 75% of what is harvested worldwide.
How much to consume per day?
It is advisable to consume between one and two glasses a day .
How to get hazelnut milk?
Hazelnut milk is extracted from the fruit by liquefying or crushing it with water.
Characteristics and where to buy hazelnut milk
It is whitish in color, thick and homogeneous in consistency and has a sweet taste.
Supermarkets usually have low-quality milks, to go directly to an organic producer without leaving us the salary, it is best to use amazon, we leave you the most valued hazelnut milks:
- Plenish – 1L Organic Dairy Free and Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk (Pack of 8).
- Granovita Vitasol Hazelnut Vegetable Drink – 400 gr
- Ijsalut – dietmilk hazelnut milk 1l nutriops 1lt
Hazelnut milk benefits
Cardiovascular health
It can strengthen the health of the heart and veins due to its antioxidant properties, its content of folic acid and vitamin B 6 . These elements help lower cholesterol and other harmful lipids in the blood, which can help prevent arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes . Additionally, it affects blood pressure levels.
Musculoskeletal system
Given its contribution of vegetable calcium, it helps to maintain bones and teeth . Indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis.
Relaxation
Helps highlight the effects of stress and situations of tension and nerves . This is thanks to its high magnesium content, which promotes muscle relaxation.
In menopause
In combination with soy, it can help mitigate hot flashes typical of the menopausal stage (Climacteric), due to its isoflavone content.
Digestive health
It facilitates digestion and transit through the bolus system, so it can also prevent constipation .
Dermatological health
Due to its high content of Vitamin E, it reduces cellular oxidation and aging ; helps us look younger.
Fertility
Its significant contribution of zinc could be of great help to those who are planning to conceive. Hazelnut milk promotes fertility in both men and women .
Hazelnut milk uses
Used to lose weight
Hazelnut milk is a drink low in cholesterol and fat, as well as being a food with a high nutritional index , so it can become an ally to lose weight without much effort.
It is recommended for weight loss and even for people with diabetes , lactose intolerance, celiacs and vegans.
- For more information you can read this article on How to Improve Lactose Intolerance or Poor Digestion
- Learn to lose weight physically by visiting the following article Tips to have an Exercise Routine
Recommended for its nutrients during pregnancy
Hazelnut milk contains a large amount of folic acid which generates a greater production of red blood cells and could help in the prevention of anemia, it also acts in the production; DNA repair and function; that is, it helps the cell growth of the placenta and the developing baby.
In addition, hazelnut milk offers a large amount of calcium , magnesium and vitamin D vital for the mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Is it good for babies? Why?
Folic acid is involved in the development of the baby , as it helps prevent neural tube defects (anencephaly) and / or spinal cord problems (such as spina bifida), which develop early in the pregnancy process. It is even recommended to drink plant-based milk before conceiving to help prevent these malformations.
Hazelnut milk helps reduce the risk of the baby having other deformities such as cleft lip, heart defects, cleft palate and / or toxemia of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and proteinuria.
Finally, for children, the so-called hazelnut horchata has a large amount of unsaturated and heart-healthy fats, which alternated with cow’s milk promotes a balanced and nutritious diet.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite containing a large amount of folic acid, it is important to bear in mind that it can cause allergies in children under three years of age . It is convenient to balance its consumption with other sources of protein.
Finally, it is a highly caloric drink (it contains up to more than 170 Kcal), unlike cow’s milk that only reaches 70 kcal.
How to make hazelnut milk?
Ingredients
- 200 grams of raw or roasted hazelnuts
- 1 and a half liters of mineral water
- 1 pinch of vanilla
Preparation
- If raw hazelnuts are to be used, it is recommended to soak them overnight and prepare the milk the next day.
- Rinse the hazelnuts several times.
- Blend the hazelnuts on low speed until they form a creamy white-looking or white liquid.
- Strain the drink through a strainer or cotton gauze.
- You can add a pinch of vanilla and sugar, to taste.
Hazelnut oil nutritional information
Hazelnut oil is low in water and rich in fats, especially monounsaturated. It supplies a large quantity of proteins of vegetable origin. It also has a remarkable amount of minerals , including magnesium, zinc, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. In addition to this, hazelnut oil contains vitamins such as A, E and B, (B1, B2, B3, B6) and folic acid.
Learn more about the oil by visiting the following article The power of Functional Oils with Flax and Sesame Seeds
Glycemic index
Hazelnut milk has a glycemic index of 30 GI , however, it has a very low pure carbohydrate content, which in normal amounts does not harm blood glucose levels.
In addition, it has a high insulin content, so it can be suitable in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.
If you liked this article, we invite you to read Everything you need to know about milk
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.