Hazelnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins B and E, and magnesium. A recent study shows they are also one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidant content, commonly known as “superfoods,” mop up free radicals in the blood stream that can lead to serious diseases.

The most widely accepted method for measuring antioxidants is the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), a test tube measure of the ability of compounds to quench free radicals or oxidants. ORAC measures the capacity of food to destroy the free radicals, which can occur from normal activities such as eating, breathing and exercising.

Results from the recent ORAC study show hazelnuts have one of the highest ORAC values among superfoods. They are also one of the most antioxidant-rich nuts.¹

A similar study found hazelnuts to have one of the highest Proanthocyanidin (PAC) contents among superfoods and the second highest among nuts.² PACs are known to have antioxidant capabilities 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E.

The antioxidants found in PACs may have the ability to strengthen blood vessels, suppress platelet stickiness in arteries, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, delay the onset of dementia and lower blood pressure.

• Click here to download the full results.
  

Source:
¹ Wu et al. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:4026-37
² Gu et al. J Nutr 2004;134:613-17

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