Hazelnut oil is an extraordinary ingredient for natural aromatherapeutic beauty products. It is one of the most stable essential oils, known for its regenerating and nourishing properties that promote hydration and well-being.
Nutritional properties
Hazelnut oil for food use has the virtues of most oil seeds, let’s see what they are.
- It is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids , which help lower cholesterol levels in the blood with consequent preventive action against cardiovascular diseases; properties also expressed by phytosterols (phytoestrogens) contained. Its composition of hazelnut oil is very similar to olive oil.
- Flavonoids attribute to hazelnut oil anticancer , anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- It contains as much as 47.2 mg (in 100 grams) of vitamin E, more than almond oil but less than wheat germ oil, the antioxidant par excellence. Vitamins also present: B6, B1, B2 and PP. Useful for the nervous system, brain activity and fatty acid metabolism.
- Among the minerals contained in hazelnut oil we mention calcium and selenium, an excellent anti-aging agent.
- Due to its vitamin and mineral content, it is particularly indicated for convalescence, re-mineralizing and for the nutrition of the elderly and children.
- For external use , last not least, it has anti-inflammatory, healing and astringent properties.
- For the face : hazelnut oil purifies oily and acne-prone skin. It is sebum-balancing, it is quickly absorbed by the skin without greasing and can be used as a milk for facial cleansing. Acts on wrinkles, is nourishing, calms, tones and prevents dehydration. I have a very dry skin and I use it on my face as a cream, with the addition of a few drops of rose or orange essential oil.
- For the body : pure hazelnut oil, mixed with other oils and / or with the addition of essential oils is excellent for massage. It nourishes mature and dry skin, it is excellent for its astringent qualities as an elasticizing agent. It gives tone and elasticity to the skin, useful on stretch marks and scars, it should be tried on still-damp skin, immediately after a shower or bath. Used in the case of dry eczema and sun erythema, it is known by the popular tradition as a wrap to keep the skin young.
side effects
Hazelnut is believed to be the most allergenic nut fruit in Europe . It is easy to find patients allergic to fruit or kernel pollen and not infrequently to both.
The clinical manifestations of food allergy may include:
- skin reactions
- gastrointestinal complaints
- respiratory syndromes and anaphylaxis.
Clinical symptoms of nut allergy range from mild reactions to potentially life-threatening responses (anaphylaxis).
Hazelnut allergy is particularly frequent in individuals with respiratory disorders associated with allergy to birch, hazel or alder pollen.
Another side effect deriving from an excessive consumption of hazelnuts involves the urinary tract. The high oxalate content in hazelnuts has been observed to be one of the factors contributing to the formation of kidney stones.
