Kristen Cook
Hazelnut oil is extracted from the nut of the hazelnut bush – and offers numerous health and cosmetic benefits. What is in the nutty oil and how exactly is it used?
The ingredients of hazelnut oil
Hazelnut oil is healthy – mainly because of its high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, which account for up to 78 percent. It also contains up to 17 percent polyunsaturated and up to 8 percent saturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid makes up a large proportion of up to 9 percent.
It is also valuable for health due to its high vitamin E content, as it has an antioxidant effect. Also included: are vitamins E, B, and K as well as calcium, sulfur, potassium, and manganese. 100 grams of hazelnut oil has a calorific value of 882 kilocalories or 3,693 kilojoules.
Roasted and unroasted hazelnut oil
A distinction is made between hazelnut oil from unroasted and roasted kernels. The unroasted kernels are cold-pressed. Cold-pressed oil – also known as virgin oil – is generally healthier, since healthy ingredients are not lost due to the gentle pressing. The one made from roasted kernels, on the other hand, tastes a lot more intense and nutty.
Effect of hazelnut oil
A whole range of positive health effects is attributed to hazelnut oil. It can be like that, for example
- promote blood circulation
- have a vasoconstrictive effect,
- strengthen the cardiovascular system,
- detoxify,
- reduce inflammation and
- support wound healing.
It also protects and tightens the skin, moisturizes, helps regulate blood pressure, has a positive effect on nerve and brain cells, and counteracts the formation of varicose veins.
Hazelnut oil for skin and hair
Hazelnut oil is good for massage due to its high oleic acid content. A massage with the oil not only helps to tighten the skin but also relieves pain and helps against tension. In addition to a massage, it is also possible to add a few drops of hazelnut oil to your care product. It can also be used as a makeup remover.
Hazelnut oil not only helps to make your skin more beautiful but can also be used together with various essential oils to relieve acne. Massaged into the hair and scalp, hazelnut oil also helps to create a healthy shine and counteracts dandruff.
Make cosmetic products with hazelnut oil yourself
Several manufacturers offer cosmetic products that contain hazelnut oil. But you can also make your hazelnut oil products – either by mixing creams and lotions yourself and adding the oil or simply adding it to already finished products.
Hazelnut oil for use in cooking
The smoke point of hazelnut oil is around 150 degrees Celsius. For this reason, it is not suitable for frying – but should be used primarily to refine cold dishes and salads. Hazelnut oil has a very intense, nutty taste. So be careful with the dosage.
Hazelnut Oil – where to buy?
You can get hazelnut oil in supermarkets, health food stores, well-stocked drugstores, and from several retailers on the Internet.
Keep this in mind when buying and storing hazelnut oil
It is advisable to look for an organic seal of approval when buying the oil. So you can be sure that it is an oil from controlled organic cultivation, for the production of which no pesticides were used. It is also advisable to buy a cold-pressed oil as it contains more nutrients.
Unopened, hazelnut oil lasts about six months. Before using, make sure the oil is not rancid. The hazelnut oil should be clear and not cloudy.
Hazelnut oil has many positive effects and can be used in cold dishes as well as in cosmetics. The oil contains many monounsaturated fatty acids, which protect the organs. This makes hazelnut oil particularly healthy.
