Comparison of hazelnuts and hazelnuts

Hazelnuts and hazel are the same or there is a difference: many nut lovers ask this question. This article devoted to this issue provides a description of plants, talks about how to distinguish them, about their place of growth and useful qualities, as well as about the possible harm to the fruits.

Differences between hazelnuts and hazel

In the botanical concept, both names belong to the same plant. However, there is some difference between them.

Appearance

Hazelnuts and hazel, or hazelnuts, are deciduous shrubs or trees that grow to a height of 7 m as they grow.

The shape of the crown depends on the species or variety, and here the first difference appears:

• Hazel is a wild plant with approximately 20 species;
  

• hazelnuts - its cultural form, today about 100 varieties are cultivated in cultivated form.
  

Both plants bear spherical single-seeded seeds, covered with green velvety pluses (fused leaves).

The second difference :

• wild hazel more often has in one fruitfulness 2-3 nuts with a diameter of up to 1.2 cm;
• the cultured form in fruit fertility has 3-5 nuts 2-3 times larger.

Did you know? In medieval England, there was a belief: if the newlyweds planted a hazelnut under the window, the first child in the family would be a boy.

Place of growth

Hazel prefers to grow in a temperate climate, where mild winters, moderate humidity and warm, but not sultry summers. It can be seen in dense, coniferous, deciduous or mixed forests, near rivers, in clearings. The plant prefers moist soils and partial shade or shade.

Third, the cultural form differs from a wild relative - strong immunity. Hazelnuts, due to selection from different species and varieties, took the best qualities, the list of which includes frost resistance. Walnut can grow in colder regions, but at the same time it is not afraid of the sun.

Important! When growing, consider: hazel is a moisture-loving plant. In drought it is necessary to carry out additional watering, otherwise the crop will be scarce.

The benefits and harms of nuts

Almost the entire group of vitamin B is present in the composition of hazel fruits. These elements improve the functioning of the nervous system, helping to maintain emotional health with regular use. Walnut favorably affects the heart and blood vessels, which is facilitated by the same group B and potassium with magnesium. The product strengthens the myocardium and the walls of blood vessels, delaying their aging, reduces the level of harmful cholesterol and the risk of blood clots.

The presence of vitamins and minerals in the plant, such as phosphorus, calcium and silicon, strengthens bone and muscle tissue. They also improve the condition of tooth enamel, the health of the gums and prevent diseases of the oral cavity.

Hazelnuts and hazel are beneficial for the reproductive system of both men and women. The product helps restore hormonal balance, improve blood supply to the pelvic organs, and the work of organs important for procreation. The property of fruits to improve memory, concentration and brain function in general is known, therefore it is useful to eat the product for patients with Alzheimer's syndrome.

Did you know? In the old days, several nuts were scattered around the corners of the hut as a sacrifice to the souls of dead relatives.

The fruits contain vitamin E, which is called the first assistant in the struggle for beauty and youth. Regular use of it in food will allow women to maintain skin freshness and shine, to restrain and delay the appearance of age-related wrinkles. The product is an excellent substitute for animal protein, which will be appreciated by adherents of vegetarianism. For the same reason, walnuts can be used as a snack instead of bad junk food or sandwiches.

In winter, the product will become a source of many vitamins and minerals, preventing seasonal vitamin deficiency and anemia, because it contains iron. The beneficial composition of the fruits will beneficially affect the body's defenses.

• Despite the obvious beneficial properties, the product or its derivatives have contraindications:
• gall bladder disease (considered difficult for digesting food);
• hypertension (in large quantities raises pressure);
• some liver and kidney diseases;
• individual allergy.

Important! With abuse (more than 50 g per day), side effects are possible: nausea and headache.

Thus, hazelnuts or garden hazelnuts, with insignificant differences in external characteristics, are generally a healthy and tasty product. They can significantly enrich the diet, avoiding abuse and consistent with the current state of the body.