Hazelnuts are a heart-healthy snack that is full of minerals that protect the heart. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps cut harmful cholesterol levels and lessen the risk of heart disease, they are also a rich source of protein. Hazelnuts can benefit heart health in several ways, including the following: Hazelnuts include a good lipid called oleic acid, which has been demonstrated to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol. It is crucial since having high amounts of bad cholesterol raises your chance of developing heart disease. Hazelnuts also include polyunsaturated fat, a form of beneficial fat that has been demonstrated to increase levels of good cholesterol. Additionally, this is important since having high amounts of healthy cholesterol can help prevent heart disease. Hazelnuts provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation. A significant risk factor for heart disease is inflammation.