Brazil nuts: benefits and harms, composition, calories, recommendations for use

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The fruits of the Bertholium tree are known for their excellent nutty taste and beneficial properties. They are also known as Brazil nuts. The product is enriched with many valuable components and vitamins. The benefits and harms of Brazil nuts are described in the article.

Description

The Brazil nut is the fruit of the South American plant Bertoletia, or Bertoletia, of the Lecythis family. The tree was named after the French chemist Claude Berthole. The fruit is also called the American or South American nut.

The fruit of the Brazil nut is a large box with a diameter of up to 15 cm and a weight of up to 2 kg. Under it are 8-24 walnut kernels. They are similar in shape and arrangement to an orange. The length of the nut is no more than 5 cm.

A tree grows up to 500 years. The trunk has a diameter of 2 cm. In the wild, the tree is found in Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia. More than 20 tons of fruits come out every year. Half are collected in Bolivia. The Brazil nut is cultivated in plantations, but then the tree provides a low yield. ATIn its natural habitat, it is pollinated by bumblebees and orchid bees. Only they overcome the complex curves of a flower with pollen on their legs. The benefits and vitamins of Brazil nuts are described below.

Calorie content and composition

The composition of Brazil nuts is more useful than many other types of product. It includes:

1. Vitamins C, E, B.
2. Flavonides.
3. Fiber.
4. Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
5. Selenium.
6. Copper.
7. Phosphorus.
8. Potassium.
9. Zinc.
10. Magnesium.
11. Iron.
12. Manganese.
13. Sodium.
14. Calcium.
15. Suru.
16. Chlorine
17. Biotin.

In 100 g of unprocessed raw product there is:

• water - 4.3g;
• proteins - 13.6g;
• fats - 66.8g;
• carbs - 3.6g;
• fiber - 8.1g;
• ash - 3.5 g.

The calorie content of a Brazil nut (100 g) is 660 kcal. The rich composition makes the product valuable for human he alth. You just need to consider the benefits and harms of Brazil nuts. You also need to know about the rules of its use.

Benefit

What is the benefit of brazil nuts? This product, like other nuts, includes protein, fiber and fats, it does not contain bad cholesterol. It is often eaten in small amounts for weight loss and muscle building. Supporters of a he althy diet prefer to eat this type of nut instead of fatty meat.

The product includes methionine, which breaks down fats,generates vital energy from them, removes free radicals and preserves youth. It is enough to eat 1 grain to cover the daily intake of selenium. This component protects the body from oncology, as it prevents the development of tumors.

What else is the brazil nut good for? The presence of minerals and vitamins protects the heart muscle, reduces blood pressure, has a positive effect on thyroid hormones, and restores blood clotting. The product improves the nervous system, strengthens the immune system and normalizes the production of hormones responsible for reproduction. Eating a nut brings you out of depression.

For men

Brazil nuts are good for men's he alth, because they saturate the body with selenium, which protects against the appearance of male ailments. The value is:

1. Selenium and magnesium are required for prostate he alth.
2. Antioxidants and vitamins C and E complete oxidative processes, which reduces the possibility of oncology and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
3. Testosterone increases.
4. The amount of cholesterol decreases, which has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
5. The product is good for the male reproductive system.
6. Omega-6 fatty acids protect against problems with the heart, blood vessels, overweight.

For women

Selenium is required for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, normal pregnancy, the birth of a he althy child. Another component is needed for the he alth of the thyroid gland. Antioxidants can fight free radicalsslow down aging and prolong youthfulness of the female body.

Vitamin E is necessary for all women for beauty, as it takes care of the skin, hair, nails. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can lower cholesterol levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant women this product will be very useful. You can eat 1-2 nuts a day, but it is advisable not to eat 3-4 pieces. Some components enter and are assimilated due to the intake of a particular food. Arginine is necessary for the proper development of the fetus, so nuts can be consumed throughout pregnancy.

When breastfeeding, the product forms milk and protects against tumors of the mammary glands and reproductive organs. A few rules of use:

1. Eat up to 5 nuts every day.
2. Don't eat nuts that taste bitter.
3. Exclude the product from the diet if close relatives are allergic to exotic fruits.
4. No product if baby develops rash.
5. You need to introduce nuts into the diet, increasing the dose over time.

For kids

Children benefit from the product due to its beneficial effects on the brain. It is recommended to use it to improve memory, concentration and good development. Walnut is able to increase academic performance. The main thing is to use it in the norm so that an overdose does not negatively affect the nervous system.

Nut should not be given to children under 3 years of age. Because of it, it may appearallergies, so it is important to observe the reaction to the product. Since it is fatty, it can lead to indigestion in children. Therefore, the daily norm is 2 pieces.

Harm

Not only the benefits of the Brazil nut are known. And he also has harm. The main prohibition is intolerance to the body. It should not be used if you have allergies. A large number of grains eaten has a negative effect on the body.

The product contains small amounts of barium and radium, which are radioactive substances. Over time, components accumulate and lead to negative consequences. How Much Brazil Nut Can You Eat a Day Without Harm? It is enough to consume 2-3 pieces a day, and then you can not be afraid of harm.

The shell contains aflatoxins, which lead to the development of liver cancer. Therefore, the EU has introduced strict restrictions on the import of the product in the shell. 1 grain contains the right amount of selenium, but with the use of more there will be an overabundance of it, and this can lead to:

• liver damage;
• hair loss;
• flaky skin;
• peeling nails.

Strong excess of selenium concentration leads to poisoning, which can cause death of a person. Therefore, it is important to strictly comply with the norm. Produt is contraindicated in overweight, as it has a fairly high calorie content.

Choice

When buying a product, keep in mind that it does not last long. This is due to the fact that the polyunsaturated oils present in the grain quickly go rancid iflie in the sun for a long time and in warmth. Therefore, it is advisable to choose grains that can remain in the refrigerator in bags that do not let the sun's rays through. In this case, they are stored no more than 3 months.

If a nut is bought for the first time, then you need to focus on the appearance. The photo shows this product. If grains are purchased by weight, the aroma must be taken into account - for quality grains it is very pleasant, without rancidity. The nut will feel moist to the touch. If you shake a handful in your hands, a rattling sound will be heard much better. And if you break it in half, you will hear a loud crunch.

You can buy such grains in supermarkets, specialized stores and via the Internet. The approximate cost for 500 g is 900-1000 rubles.

Use

How to use brazil nuts? It is advisable to eat it fresh, because then it will contain many useful components. Often the product is used in cooking for the preparation of snacks, sauces, soups, sweet desserts, pastries. It is also used for second courses. Walnut oil is valuable.

For medicinal purposes, nuts should be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast or instead of it. They should be dried in advance in the oven, but not fried. Adults need 2 nuts a day, and children - 1. The elderly can eat nuts three times a week, 2 pieces.

Pregnant and lactating women have a greater need for selenium. Women at this time can eat up to 5 nuts a day. If desired, the product is washed downweak tea brewed with milk. The same amount is recommended for athletes during hard training. For diabetes, skin diseases, allergies, it is allowed to consume 1 nut every morning.

Taste

What does a brazil nut taste like? For residents of the northern regions, the taste of the fruit is atypical, as it differs from other nuts. It can usually be distinguished from the rest by its characteristic aftertaste - these are the "earthy" notes of the aftertaste, which are found only in grains of Bertoletia.

Many gourmets believe that quality fruits, in addition to the aftertaste, have a bright flavor that is similar to cashew nuts. Because of this combination, the product has become in demand in many cuisines of the world. The main thing is to remember the benefits and harms of Brazil nuts.

Butter

Oil is created by cold pressing. This method preserves biologically active components. The product has a yellow tint, a nutty aroma and a slightly sweet taste. In cooking, oil is added to dishes, salads, desserts.

The oil is used in medicine and cosmetology. It is added to cosmetics and used in its pure form, even inside. The oil is effective in massage, has a softening and nourishing effect on the skin, nails, hair.

Storage

Product should be refrigerated to extend shelf life. For some time, up to 1 month, it is allowed to leave it in glass or porcelain containers with a closed lid, in a dark place. Grains can also be stored in the freezer, and then the periodshelf life is over six months.

If the product will be stored in the refrigerator, then you need to consider that it absorbs odors, so it should only be left in tightly closed containers. Properly stored Brazil nuts will saturate the body with valuable vitamins and minerals.