Brazil nut: benefits and harms to the body

A product such as Brazil nut is rare and valuable, and due to its healing properties it is even considered unique. It has a large number of useful properties, but it can also harm human health, so it is important to study all the characteristics before use.

What does a Brazil nut look like and where does it grow

Brazil nut is a representative of the flora of South America (Peru, Guiana, Bolivia - territories with a hot tropical climate). Trees have a height of several tens of meters, a width of about two meters, belong to centenarians. Fruits are usually 12 years old. The fruits of the plant are quite large, sometimes their weight reaches 2 kg. Inside there are from 8 to 24 nucleoli of an oily structure. They are covered with a thin, but strong shell. Outwardly, such a nut resembles the fruits of a coconut tree. Ripe nuts usually fall to the ground, making it easy to collect.

The tropical tree is also characterized by another name - Bertolite, in honor of the chemist C. Bertollet.

Composition and calorie content

Brazil nuts contain many healthy substances in their composition. Nutrients and components are able to replenish the body with the necessary supply of energy. Fruits are composed of fiber, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids. Also, various trace elements, representatives of vitamin B, vitamin C, retinol, tocopherol and others were found in the seeds of nuts. If you regularly include 100 g of this product in the diet, you can get half the daily norm of vitamin B1, a quarter of the daily dose of vitamin E. Phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium are found in the fruits of Brazil nuts from minerals.

Most of the mineral composition is selenium. This substance protects the digestive tract from the development of cancer, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and helps in the fight against stress. Also, the presence of selenium in the human body contributes to the production of the desired number of leukocytes and immunoglobulins.

Amino acids in the grains restore redox reactions in the body. Also, the unique composition of the nut helps break down fats and build muscle.

However, if you want to lose weight, it is important to take into account the high calorie content of Brazil nuts, which is almost 700 kcal per 100 g. Fats comprise almost 70% and carbohydrates - only 12%.

Useful properties of Brazil nuts

General benefit

The fruits of Brazil nut are used as a prophylactic with a predisposition to oncology, strengthen the body's immune system. As a result of using Brazil nuts, blood circulation is enhanced, and inflammatory processes are suppressed. The product contributes to the normalization of the thyroid gland, cures joint diseases, protects against the development of cataracts. With regular use of grains of bertolithia, the state of the cardiovascular system improves, the risk of thrombosis, heart attack, and atherosclerosis is minimized.

In addition, the seeds of a Brazilian plant cleanse the intestines due to their fiber content.The product provides the absorption of healthy minerals and vitamins that come with food into the human body.

For women

Brazil nuts have a beneficial effect on the female body. Grains facilitate the manifestations of menopause, reduce pain during menstruation, and normalize the cycle. Scientists have found that selenium in the composition of the fruits is the prevention of breast cancer, genital organs. Also, this substance normalizes the hormonal background, a violation of which leads to problems with conceiving a child. The seed components of a Brazilian plant are responsible for egg maturation.

The fruits of the Brazilian tree can protect the body from premature aging. Therefore, walnut is widely used by women in cosmetology. It moisturizes and nourishes both the skin and hair. Due to the content of vitamin E, the skin acquires an elastic and velvety structure.

Grain oil has an anti-inflammatory property, eliminates burns and various skin diseases. The product is used to obtain a nourishing mask, and for the prevention of various pathologies, and as a dessert. It is enough to use it in the morning for one teaspoon.

For men

Representatives of a strong half of humanity should relate to the use of Brazil nuts with special attention. Such a plant product will help solve a number of issues regarding men's health. First of all, the fruits of the tree will help reduce the risk of developing a tumor in the prostate gland, and reduce the likelihood of prostatitis. Walnut seeds contribute to the production of testosterone, leading to an increase in sexual desire. They also make sperm motile and restore the functioning of the testes.

At home, Brazil nut is considered the best way to treat infertility in men. For this reason, in Brazil, often men have children in old age. In addition, the fruits of the tree can eliminate fatigue after a hard working day or physical activity, normalize metabolism and improve the body's immune defense.

Selenium in the composition of grains of a nut plant acts as an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent that protects cells from the effects of toxins.

During pregnancy

Doctors recommend eating a Brazil nut during pregnancy, as it contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals. You can include fruits in the diet throughout the entire period of gestation.

In addition to a large list of important vitamins and substances of mineral origin, omega-3 and omega-6 acids are present in Brazil nuts. These elements can enter the human body only with food, and in nuts there are more of them than in any other food that can be used by expectant mothers.

Arginine in the composition of the nut ensures the normal development of the baby. Brazil nuts have the ability to maintain a woman's reproductive function and extend her generative period.

This product should not be consumed in large quantities. Three to four fruits a day are enough, otherwise negative consequences cannot be avoided.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, the Brazil nut has a positive effect on the formation of milk. Therefore, completely excluding this product from the diet is not recommended. However, in order not to cause problems, you need to know which specific varieties are allowed when you can use it as a food for a nursing woman.

Any product in large quantities can harm the human body. During breastfeeding, you should adhere to some rules, compliance with which will only benefit. First of all, it is important to observe the dosage - no more than six seeds per day. Acquired grains must be properly stored, if the fruits become bitter, it is better to get rid of them.

If close relatives are allergic to one of the types of this culture, it is better not to use it at all.

After using the Brazil nut in food, it is important to monitor the baby's reaction, in case of a rash, the product should be excluded. In order to detect a child’s allergy to the seeds of a nut that a nursing woman consumes, it is necessary to enter the nuts in small portions on the menu.

Excessive consumption of nuts can lead to an increase in the concentration of radium, resulting in serious disturbances in the body. When a shell of grains enters the body, liver cells are destroyed. An overdose of the fruits of the Brazilian tree can cause brittle nails, impaired functioning of the nervous system, hair loss.

For children

Nuts are recommended to be introduced into the child’s diet no earlier than three years. At a younger age, the child's body is prone to allergies, and the baby can choke on small seeds. At the age of two, a child can occasionally try chopped nuts so that after three years the body is already familiar with this product.

The fruit contains selenium, which is useful for skin diseases, regulates blood sugar. You should not give the product to children who are allergic to anything, since the Brazil nut is on the top of the list of the most allergenic nuts.

Also in the composition there is barium with radium, which is a restriction for use in childhood. A pair of nuts per day will be enough for a child.

When losing weight

Arranging fasting days using Brazilian tree seeds is not the best option. They contain many calories, due to which the use of such fruits is limited when dieting. Nevertheless, useful properties that bring great benefits to the human body must be put above a high number of calories.

Brazil nut oil is used as a dressing for various salads. In addition, this oil has useful components that protect the skin from cellulite and the appearance of stretch marks, which is often faced by people seeking to lose weight.

If you use two or three peanuts while observing the diet while losing weight, there will be no harm to the figure, while the body will receive the vitamins, micro and macro elements necessary for it.

It should be remembered that each diet leads to the depletion of the body by limiting healthy fats and protein. Consequently, a few nuts eaten at this time will only protect against exhaustion.

Brazil nut oil: properties and applications

Brazil nut oil nourishes the human body with essential substances and provides energy reserves. It is used in cooking, in medicine and cosmetology.

The use of oil by adding to the healing baths will restore the skin. Especially this procedure will benefit if the person has psoriasis or dermatitis. Regular consumption of oil normalizes blood glucose and lowers cholesterol.

Brazil nut oil has a rejuvenating effect, prevents wrinkles, protects against the development of cancer. An important property for HIV-infected people is the ability to slow down the inflammatory processes in the patient's body. The product is able to normalize the functioning of the nervous system, to fight diseases of the skin.

If you include the herbal component in the face mask, you can remove the redness that occurs as a result of the negative effects of sunlight and cold wind. You can use the oil in its pure form or as an ingredient for a cosmetic product.

Brazil nut in medicine

Brazil nuts in the medical field are most often used for the prevention of oncology, for regulating blood pressure, normalizing glucose levels in the blood, as well as lowering cholesterol. Also, this product is characterized by anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral effects.

Nut butter has a wound healing property, which also treats skin inflammation.

With diabetes

In addition, the nuts of the Brazilian tree saturate the body with useful vitamins and minerals, strengthen weakened immunity, they are beneficial for people with diabetes. This is due to the ability of the fetus to prevent retinopathy, that is, a disease that occurs as a complication of diabetes. This pathology leads to blindness.

As for the amount that a diabetic can consume, in this case it all depends on the composition of the diet followed by the patient. This can only be solved by a dietitian. Someone recommends that someone eat 1-2 nuts a day, for someone it will be enough to add only a piece of one grain to the dish.

Important: Brazil nut glycemic index - 10 units.

With pancreatitis

The main rule of observing the diet of a person with pancreatitis is nutrition control - food should be taken in small doses 5-6 times a day, without overloading the pancreas. Nuts must be present in the diet, but only non-fat varieties are allowed. Brazil nut is on the banned food list. This is due to the content of large amounts of fiber, which negatively affects the normal functioning of the pancreas.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease associated with inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This pathology also involves the observance of a special diet. In the acute course of the disease, it is necessary to adhere to more stringent nutrition controls, and during the period of remission, various products can be consumed.

Nuts affect the stomach differently depending on the type and variety. Therefore, in the presence of gastritis, it is important to determine which type of this product can be eaten, and which should be limited or completely excluded.

Brazil tree nuts with this disease are not recommended. This variety has a strong effect on the gastric mucosa. Most often, it is the grains of Bertolite that can cause exacerbation of gastritis.

With gout

Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid in the joints. With this disease, it is important to adhere to certain nutritional rules, so as not to harm the body and not aggravate the situation. You can eat the fruits of a Brazilian plant for gouty arthritis, but you should use a limited number of them. The product is useful for the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Walnut seeds also normalize metabolism and stimulate the stomach.

The use of walnut for gout depends on the course of the disease. The stage of remission involves the use of a small amount. In the case of exacerbation of gouty arthritis, it is necessary to exclude any kind of nuts from the diet.

Brazil nut in cosmetology

In cosmetology, the fruits of bertoletia have been used for a long time, especially in the form of oil, which has many healing properties. As already mentioned, the product has a wound healing and anti-inflammatory property. But, besides this, nut-based oil is characterized by the ability to moisturize and nourish the skin, rid it of fine wrinkles, soften, and make it more elastic. The tool is also used to restore the structure of the hair. The product from Brazil nut helps with dermatological diseases, has a firming property for nails.

Oil can be added to various cosmetic formulations in the form of creams, shampoos, balms. Adding only a few drops of such a useful product will saturate the skin with useful vitamins and mineral elements, making the skin more beautiful and well-groomed.

For face

To protect the skin from the appearance of fine wrinkles, you can use a mask for the preparation of which you need to take 30 ml of nut and wheat oil, 20 ml of jojoba oil and 3 drops of essential oils of mint and geranium. All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly.The finished mask should be applied to problem areas (neckline, eye area) and hold for about 10 minutes. After that wash off the mask with warm water. You can use such a tool three times a week.

You can prepare a mask that will be especially useful for dry skin. To obtain this cosmetic product, you need to mix 30 ml of Brazil nut oil, grape seed and avocado, and add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile, sandalwood and geranium. Apply the finished composition to the skin and hold for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

You can use oil as an additional component to the finished cream. It is enough to add a few drops of the product to the used cream or face tonic, which will improve the effect of cosmetic products.

For hair

The same manipulations can be carried out in the case when the hair needs additional nutrition. For example, in a bottle with shampoo, it is recommended to add 20 drops of oil. Regular use of such a shampoo will only benefit your hair.

To restore the structure of the hair, you should prepare a product using peanut oil from the seeds of bertolite. It is only necessary to heat the product in a water bath and evenly distribute the composition along the entire length. After this, you need to wrap your head in cellophane and wrap it with a towel. Keep such a mask for about two hours. To enhance the effect of such a tool, you can include in the mixture a couple of drops of any essential oil. This will restore healthy shine and radiance to the hair.

A common problem is the weakening of hair, which leads to hair loss. In this case, a means of strengthening the roots is required. To cook it, you need to mix equal amounts of exotic tree oil and any fatty vegetable oil (almond, apricot) in equal amounts. After that, add a few drops of rosemary and jojoba essential oils to the mixture. The resulting mass should be applied to the head, carefully massaging for about 10 minutes, cover with a handkerchief or towel and hold for half an hour. After this time, wash off the mask with warm water. If you carry out such procedures twice a week, then after a month the result will pleasantly surprise you.

The use of Brazil nuts in cooking

Most culinary experts consider the taste and nutritional characteristics of the fruits of the Brazilian bertoletia the best among all other types of nuts. In the culinary sphere, grains are used both fresh and fried, adding them to salads, pastries and various dishes.

Syrniki
To make cottage cheese pancakes, you will need 5 nuts, 600 g of cottage cheese, 2 eggs, 50 g of flour and vegetable oil, as well as 30 g of sugar.

First you need to chop nuts. Next, put the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar and flour into the dishes, add the chopped grains and mix everything thoroughly. From the dough it is necessary to form cheese cakes, roll in flour and put in a frying pan with preheated butter, frying on both sides. Ready cheesecakes can be served with jam or sour cream.

Cupcakes
You can make muffins with Brazil nuts. To do this, you need to take 100 g of walnut and prune, a glass of water and flour, 15 g of baking powder, a pinch of cinnamon and cloves, 100 g of sugar, two teaspoons of lemon peel and 70 g of vegetable oil.

First you need to soak the prune, rinse it and immerse it in hot water for 15 minutes, then pour the water into another dish, but do not pour it, because it will come in handy. Next, you need to clean the nuts and finely chop the kernels. Finely chop the prunes and grate the lemon peel. Next, add chopped walnut seeds, spices and sugar to the flour. In a separate bowl, mix the water remaining from the prunes, sunflower oil and lemon zest.Pour the resulting mixture into a container with flour, mix everything thoroughly and add prunes. Then grease the cupcake baking dish with butter, fill it with dough and send it to the oven for 30–40 minutes at 180 degrees. Ready dessert should stand in a mold for 10 minutes, after which it can be laid out on a dish for complete cooling.

Harm and contraindications

The product has a high degree of calories. This allows you to quickly saturate the body, but with regular use, even with the observance of acceptable standards, Brazil nuts can still adversely affect the figure. Therefore, the fruit is not recommended for use in obesity, it is also worth limiting their use in weight loss.

In the shell of the grains there is a toxic substance that, when ingested in large quantities, causes a tumor or cirrhosis of the liver. Purified kernels do not have such properties.

Due to the high content of selenium, overeating is fraught with nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and even pneumonia. Also, excessive consumption of walnut seeds can cause poisoning. As a result of this, a person begins to lose hair, nails peel, and the sclera of the eyes becomes yellow.

How to choose and store a Brazil nut

When buying inshell Brazil kernels, attention should be paid to its integrity, it should not have dents or cracks. In this form, nuts can be stored for up to two years.

If the product is purchased in purified form, you need to choose hard nuts having a smooth surface. Do not purchase damaged seeds. The cleaned kernels should be stored in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container so that they do not absorb other odors and do not interact with oxygen. Otherwise, the fruits will not only acquire a bitter aftertaste, but also become hazardous to health.

How to use a Brazil nut

You can eat the fruits of the Brazilian culture raw or fried. Also, nuts are found in various salads, in baked goods. If desired, the seeds can be salted, sweetened or chopped and added to dessert. The product is used even in the preparation of cheese, sauces.

In the presence of allergies or chronic pathologies of the digestive tract, it is better to refuse the use of a Brazil nut.

How much can you eat per day

The daily norm of the fruits of the Brazilian tree is 2-3 nuts, but not more than 5, since even after eating 5 grains there is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Therefore, it is very important to observe moderation during application. Only in this case will it be possible to benefit from this product.

Do I need to soak before use

In the process of soaking, the sleeping nuclei awaken, the germination process begins, which leads to the fact that the taste of the fruit changes, the nucleoli are enriched with enzymes, and phytic acid, which harms the body, is excreted. It is enough to soak the Brazil nut for four hours. To prepare the solution, it is necessary to place purified water and raw nuts in a 2: 1 ratio in a bowl. Also, a teaspoon of salt should be added to a glass of nuts.

Is it possible to fry

Roast nuts in whole or in crushed form. Grains have the ability to cook and become darker after the end of the frying process, so when frying in a pan, it is better to turn off the fire ahead of time so as not to overexpose them. For frying it is recommended to use cast-iron cookware. You can fry no more than one glass at a time. The appearance of a golden color and a specific smell of a nut indicates readiness.

You can fry the fruits in the microwave. To do this, at a capacity of 800, it is necessary to fry them for 3-4 minutes, while constantly stopping the timer and mixing the nucleoli.

When using the oven, it will take about 10 minutes of processing at a temperature of 180 degrees.

How to clean

To facilitate the cleaning of the shell of a Brazil nut, you can use several methods.For example, you can freeze grains in the freezer, after which they are easily cleaned with a nut cracker.

Cooking is also used. To do this, boil water, put nuts there for a minute. After that, they need to be taken out of boiling water and immediately thrown into a container with cold water. As a result, the shell will be very easy to clean.

You can put the nuts on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 10 minutes. After this, the grains will easily crack.

Brazil Nut Facts

Many of us have seen this type of nut in stores, but few know the following facts:

1. The Brazil nut blooms only a day. If during this time the plant is not pollinated by insects, there will be no fruit.
2. The use of bertoletia fruits by people after 45 years can protect against Alzheimer's disease.
3. If a person has mango intolerance, then the body will react to Brazil nuts as well.

Brazil nut photo