1- Introduction to the Species Bertholletia excelsa - Brazil nut tree
1.1- Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Lecythidaceae
Genus: Bertholletia Bonpl.
Species: Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Lecythidaceae
Genus: Bertholletia Bonpl.
Species: Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.
1.2- The Species Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl. - Brazil nut tree
+ Overview
Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.) is an Amazonian plant that prefers nonflooded forest (terra firma) in the Guianas, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
The Brazil nut tree is the only species in the monotypic genus Bertholletia. It is native to the Guianas, Venezuela, Brazil, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia. It occurs as scattered trees in large forests on the banks of the Amazon River, Rio Negro, Tapajós, and the Orinoco. The genus is named after the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet.
+ The names
- Scientific name: Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.
- English names: Brazil nut
Despite their name, the most significant exporter of Brazil nuts is not Brazil but Bolivia, where they are called nuez de Brasil. In Brazil, these nuts are called castanhas-do-pará (literally "chestnuts from Pará"), but Acreans call them castanhas-do-acre instead. Indigenous names include juvia in the Orinoco area. In Cuba, the nut is alternatively called coquito de Santiago, literally St. James coconut.
Though it is commonly called the Brazil nut, in botanical terms it is the seed from the fruit of this tree. To a botanist, a nut is a hard-shelled indehiscent fruit. (An example of a botanical nut would be an acorn or a hazelnut.)
In North America, Brazil nuts are sometimes known by the epithet "nigger toes," though the term has fallen out of favor as public use of the racial slur became increasingly unacceptable by the 1960s.
+ Overview
Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.) is an Amazonian plant that prefers nonflooded forest (terra firma) in the Guianas, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
The Brazil nut tree is the only species in the monotypic genus Bertholletia. It is native to the Guianas, Venezuela, Brazil, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia. It occurs as scattered trees in large forests on the banks of the Amazon River, Rio Negro, Tapajós, and the Orinoco. The genus is named after the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet.
+ The names
- Scientific name: Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.
- English names: Brazil nut
Despite their name, the most significant exporter of Brazil nuts is not Brazil but Bolivia, where they are called nuez de Brasil. In Brazil, these nuts are called castanhas-do-pará (literally "chestnuts from Pará"), but Acreans call them castanhas-do-acre instead. Indigenous names include juvia in the Orinoco area. In Cuba, the nut is alternatively called coquito de Santiago, literally St. James coconut.
Though it is commonly called the Brazil nut, in botanical terms it is the seed from the fruit of this tree. To a botanist, a nut is a hard-shelled indehiscent fruit. (An example of a botanical nut would be an acorn or a hazelnut.)
In North America, Brazil nuts are sometimes known by the epithet "nigger toes," though the term has fallen out of favor as public use of the racial slur became increasingly unacceptable by the 1960s.
Brazil nut map
2- Characteristics of the Species Bertholletia exelsa - Brazil nut tree
2.1- Description
+ The plant
The Brazil nut is a large tree, reaching 50 m (160 ft) tall and with a trunk 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.6 ft) in diameter, making it among the largest of trees in the Amazon rainforests. It may live for 500 years or more, and according to some authorities often reaches an age of 1,000 years.
The stem is straight and commonly without branches for well over half the tree's height, with a large emergent crown of long branches above the surrounding canopy of other trees. The openly branched crown occurs at or above canopy level and may have a diameter of 20-30 m in an emergent. The bark is grayish and smooth.
It’s quite a large tree, so the harvest of Brazil nuts is very large. It is a major exported nut from the South American continent, and can now be found throughout the world.
+ The leaves
The leaves are simple and alternately arranged on the branches. They are dry-season deciduous, alternate, simple, entire or crenate, oblong, 20 - 35 cm (7.9 - 13.8 in) long and 10-15 cm (3.9-5.9 in) broad.
+ The flowers
The flowers are born on axillary or terminal spikes, with one or two orders of branching, although it is rare that more than one flower per inflorescence mature into fruit.
The flowers are small, greenish-white, in panicles 5-10 cm (2.0-3.9 in) long; each flower has a two-parted, deciduous calyx, six unequal cream-colored petals, and numerous stamens united into a broad, hood-shaped mass.
+ The fruits
The fruit has a hard, woody shell 8-12 mm (0.31- 0.47 in) thick, which contains eight to 24 triangular seeds 4-5 cm (1.6 - 2.0 in) long (the "Brazil nuts") packed like the segments of an orange.
The fruit itself is a large capsule 10 - 15 cm (3.9 - 5.9 in) in diameter, resembling a coconut endocarp in size and weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 lb).
The capsule contains a small hole at one end, which enables large rodents like the agouti to gnaw it open. They then eat some of the seeds inside while burying others for later use; some of these are able to germinate into new Brazil nut trees.
Mature Brazil nut trees can produce approximately 300 or more of these fruit pods annually. The fruit takes 14 months to mature after pollination of the flowers.
+ The seeds
The seed are about 3.5-5 cm long by 2 cm wide, with a distinctly triangular cross section. Each seed weighs 4-10 g. The Brazil nut is, in fact, a seed rather than a nut, but popular usage continues to prevail.
2.2- Origin and Distribution
+ Origin
The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is native to the South American countries, including Guianas, Venezuela, Brazil, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia. It occurs as scattered trees in large forests on the banks of the Amazon River, Rio Negro, Tapajós, and the Orinoco.
+ Distribution
Today the Brazil nut tree is found in most of Amazônia the adjacent Guaiana highlands and forested lowlands, and the upper Orinoco River basin. In Amazônia it is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, eastern Peru and northern Bolivia.
The Juruá River basin also appears to have had no Amerindian or agouti introduced Brazil nut until recently.
+ Origin
The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is native to the South American countries, including Guianas, Venezuela, Brazil, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and eastern Bolivia. It occurs as scattered trees in large forests on the banks of the Amazon River, Rio Negro, Tapajós, and the Orinoco.
+ Distribution
Today the Brazil nut tree is found in most of Amazônia the adjacent Guaiana highlands and forested lowlands, and the upper Orinoco River basin. In Amazônia it is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, eastern Peru and northern Bolivia.
The Juruá River basin also appears to have had no Amerindian or agouti introduced Brazil nut until recently.
Brazil nut fruits
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Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut fruits)
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2.3- Biological Characteristics
+ Phenology
Flowering of Bertholletia excelsa occurs during the dry season and into the wet season. In fact, Brazil nuts grow naturally only in regions with a three-to-five-month dry season (Müller, 1981). In the eastern part of Amazonian Brazil, flowering begins at the end of the rainy season in September and extends to February. Peak flowering occurs in October, November, and December (Moritz, 1984).
Toward the end of the rainy season, generally in July, the leaves of Brazil nut trees begin to fall. The new growth flushes from directly below the inflorescences of the previous year, and the new inflorescences are produced at the apex of the current growth flush. Large numbers of flowers are produced daily over a relatively long period. The flowers open between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. However, the anthers start to dehisce within the bud several hours before the flowers open. The petals and androecia fall in the afternoon of the day that the flowers open (Mori and Prance, 1990b).
Fruit development takes longer in Bertholletia excelsa than in any other species of Lecythidaceae. Moritz (1984) states that 15 months are needed for the fruits to develop after they have been set. Consequently, Brazil nut fruits fall mostly in January and February, during the rainy season. Under natural conditions, the seeds take 12 to 18 months to germinate (Müller, 1981).
+ Pollination Biology
The flowers of the Brazil nut are zygomorphic, with an androecium that is prolonged on one side into a hood that arches over and is tightly appressed to the summit of the ovary. In addition, the petals are appressed to the androecium. Consequently, the flowers can only be entered by large-bodied bees with enough strength to pry open the androecial hood to obtain the pollinator reward that is thought to be nectar produced at the apex of the coiled androecial hood. Bees of the genera Bombus, Centris, Epicharis, Eulaema, and Xylocopa have been captured visiting Brazil nut trees. These bees are nonsocial or semi-social and therefore do not lend themselves easily to manipulation by humans, such as is the case with the social bees (for example, Apis, Melipona, and Trigona) that can be used to pollinate certain crops by transporting beehives from one plantation to the next.
For the most part, cross-pollination is needed for seed set in Neotropical Lecythidaceae. Therefore, the bees, and to a lesser extent bats, are essential for the pollination and subsequent fruit and seed development of Lecythidaceae. Although a low level of in-breeding may occur in Bertholletia excelsa, most seed set in this species is the result of cross-pollination. The development of self-compatible lines of the Brazil nut would facilitate plantation cultivation of this species by eliminating the need for cross-pollination by the difficult to manage bee pollinators.
Bees outside of the native range of the Brazil nut can effect pollination. For example, Brazil nut trees in Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur, and Ghana set fruit. However, it is not known if pollinators outside of the native range of the Brazil nut or "weedy" pollinators found in secondary forests are efficient enough to allow for economically viable fruit production.
+ Phenology
Flowering of Bertholletia excelsa occurs during the dry season and into the wet season. In fact, Brazil nuts grow naturally only in regions with a three-to-five-month dry season (Müller, 1981). In the eastern part of Amazonian Brazil, flowering begins at the end of the rainy season in September and extends to February. Peak flowering occurs in October, November, and December (Moritz, 1984).
Toward the end of the rainy season, generally in July, the leaves of Brazil nut trees begin to fall. The new growth flushes from directly below the inflorescences of the previous year, and the new inflorescences are produced at the apex of the current growth flush. Large numbers of flowers are produced daily over a relatively long period. The flowers open between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. However, the anthers start to dehisce within the bud several hours before the flowers open. The petals and androecia fall in the afternoon of the day that the flowers open (Mori and Prance, 1990b).
Fruit development takes longer in Bertholletia excelsa than in any other species of Lecythidaceae. Moritz (1984) states that 15 months are needed for the fruits to develop after they have been set. Consequently, Brazil nut fruits fall mostly in January and February, during the rainy season. Under natural conditions, the seeds take 12 to 18 months to germinate (Müller, 1981).
+ Pollination Biology
The flowers of the Brazil nut are zygomorphic, with an androecium that is prolonged on one side into a hood that arches over and is tightly appressed to the summit of the ovary. In addition, the petals are appressed to the androecium. Consequently, the flowers can only be entered by large-bodied bees with enough strength to pry open the androecial hood to obtain the pollinator reward that is thought to be nectar produced at the apex of the coiled androecial hood. Bees of the genera Bombus, Centris, Epicharis, Eulaema, and Xylocopa have been captured visiting Brazil nut trees. These bees are nonsocial or semi-social and therefore do not lend themselves easily to manipulation by humans, such as is the case with the social bees (for example, Apis, Melipona, and Trigona) that can be used to pollinate certain crops by transporting beehives from one plantation to the next.
For the most part, cross-pollination is needed for seed set in Neotropical Lecythidaceae. Therefore, the bees, and to a lesser extent bats, are essential for the pollination and subsequent fruit and seed development of Lecythidaceae. Although a low level of in-breeding may occur in Bertholletia excelsa, most seed set in this species is the result of cross-pollination. The development of self-compatible lines of the Brazil nut would facilitate plantation cultivation of this species by eliminating the need for cross-pollination by the difficult to manage bee pollinators.
Bees outside of the native range of the Brazil nut can effect pollination. For example, Brazil nut trees in Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur, and Ghana set fruit. However, it is not known if pollinators outside of the native range of the Brazil nut or "weedy" pollinators found in secondary forests are efficient enough to allow for economically viable fruit production.
+ Plant chemicals
Brazil nut oil contains mainly palmitic, oleic, and linoleic and alpha linolenic acids and small amounts of myristic and stearic acids and phytosterols. In addition to protein and fat, Brazil nuts provide the highest natural source of selenium. One single Brazil nut exceeds the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of selenium. The proteins found in Brazil nuts are very high in sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine (8%) and methionine (18%) and are also extremely rich in glutamine, glutamic acid, and arginine. The presence of these amino acids (chiefly methionine) enhances the absorption of selenium and other minerals in the nut.
In addition to the chemicals discussed above, Brazil nuts contain antimony, cerium, cesium, europium, fatty acids, lanthanum, lutetium, samarium, scandium, selenoprotein, tantalum, tungsten, and ytterbium.
Brazil nut oil contains mainly palmitic, oleic, and linoleic and alpha linolenic acids and small amounts of myristic and stearic acids and phytosterols. In addition to protein and fat, Brazil nuts provide the highest natural source of selenium. One single Brazil nut exceeds the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of selenium. The proteins found in Brazil nuts are very high in sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine (8%) and methionine (18%) and are also extremely rich in glutamine, glutamic acid, and arginine. The presence of these amino acids (chiefly methionine) enhances the absorption of selenium and other minerals in the nut.
In addition to the chemicals discussed above, Brazil nuts contain antimony, cerium, cesium, europium, fatty acids, lanthanum, lutetium, samarium, scandium, selenoprotein, tantalum, tungsten, and ytterbium.
2.4- Nutrition of Brazil nuts
+ Introduction
Brazil nuts are 14% protein, 12% carbohydrate, and 66% fat by weight; 85% of their calories come from fat, and a 100 g serving provides 656 total calories. The fat components are 23% saturated, 38% monounsaturated, and 32% polyunsaturated. Due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, primarilyomega-6 fatty acids, shelled Brazil nuts may quickly become rancid.
Nutritionally, Brazil nuts are an excellent source (> 19% of the Daily Value, DV) of dietary fiber (30% DV) and various vitamins and dietary minerals. A 100 g serving (75% of one cup) of Brazil nuts contains rich content of thiamin (54% DV), vitamin E (38% DV), magnesium (106% DV), phosphorus (104% DV), manganese (57% DV) and zinc (43% DV) (right table). Brazil nuts are perhaps the richest dietary source of selenium, with a one-ounce (28 g) serving of 6 nuts supplying 774% DV. This is 10 times the adult U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance, more even than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level, although the amount of selenium within batches of nuts varies greatly.
The European Union has imposed strict regulations on the import from Brazil of Brazil nuts in their shells, as the shells have been found to contain high levels of aflatoxins, which can lead to liver cancer.
Brazil nuts contain small amounts of radium, a radioactive element, in about 1-7 nCi/kg or 40-260 Bq/kg, about 1000 times higher than in several other common foods. According to Oak Ridge Associated Universities, this is not because of elevated levels of radium in the soil, but due to "the very extensive root system of the tree."
Brazil nuts are a common ingredient in mixed nuts where, because of their large size, they tend to rise to the top, an example of granular convection, which for this reason is often called the "Brazil nut effect."
+ Brazilnuts, raw, Nutritional value per 100 g.
See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
+ Introduction
Brazil nuts are 14% protein, 12% carbohydrate, and 66% fat by weight; 85% of their calories come from fat, and a 100 g serving provides 656 total calories. The fat components are 23% saturated, 38% monounsaturated, and 32% polyunsaturated. Due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, primarilyomega-6 fatty acids, shelled Brazil nuts may quickly become rancid.
Nutritionally, Brazil nuts are an excellent source (> 19% of the Daily Value, DV) of dietary fiber (30% DV) and various vitamins and dietary minerals. A 100 g serving (75% of one cup) of Brazil nuts contains rich content of thiamin (54% DV), vitamin E (38% DV), magnesium (106% DV), phosphorus (104% DV), manganese (57% DV) and zinc (43% DV) (right table). Brazil nuts are perhaps the richest dietary source of selenium, with a one-ounce (28 g) serving of 6 nuts supplying 774% DV. This is 10 times the adult U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance, more even than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level, although the amount of selenium within batches of nuts varies greatly.
The European Union has imposed strict regulations on the import from Brazil of Brazil nuts in their shells, as the shells have been found to contain high levels of aflatoxins, which can lead to liver cancer.
Brazil nuts contain small amounts of radium, a radioactive element, in about 1-7 nCi/kg or 40-260 Bq/kg, about 1000 times higher than in several other common foods. According to Oak Ridge Associated Universities, this is not because of elevated levels of radium in the soil, but due to "the very extensive root system of the tree."
Brazil nuts are a common ingredient in mixed nuts where, because of their large size, they tend to rise to the top, an example of granular convection, which for this reason is often called the "Brazil nut effect."
+ Brazilnuts, raw, Nutritional value per 100 g.
See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
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Principle
Energy Carbohydrates Protein Total Fat Dietary Fiber Vitamins....................... Folates Niacin Pantothenic acid Pyridoxine Riboflavin Thiamin Vitamin C Vitamin E-gamma Electrolytes................... Sodium Potassium Minerals......................... Calcium Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Selenium Zinc |
Nutrient Value
659 Kcal 11.74 g 14.32 g 67.10 g 7.5 g -.................................................... 22 mcg 0.295 mg 0.184 mg 0.101 mg 0.035 mg 0.617 mg 0.7 mcg 7.87 mg -................................................... 2 mg 597 mg -................................................... 160 mg 1.743 mg 2.43 mg 376 mg 1.223 mg 725 mg 1917 mcg 4.06 mg |
Percentage of RDA
33% 9% 26% 221% 20% - 5.5% 2% 3.5% 8% 3% 51% 1% 52% - 0% 13% - 16% 194% 30% 94% 53% 103% 3485% 36% |
+ Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) of Brazil nuts, dried, unblanched, shelled
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Energy.....................................................................
Carbohydrates Starch Sugars Dietary fiber............................................................. Fat Saturated Monounsaturated Polyunsaturated..................................................... Protein Tryptophan Threonine Isoleucine............................................................... Leucine Lysine Methionine Cystine.................................................................. Phenylalanine Tyrosine Valine Arginine................................................................. Histidine Alanine Aspartic acid Glutamic acid......................................................... Glycine Proline Serine Vitamins............................................................ Thiamine (B1) Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) Vitamin B6......................................................... Folate (B9) Vitamin C Vitamin E Minerals............................................................ Calcium Iron Magnesium Manganese........................................................ Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Other constituents........................................ Water Selenium Beta-Sitostero |
2,743 kJ (656 kcal)
12.27 g 0.25 g 2.33 g 7.5 g 66.43 g 15.137 g 24.548 g 20.577 g 14.32 g 0.141 g 0.362 g 0.516 g 1.155 g 0.492 g 1.008 g 0.367 g 0.630 g 0.420 g 0.756 g 2.148 g 0.386 g 0.577 g 1.346 g 3.147 g 0.718 g 0.657 g 0.683 g : 0.617 mg (54%) 0.035 mg (3%) 0.295 mg (2%) 0.101 mg (8%) 22 μg (6%) 0.7 mg (1%) 5.73 mg (38%) : 160 mg (16%) 2.43 mg (19%) 376 mg (106%) 1.2 mg (57%) 725 mg (104%) 659 mg (14%) 3 mg (0%) 4.06 mg (43%) : 3.48 g 1917 μg 64 mg |
Note!
+ Units: μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams * IU = International units.
+ Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database - Link to USDA Database entry
+ Units: μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams * IU = International units.
+ Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database - Link to USDA Database entry
2.5- Health Benefits of Brazil nuts
+ Introduction
With the scientific name of Bertholletia excelsa, Brazil nuts are a nutrient-dense and delicious type of nut that comes from a tree in South America that bears the same name.
Brazil nut trees almost exclusively produce fruit in undisturbed forests and these plants are somewhat fragile, so with Brazil nut numbers decreasing, prices may begin to rise in the coming years. With an impressive mineral and vitamin profile, not to mention essential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber, Brazil nuts are a “complete package” type of food, particularly due to its unusually high selenium content. Brazil nuts can either be eaten in whole form or their essential oil can be extracted and used for more direct remedies. It is important to eat shelled Brazil nuts quickly, as the high content of fat makes these nut varieties go badly quite quickly. The extracted oil, however, can remain viable for months when properly extracted and used for many of the following health benefits of Brazil nuts.
+ Introduction
With the scientific name of Bertholletia excelsa, Brazil nuts are a nutrient-dense and delicious type of nut that comes from a tree in South America that bears the same name.
Brazil nut trees almost exclusively produce fruit in undisturbed forests and these plants are somewhat fragile, so with Brazil nut numbers decreasing, prices may begin to rise in the coming years. With an impressive mineral and vitamin profile, not to mention essential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber, Brazil nuts are a “complete package” type of food, particularly due to its unusually high selenium content. Brazil nuts can either be eaten in whole form or their essential oil can be extracted and used for more direct remedies. It is important to eat shelled Brazil nuts quickly, as the high content of fat makes these nut varieties go badly quite quickly. The extracted oil, however, can remain viable for months when properly extracted and used for many of the following health benefits of Brazil nuts.
+ The nine Health Benefits Of Brazil nuts
1- Heart Health:
One of the most controversial and beneficial aspects of Brazil nuts is their surprisingly high content of healthy unsaturated fats, otherwise known as “good” forms of cholesterol or omega-3 fatty acids. This includes oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. These varieties of unsaturated fats have been connected with balancing the cholesterol profile of the body and improving general heart health, mainly by eliminating dangerous omega-6 fatty acids from the body and cardiovascular system. This health cholesterol balance can help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. However, brazil nuts still contain the highest content of dangerous saturated fats, so be careful not to overdue, as Brazil nuts are also high in calories. Six average-sized nuts is actually the recommended serving size for this beneficial snack.
2- Skin Health:
The comprehensive profile of vitamins and nutrients in Brazil nuts make it particularly good for protecting skin health. The selenium in Brazil nuts, which is often the most praised aspect of this nut, is great for giving the skin a healthy glow and improves the elasticity of the skin, thereby preventing premature aging. This is possible because selenium stimulates the activity of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant compound that can remove free radicals from the skin cells that cause wrinkles and even skin cancer.
3- Acne Treatment:
Although this falls under the category of “skin health”, the high zinc content in Brazil nuts has been shown to protect against acne or lessen its appearance. This can be achieved through normal consumption of the nuts or by application of Brazil nut oil on the affected area. The rich vitamin and antioxidant content of the oil is the main cause behind this protective quality.
4- Weight Loss:
The high fiber concentration, overall nutrient density, proteins, and complex carbohydrates that are in each and every Brazil nut makes it quite filling, meaning that you are less inclined to snack incessantly and tack on those extra calories with unhealthy snacks. However, again, one ounce of Brazil nuts contains nearly 200 calories, so be careful about your intake, but moderate consumption can really boost weight loss efforts.
5- Digestive System:
The fiber content of Brazil nuts also makes them great for tuning up your digestive system. Fiber facilitates peristaltic motion in the gastrointestinal system, moving food through the body and extracting as many nutrients as possible. This can also help you prevent gastric ulcers, constipation, bloating, cramps, and more serious conditions like colon cancer. This can also increase energy levels and improve weight loss by keeping your system clean and running smoothly.
1- Heart Health:
One of the most controversial and beneficial aspects of Brazil nuts is their surprisingly high content of healthy unsaturated fats, otherwise known as “good” forms of cholesterol or omega-3 fatty acids. This includes oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. These varieties of unsaturated fats have been connected with balancing the cholesterol profile of the body and improving general heart health, mainly by eliminating dangerous omega-6 fatty acids from the body and cardiovascular system. This health cholesterol balance can help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. However, brazil nuts still contain the highest content of dangerous saturated fats, so be careful not to overdue, as Brazil nuts are also high in calories. Six average-sized nuts is actually the recommended serving size for this beneficial snack.
2- Skin Health:
The comprehensive profile of vitamins and nutrients in Brazil nuts make it particularly good for protecting skin health. The selenium in Brazil nuts, which is often the most praised aspect of this nut, is great for giving the skin a healthy glow and improves the elasticity of the skin, thereby preventing premature aging. This is possible because selenium stimulates the activity of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant compound that can remove free radicals from the skin cells that cause wrinkles and even skin cancer.
3- Acne Treatment:
Although this falls under the category of “skin health”, the high zinc content in Brazil nuts has been shown to protect against acne or lessen its appearance. This can be achieved through normal consumption of the nuts or by application of Brazil nut oil on the affected area. The rich vitamin and antioxidant content of the oil is the main cause behind this protective quality.
4- Weight Loss:
The high fiber concentration, overall nutrient density, proteins, and complex carbohydrates that are in each and every Brazil nut makes it quite filling, meaning that you are less inclined to snack incessantly and tack on those extra calories with unhealthy snacks. However, again, one ounce of Brazil nuts contains nearly 200 calories, so be careful about your intake, but moderate consumption can really boost weight loss efforts.
5- Digestive System:
The fiber content of Brazil nuts also makes them great for tuning up your digestive system. Fiber facilitates peristaltic motion in the gastrointestinal system, moving food through the body and extracting as many nutrients as possible. This can also help you prevent gastric ulcers, constipation, bloating, cramps, and more serious conditions like colon cancer. This can also increase energy levels and improve weight loss by keeping your system clean and running smoothly.
6- Hormone Function:
Selenium plays a major role in the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is where some of the most essential hormones in the body are produced, distributed, and regulated from. By ensuring proper functioning of your thyroid gland (and the production of thyroid itself) the high concentration of selenium will ensure that your bodily processes are maintained and your metabolism remains strong.
7- Immune System:
Any food that has such a high concentration of nutrients and minerals will be helpful for the immune system, but the antioxidants and organic compounds also present in this unassuming nut makes it a strong contender for one of the most immune-boosting nuts around. The vitamin C content couples wonderfully with selenium and zinc to stimulate the production of white blood cells and stimulating antioxidant compounds throughout the body to neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing many chronic illnesses, including cancer and coronary heart disease. As mentioned earlier, the glutathione enabled by the presence of selenium is an enzymatic antioxidant that eliminates free radicals in all parts of the body that cause cancer.
8- Growth and Repair:
A lot of people forget about the real importance of protein in their diet, particularly if they are on a restricted diet or are a vegetarian. Protein is an essential part of health, primarily because it is necessary for muscle growth, energy, cellular growth, repair, and wound healing. Brazil nuts are a major source of protein, relatively speaking, so they can be a helpful boost to keep your protein levels up! Vitamin C is also a major component of collagen, another essential part of human growth and repair of blood vessels, tissues, and cells.
9- Nutrient Efficiency:
The high magnesium levels found in Brazil nuts also help to stimulate efficient nutrient uptake in the digestive system, which means that we get as many benefits as possible from our food. Zinc is also one of the hardest elements to intake through food, and Brazil nuts natural high levels and facilitation of nutrient uptake helps to balance that common deficiency.
+ A Final Word of Warning !
Despite this wide array of health benefits, Brazil nuts do have a high level of calories and saturated fat. Before making these nuts a major part of your weekly diet, consult your health professional. If you are already suffering from heart issues, adding more saturated fat could be dangerous, whereas most research has shown Brazil nuts to be better for prevention of heart issues, rather than as treatment. Also, as with all nuts, Brazil nut allergies can be quite severe, so be sure to be tested for any potential nut allergies before consuming these nuts, particularly in oil form, as it is far more potent.
Source: Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts | Organic Facts
Selenium plays a major role in the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is where some of the most essential hormones in the body are produced, distributed, and regulated from. By ensuring proper functioning of your thyroid gland (and the production of thyroid itself) the high concentration of selenium will ensure that your bodily processes are maintained and your metabolism remains strong.
7- Immune System:
Any food that has such a high concentration of nutrients and minerals will be helpful for the immune system, but the antioxidants and organic compounds also present in this unassuming nut makes it a strong contender for one of the most immune-boosting nuts around. The vitamin C content couples wonderfully with selenium and zinc to stimulate the production of white blood cells and stimulating antioxidant compounds throughout the body to neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing many chronic illnesses, including cancer and coronary heart disease. As mentioned earlier, the glutathione enabled by the presence of selenium is an enzymatic antioxidant that eliminates free radicals in all parts of the body that cause cancer.
8- Growth and Repair:
A lot of people forget about the real importance of protein in their diet, particularly if they are on a restricted diet or are a vegetarian. Protein is an essential part of health, primarily because it is necessary for muscle growth, energy, cellular growth, repair, and wound healing. Brazil nuts are a major source of protein, relatively speaking, so they can be a helpful boost to keep your protein levels up! Vitamin C is also a major component of collagen, another essential part of human growth and repair of blood vessels, tissues, and cells.
9- Nutrient Efficiency:
The high magnesium levels found in Brazil nuts also help to stimulate efficient nutrient uptake in the digestive system, which means that we get as many benefits as possible from our food. Zinc is also one of the hardest elements to intake through food, and Brazil nuts natural high levels and facilitation of nutrient uptake helps to balance that common deficiency.
+ A Final Word of Warning !
Despite this wide array of health benefits, Brazil nuts do have a high level of calories and saturated fat. Before making these nuts a major part of your weekly diet, consult your health professional. If you are already suffering from heart issues, adding more saturated fat could be dangerous, whereas most research has shown Brazil nuts to be better for prevention of heart issues, rather than as treatment. Also, as with all nuts, Brazil nut allergies can be quite severe, so be sure to be tested for any potential nut allergies before consuming these nuts, particularly in oil form, as it is far more potent.
Source: Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts | Organic Facts
3- The Uses of Brazil nuts
3.1- Food Uses
+ Current practical uses
The Brazil nut is a three-sided nut with white meat or flesh that consists of 70% fat and 17% protein. For centuries the indigenous tribes of the rainforest have relied on Brazil nuts as an important and significant staple in their diet - so important, that the nuts have even been used as a trade commodity, much like money. Indigenous tribes eat the nuts raw or grate them and mix them into gruels. In the Brazilian Amazon, the nuts are grated with the thorny stilt roots of Socratea palms into a white mush known as leite de castanha and then stirred into manioc flour. This food is a valuable source of calories, fat, and protein for much of the Amazon's rural and tribal peoples.
There are several ways to enjoy this creamy and nutritious nut. Brazil nuts in their natural form are the safest and healthiest to consume. Carry a small packet of nuts in your bag for a quick on-the-go snack. Mix it with walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios for a nutritious treat. Brazil nuts are gluten free. They are perfect for people with wheat food allergy and celiac diseases.
Brazil nuts are consumed raw, roasted, salted, in ice creams or as prepared confectionery items. They are an important ingredient in shelled nut mixtures.
Brazil nuts have a rich and creamy flavor, which makes it a delicious addition to an assortment of dishes. They are used in puddings, fudge, cakes and granola bars. Coarsely ground Brazil nuts are used in the preparation of soups and curries. Ground Brazil nuts are also sprinkled on desserts, fruitcakes and salads.
Raw nuts are cut open from processing units using larger sheller (cracker) machines. For domestic purposes, small size nutcracker machine or hand held pliers are sufficient.
Here are some serving tips:
1- Brazil nuts can be eaten all alone. Additionally, they can also be enjoy roasted, salted, or sweetened.
2- They also employed in fudge, puddings, pesto, chocolate bar and crunchy bar preparations.
3- Coarsely ground brazil nuts sprinkled over fruit/vegetable salads.
4- They also used in desserts, particularly in fruitcakes.
5- Add them to the soup as well as meat and vegetable dishes.
6- Brazil nut oil used in salad dressing and cooking.
In addition, the nuts are also pressed to yield oil. It is widely used in medicinal applications and aromatherapy massages. The oil is also used for cooking purposes.
+ Current practical uses
The Brazil nut is a three-sided nut with white meat or flesh that consists of 70% fat and 17% protein. For centuries the indigenous tribes of the rainforest have relied on Brazil nuts as an important and significant staple in their diet - so important, that the nuts have even been used as a trade commodity, much like money. Indigenous tribes eat the nuts raw or grate them and mix them into gruels. In the Brazilian Amazon, the nuts are grated with the thorny stilt roots of Socratea palms into a white mush known as leite de castanha and then stirred into manioc flour. This food is a valuable source of calories, fat, and protein for much of the Amazon's rural and tribal peoples.
There are several ways to enjoy this creamy and nutritious nut. Brazil nuts in their natural form are the safest and healthiest to consume. Carry a small packet of nuts in your bag for a quick on-the-go snack. Mix it with walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios for a nutritious treat. Brazil nuts are gluten free. They are perfect for people with wheat food allergy and celiac diseases.
Brazil nuts are consumed raw, roasted, salted, in ice creams or as prepared confectionery items. They are an important ingredient in shelled nut mixtures.
Brazil nuts have a rich and creamy flavor, which makes it a delicious addition to an assortment of dishes. They are used in puddings, fudge, cakes and granola bars. Coarsely ground Brazil nuts are used in the preparation of soups and curries. Ground Brazil nuts are also sprinkled on desserts, fruitcakes and salads.
Raw nuts are cut open from processing units using larger sheller (cracker) machines. For domestic purposes, small size nutcracker machine or hand held pliers are sufficient.
Here are some serving tips:
1- Brazil nuts can be eaten all alone. Additionally, they can also be enjoy roasted, salted, or sweetened.
2- They also employed in fudge, puddings, pesto, chocolate bar and crunchy bar preparations.
3- Coarsely ground brazil nuts sprinkled over fruit/vegetable salads.
4- They also used in desserts, particularly in fruitcakes.
5- Add them to the soup as well as meat and vegetable dishes.
6- Brazil nut oil used in salad dressing and cooking.
In addition, the nuts are also pressed to yield oil. It is widely used in medicinal applications and aromatherapy massages. The oil is also used for cooking purposes.
+ Brazil nut oil
Brazil nuts and its oil are mainly used as a food in the United States. Brazil nut oil is clear yellowish oil with a pleasant, sweet smell and taste. It makes a wonderful light oil for salad dressings: try combining it with raspberry vinegar for tasty vinaigrette.
Brazil nut oil contains 75% unsaturated fatty acids composed mainly of oleic and linolenic acids, as well as the phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, and fat-solublevitamin E.
The following table presents the composition of fatty acids in Brazil nut oil:
Palmitic acid: 16-20%
Palmitoleic acid: 0.5-1.2%
Stearic acid: 9-13%
Oleic acid: 36-45%
Linolenic acid: 33-38%
Saturated fats: 25%
Unsaturated fats: 75%
In addition, Brazil nut oil is often used in soaps, shampoos, and hair conditioning/repair products in South America, and this use is beginning to catch on in the United States as well. It is a wonderful hair conditioner, bringing shine, silkiness, and softness to hair and renewing dry, lifeless hair and split ends. Brazil nut oil in skin creams helps lubricate and moisturize the skin, provides antioxidant benefits with its high selenium content, helps prevents dryness, and leaves skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Brazil nuts and its oil are mainly used as a food in the United States. Brazil nut oil is clear yellowish oil with a pleasant, sweet smell and taste. It makes a wonderful light oil for salad dressings: try combining it with raspberry vinegar for tasty vinaigrette.
Brazil nut oil contains 75% unsaturated fatty acids composed mainly of oleic and linolenic acids, as well as the phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, and fat-solublevitamin E.
The following table presents the composition of fatty acids in Brazil nut oil:
Palmitic acid: 16-20%
Palmitoleic acid: 0.5-1.2%
Stearic acid: 9-13%
Oleic acid: 36-45%
Linolenic acid: 33-38%
Saturated fats: 25%
Unsaturated fats: 75%
In addition, Brazil nut oil is often used in soaps, shampoos, and hair conditioning/repair products in South America, and this use is beginning to catch on in the United States as well. It is a wonderful hair conditioner, bringing shine, silkiness, and softness to hair and renewing dry, lifeless hair and split ends. Brazil nut oil in skin creams helps lubricate and moisturize the skin, provides antioxidant benefits with its high selenium content, helps prevents dryness, and leaves skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
3.3- Other Uses
+ Wood
The lumber from Brazil nut trees (not to be confused with Brazilwood) is of excellent quality, but logging the trees is prohibited by law in all three producing countries (Brazil, Bolivia and Peru). Illegal extraction of timber and land clearances present a continuing threat.
+ Brazil nut oil
As well as its food use, Brazil nut oil is also used as a lubricant in clocks, for making artists' paints, and in the cosmetics industry. Engravings in Brazil nut shells were supposedly used as decorative jewelry by the indigenous tribes in Bolivia, although no examples still exist. Because of its hardness, the Brazil nut's shell is often pulverized and used as an abrasive to polish materials such as metals and even ceramics (in the same way jeweler's rouge is used).
+ Wood
The lumber from Brazil nut trees (not to be confused with Brazilwood) is of excellent quality, but logging the trees is prohibited by law in all three producing countries (Brazil, Bolivia and Peru). Illegal extraction of timber and land clearances present a continuing threat.
+ Brazil nut oil
As well as its food use, Brazil nut oil is also used as a lubricant in clocks, for making artists' paints, and in the cosmetics industry. Engravings in Brazil nut shells were supposedly used as decorative jewelry by the indigenous tribes in Bolivia, although no examples still exist. Because of its hardness, the Brazil nut's shell is often pulverized and used as an abrasive to polish materials such as metals and even ceramics (in the same way jeweler's rouge is used).
Edited by Ho Dinh Hai Long An - Vietnam
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-ericales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericales
5- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecythidaceae
6- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut
7- http://www.nybg.org/bsci/braznut
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-ericales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericales
5- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecythidaceae
6- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut
7- http://www.nybg.org/bsci/braznut
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