Brazil nut calories. Chemical composition and nutritional value. Brazil nuts: benefits, harm, composition, recipes Brazil nuts how many grams are in one

Carbohydrates

Brazil nuts have one of the highest saturated fat contents of any nut, surpassing even macadamia nuts. Since Brazil nuts are superior in taste and nutritional quality even to coconuts and macadamia nuts, they often replace them in cooking. When stored, Brazil nut shells quickly become bitter. Nuts are also used to extract oils. Brazil nuts are quite large compared to other nuts. Although only high-quality nuts are often selected, connoisseurs sometimes rate them as less tasty than related nuts such as macadamias, cashews and almonds.

Notably, the European Union has imposed strict regulations on the import of native-shelled Brazil nuts from Brazil because they were found to contain high levels of aflatoxins, which can lead to liver cancer. The result of the situation with the import of nuts in shells was the removal of the shell for the purpose of its preliminary inspection. In this way, aflatoxins are identified and, if necessary, restrictions are imposed on the import of the consignment.

Brazil nut kernels, which taste like pine nuts. Besides food use, Brazil nut oil is used as a lubricant for watches, in the perfume industry and in the manufacture of artist paints.

Brazil nut calories

The calorie content of Brazil nuts is 656 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Composition and beneficial properties of Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts contain an incredibly high amount of nutrients - protein, fiber, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and thiamine. It also has significant supplies of niacin, vitamin E, B6, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and copper. Brazil nuts are a good source of arginine (an amino acid that promotes blood clotting) and flavonoids - an important antioxidant, as well as a preventive element against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Brazil nuts contain fat, which is an unsaturated fat that helps lower cholesterol. It contains up to 70% fat. This large crescent-shaped nut contains alphalinolinic acid, which in the human body is converted into omega-3, a fatty acid that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Brazil nuts are perhaps the richest source of nutritional value.

Brazil nut is the fruit of the South American plant Bertholetia (from the Latin "Bertholletia"), belonging to the Lecitis family. Other names are cream, American or South American walnut. The largest part of the plants grows wild in South America, namely in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia. From a botanical point of view, the fruits are considered grains rather than nuts. They ripen in boxes that look like coconuts. The taste of the grains is sometimes compared to pine nuts. They are high in calories and contain useful substances Therefore, they are eaten in their pure form or added to various dishes. However, despite their nutritional value, the fruits also have a number of contraindications for consumption. Read further about the composition and beneficial properties of Brazil nuts, how to choose the right product and how to use it in cooking.

Composition and calorie content of Brazil nuts

Brazil nut pictured

Brazil nuts are incredibly valuable food additive to the daily diet, because has a comprehensive list of beneficial substances included in its composition. Also its high the nutritional value It is provided with a high fat content, so the product is considered one of the most high-calorie and can quickly satisfy hunger and give strength.

The calorie content of Brazil nuts is 659 kcal per 100 g of product, of which:

• Proteins - 14.32 g;
• Fats - 67.1 g;
• Carbohydrates - 4.24 g;
• Dietary fiber - 7.5 g;
• Water - 3.42 g;
• Ash - 3.43 g.

Vitamins per 100 g:

• Vitamin B1 - 0.617 mg;
• Vitamin B2 - 0.035 mg;
• Vitamin B4 - 28.8 mg;
• Vitamin B5 - 0.184 mg;
• Vitamin B6 - 0.101 mg;
• Vitamin B9 - 22 mcg;
• Vitamin C - 0.7 mg;
• Vitamin E - 5.65 mg;
• Vitamin PP - 0.295 mg;
• Betaine - 0.4 mg.

Macroelements per 100 g:

• Potassium - 659 mg;
• Calcium - 160 mg;
• Magnesium - 376 mg;
• Sodium - 3 mg;
• Phosphorus - 725 mg.

Microelements per 100 g:

• Iron - 2.43 mg;
• Manganese - 1.223 mg;
• Copper - 1743 mcg;
• Selenium - 1917 mcg;
• Zinc - 4.06 mg.

Digestible carbohydrates per 100 g:

• Starch and dextrins - 0.25 g;
• Sucrose - 2.33 g.

Essential amino acids per 100 g:

• Arginine - 2.14 g;
• Valine - 0.76 g;
• Histidine - 0.409 g;
• Isoleucine - 0.518 g;
• Leucine - 1.19 g;
• Lysine - 0.49 g;
• Methionine - 1.124 g;
• Threonine - 0.365 g;
• Tryptophan - 0.135 g;
• Phenylalanine - 0.639 g.

Essential amino acids per 100 g:

• Alanine - 0.609 g;
• Aspartic acid - 1.325 g;
• Glycine - 0.733 g;
• Glutamic acid - 3.19 g;
• Proline - 0.706 g;
• Serine - 0.676 g;
• Tyrosine - 0.416 g;
• Cysteine ​​- 0.306 g.

Sterols per 100 g:

• Campesterol - 2 mg;
• Stigmasterol - 6 mg;
• Beta Sitosterol - 64 mg.

Saturated fatty acids per 100 g:

• Myristic - 0.046 g;
• Palmitic - 9.626 g;
• Margarine - 0.041 g;
• Stearic - 6.244 g;
• Arachina - 0.167 g;
• Begenovaya - 0.01 g.

Monounsaturated fatty acids per 100 g:

• Palmitoleic - 0.214 g;
• Heptadecene - 0.045 g;
• Omega-9, oleic - 23.594 g;
• Omega-9, gadolein - 0.027 g.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids per 100 g:

• Omega-6 - 23.859 g;
• Linolenic - 0.036 g;
• Omega-3, alpha-linolenic - 0.018 g;
• Omega-6, gamma-linolenic - 0.018 g.

The detailed composition of Brazil nuts shows that by consuming this product, you can easily replenish a large amount of vitamin B1 and E, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, as well as fatty acids (omega-9 and omega-6). These grains hold the record for selenium content among all products. 100 g contains a record amount of this microelement, which is several tens of times higher than the daily intake.

In addition to useful substances, the fruits also contain dangerous ones, albeit in very small quantities. There is radium present here, which has radioactive properties. And aflatoxins were found in the peel.

Useful properties of Brazil nuts

A proper diet should contain a variety of foods to ensure a balance of nutrients. So, eating nuts is also important. And if a couple of decades ago the most affordable ones were walnuts, now you can freely buy cedar, macadamia, cashew, forest, peanuts, and Brazilian ones. The latter are very useful for both men and women. In its general sense healing properties Brazil nuts are to lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of developing certain diseases of the visual organs and cancer, cleanse the blood, and prevent pathologies of cardio-vascular system, accelerating tissue regeneration.

Benefits of Brazil nuts for men

Many doctors recommend that representatives of the stronger sex include Bertholetia fruits in their diet precisely due to their high selenium content. This microelement has a good effect on men’s health, and in combination with other beneficial substances included in the product, it acts even more effectively.

First of all, the South American nut has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system of the male body. The product improves blood circulation and normalizes testosterone production, which improves erection, increases libido and sensitivity of the penis.

The benefits of Brazil nuts for men also include a therapeutic and preventive effect on the prostate gland - the risk of developing prostatitis and cancer is reduced. As a result of the normalization of the functioning of this organ, sperm motility increases, which significantly increases the chances of fertilization.

By normalizing testosterone levels, a man's mood improves. The body’s mechanisms for resisting external stimuli are activated, therefore excitability is reduced and attacks of anger are eliminated.

It is worth noting that there are benefits for the musculoskeletal system. As a result of eating Brazil nuts, hormonal levels are normalized. The balance of hormones allows you to increase endurance, strengthen muscles, and make joints more mobile. During active physical activity, the product helps build muscle mass, making the body more prominent and reducing fat deposits.

Benefits of Brazil nuts for women

The complex of vitamins, minerals and amino acids included in the grains of South American Bertoletta allows you to speed up the course of most metabolic processes, which in turn has a positive effect on your figure. Therefore, Brazil nuts for weight loss are used as one of the best sources of nutrients, despite their high calorie content and high fat content. Of course, you should not abuse this product, then weight loss will be successful.

Brazil nuts are also valuable for women in terms of their effect on hormonal levels. After consuming these grains, the production of many hormones is normalized. This is especially important in order to delay the inevitable onset of menopause, as well as to alleviate the condition during menopause. In addition, the product is able to increase a woman’s ability to conceive, combating many causes of infertility.

Everyone needs to eat these nuts, but for the fair sex this product is more desirable, because... contains antioxidants. It eliminates the influence of free radicals, slows down the aging process, normalizes regeneration mechanisms, which significantly improves appearance.

Benefits of Brazil nuts for pregnant women

Very often during pregnancy and especially during breastfeeding, doctors recommend refraining from eating any nuts, because. they can provoke an allergic reaction in both mother and child. However, it is still worth finding out the benefits of Brazil nuts when used in careful doses.

This product can bring significant benefits during pregnancy. Microelements and amino acids prevent the development of various cellular mutations in the unborn child, allowing all organs and systems to develop properly. Cream nuts also cleanse the blood, lower the level of bad cholesterol, and normalize the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby.

Having decided to include Bertholetia grains in her diet for the first time, a pregnant or lactating woman should first try a small piece and, in the absence of any negative reaction, consume it in limited quantities - no more than 1-2 pieces. per day.

Benefits of Brazil nuts for children

It is not advisable to include any nuts, including Brazil nuts, in the diet of children before they reach 3 years of age, because There is a high risk of developing allergies and digestive disorders. And from the age of 3, you can gradually introduce the product, starting with a small piece, carefully monitoring the child’s well-being.

The consumption rate for Brazil nuts for children is 1-2 pcs. per day with systematic use. If the serving is one-time, then you should limit yourself to 5 grains.

Bertholetia grains have a general strengthening effect. They easily replenish reserves of most useful substances and act as an immunostimulant. Increasing immunity allows you to reduce the incidence of colds and other infectious diseases and facilitates adaptation in preschool institutions and school.

It is also important to contain omega fatty acids, which are necessary for normal life - the proper functioning of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and brain.

The benefits of Brazil nuts for children also include a beneficial effect on the skin. During adolescence, areas of inflammation often appear on the skin, causing acne due to hormonal imbalance. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect and allows you to quickly neutralize the infection. It also stimulates restoration processes, removing traces of unpleasant skin diseases, improving appearance and relieving the child of complexes caused by a cosmetic defect.

Contraindications and harm of Brazil nuts

Any product, even the most delicious and healthy one, can be both medicine and poison - it all depends on the volume of consumption. So, by consuming bertholia grains in moderation, you can get the maximum benefit without side effects. But despite all the beneficial properties, contraindications to Brazil nuts still exist.

First of all, allergy sufferers and those who have an individual intolerance to the product should avoid eating this type of nut.

It is also undesirable for people who are obese to eat these grains due to the high calorie content of the product.

You should also be careful when taking medications and dietary supplements containing selenium. When used together, there will be an excess of this microelement, which will cause a number of negative consequences.

It is noteworthy that due to the high selenium content, it is enough to consume only 3-4 grains per day. With excessive consumption, the harm of Brazil nuts is manifested by indigestion with severe intoxication of the body, the development of toxic hepatosis of the liver, hair loss, delamination of the nail plate and a significant deterioration in the condition of the skin.

Omega-6, which is included in large quantities in the product, causes gradual spoilage, worsens the taste, making it bitter, so you should not buy the product for future use.

Not everyone knows what an unpeeled Brazil nut looks like, because... It most often goes on sale without the shell. The fruit of the South American Bertoletia has a round shape, its diameter varies from 8 to 15 cm, and the weight sometimes reaches 2 kg. There is a small hole on one side. Under a hard shell, like orange slices, there are 12-24 grains, covered with a shell. They are tightly fixed to the walls, so there should be no sound when shaking an unopened nut. The outer shell should not have any damage. It is noteworthy that whole nuts cannot be stored for a long time, because... edible kernels gradually accumulate dangerous toxins from the shell.

Purified kernels contain virtually no hazardous substances and are stored much longer. When buying such a product, you should pay attention to the appearance. The length of the grains is 3-5 cm. The photo of the Brazil nut shows that the color is uneven and includes milky, yellowish, brownish color, but they should be rich. A dull shade indicates deterioration in quality.

Buying in bulk has its pros and cons. In this case, you can taste the fruits and evaluate what they look like. But at the same time, it is quite difficult to understand what their shelf life is. Brazil nuts taste a little like pine nuts, but many people do not notice this similarity, claiming that this product is like nothing else. When fresh, it leaves an earthy aftertaste. The kernels must be a little soft, but still crispy.

When choosing a product in packages, it is better to take in transparent ones in order to be able to evaluate it visually. There should be no condensation inside, because... in this case, doubts arise regarding the quality.

Now we’ll tell you how to store Brazil nuts. Grains are able to absorb different odors well, so you need to place them in a closed container. For large quantities it is better to take a glass jar. If there are few kernels, then you can limit yourself to a plastic bag.

South American nut kernels can be placed in the refrigerator and even frozen. Such conditions allow all useful substances to be well preserved. The maximum shelf life is 2 years.

Brazil nut recipes

Bertoletia fruits have a good taste both raw and processed. The kernels are sometimes fried to dry them a little and make them crispier, but this loses a large amount of nutrients. And since Brazil nuts are often eaten to supply the body with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and other things, it is advisable not to heat treat it. In general, in cooking, this product is used in the preparation of baked goods, chocolate, various desserts, snacks, salads, soups, sauces and other dishes. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular recipes where the list of ingredients contains South American Bertholetia grains.

Desserts with Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts make a great addition to almost any dessert. They increase calorie content, improve taste and make the aroma more intense.

Caramel Nut Dessert Recipes:

• Chocolate dessert with Bertoletia beans and cream. Ingredients: dark chocolate (500 g), ground cinnamon (2 tsp), ground cloves (1 tsp), nutmeg (to taste), powdered sugar (1 tbsp), Brazil nuts (500 d), cream (380 ml). First, we select the form for the dessert. You can take metal, plastic or silicone. It is better to choose a square shape. Lubricate it with oil or cover it cling film. Warming up water bath and melt the chocolate. When the mass becomes creamy, add cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Separately, heat the cream and add it to the chocolate. Stir and set to cool slightly. Place the ingredients on the prepared pan, alternating layers of nuts and chocolate-cream mixture. When all the ingredients are gone, smooth out the top layer and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours so that the dessert completely hardens. After this, remove from the mold, cut into pieces and serve with coffee, tea, cocoa.
• . Main ingredients: flour (120 g), cereals(80 g), berry jam (400 g), brown sugar (60 g), butter(60 g), salt (1/2 tsp), baking powder (1/2 tsp). Ingredients for the nut mass: Brazil nuts (70 g), pecans (70 g), almonds (70 g), butter (100 g), brown sugar (60 g), milk (2 tbsp.), vanilla extract(1/2 tsp). Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Mix oatmeal with flour, add sugar, salt, baking powder and softened butter. Using your fingers, rub the entire mass into crumbs. We cover a small baking container with high walls with paper, put the oat mass on the bottom and try to compact it as tightly as possible. Pour jam on top and smooth. Separately, grind the nut mixture in a blender, combine with sugar, butter, milk and vanilla. Bring until smooth. Received nut filling spread on top of the jam and place in the oven for 45 minutes. When ready, remove and cut into thin rectangular bars.
• Pie filled with fruits and nuts. Ingredients: eggs (2 pcs.), sugar (50 g), vanilla, cinnamon (1/2 tsp), cloves (3 stars), baking powder, lemon zest (1 tbsp), salt (2 g ), flour (70 g), dates, 100 g, dried figs (200 g), Brazil nuts (150 g), walnuts (100 g), almonds (70 g), candied fruits (70 g), glazed red cherries ( 50 g), apricot jam (100 g), powdered sugar(1 tbsp), butter (1 tsp), breadcrumbs (2 tbsp). Blanch the almonds, cool and remove the skin. Walnuts cut coarsely. Chop the figs into cubes. Remove the pits from the dates and cut them in half. Set aside a few whole nuts, candied fruits and cherries for decoration. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees. Next, prepare the dough. Mix eggs, sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy foam forms. Mix cinnamon, baking powder, cloves crushed in a mortar, salt, lemon zest and flour and add to the egg mixture, mix. We also add dates, figs, nuts, and candied fruits. It is better to take a ring shape for this pie. Lubricate it with oil and sprinkle thoroughly breadcrumbs. Spread the dough with the filling. At first glance, it seems that there is not enough dough, but during baking it increases in size and fills all the voids. Cover the top of the pan with foil, make a couple of holes and bake for 75 minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave the pie inside the oven for another 10 minutes. We take it out, let it cool for 10 minutes and remove it from the mold. Apricot jam heat and then strain through a very fine sieve. Mix one third with nuts and cherries, left for decoration, and carefully grease the entire surface of the pie with the rest of the mixture. Place the filling on the top of the product, lightly sprinkle with powder and leave for 12-24 hours in a cool place. Serve with whipped cream.

Brazil nut salads

Many chefs believe that the taste of Bertoletia grains is the most original and superior to all others, which is why they prefer this particular product. The kernels of this South American tree are often added to vitamin salads to not only improve the taste, but also to make the dish more nutritious. Enriches Brazil nut recipes in vegetarian cuisine, often used in Lenten menu and for preparing various dietary dishes.

Recipes for salads with nuts:

• . Ingredients: green beans(400 g), lettuce (200 g), pear (2 pcs.), nut (50 g), lemon (1/2 pcs.), olive oil(2 tbsp), nut oil (2 tbsp), sesame seeds (2 tsp), black pepper (3 g), salt (3 g). Boil the beans in salted soda over medium heat for 10 minutes, drain the water and pour ice cubes into the pan. This will maintain the beautiful vibrant green color. After 5-10 minutes, remove the liquid and remaining ice. Drizzle the beans with olive oil. Cut the pears into slices or slices, sprinkle with lemon juice. We roast the Bertoletia grains and then grind them a little in a mortar. Dry the sesame seeds in a frying pan. Mix beans, chopped lettuce, pear, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and season with nut oil. Mix and place on a plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and Brazil nuts.
• Strawberry Salad with Avocado and Brazil Nuts. Ingredients: avocado (1 pc.), strawberries (300 g), nuts (50 g), lettuce (4 pcs.), honey (1 tbsp.), lemon juice (1 tbsp.), olive oil ( 30 ml), sugar (1/2 tbsp.). Mix sugar, honey, juice and butter until smooth. We wash the lettuce leaves, dry them and place them in a salad bowl at the bottom. We cut the avocado into two halves in a circle, scroll to separate the fruit, and then remove the pit and chop into cubes. We cut the strawberries into 2-4 parts and place them together with the avocado in a salad bowl. Grind the Bertoletia grains into powder in a mortar and pour onto the salad. Pour dressing over everything and serve.
• Arugula salad with Brazil nuts and raspberries. Ingredients: arugula (100 g), nuts (7 pcs.), fresh raspberries (80 g), brown sugar (1 tsp), shallots (2 pcs.), olive oil (80 ml), balsamic vinegar (80 ml), balsamic sauce (1 tsp), lemon juice (2 tsp), salt and pepper. Cut the nuts into small pieces and lightly dry them in a small dry frying pan. Then caramelize in sugar. After that, put them on paper and cool completely. Finely chop the onion and fry with olive oil until the product becomes transparent. At this point, pour in balsamic vinegar, juice and 30 ml of water. When the dressing has cooled, season it with salt and pepper. We wash, dry and sort the arugula. Place on a plate and drizzle with dressing. Then add raspberries and nuts and serve, garnished with balsamic dressing.

Bertoletia sometimes reaches a height of 50 meters. At the same time, the yield is sometimes more than 200 kg. However, such large volumes are typical for trees growing in the wild. Growing Brazil nuts on plantations is economically unprofitable because... in places where human activity is high, the tree produces a much smaller harvest. This is due to a lack of bumblebees and other insects that pollinate flowers. But Brazil nuts grow both in natural habitats and in cultivated conditions.

In places where nuts are intensively collected, there are practically no young trees. This is due to careful harvesting and is the reason why the species does not recover well. In turn, this poses a threat of shortage of this product in the future.

Watch a video about the properties of Brazil nuts:

Brazil nut is one of the most healthy products food in the world. This explains its growing popularity. If you include it in your diet on an ongoing basis, you can significantly improve your health.

Brazilian nut contains: proteins - 18%, fats - 69%, carbohydrates - 13%. Of these: monounsaturated fats - 41%, saturated fats - 25%, polyunsaturated fats - 24%, which is confirmed in practice beneficial features Brazil nut. Due to the presence of these fats, Brazil nuts have a slightly earthy flavor. The presence of saturated fat in it is one of the highest. The fat found in Brazil nuts is classified as unsaturated fat; it helps lower cholesterol levels and significantly improves metabolism, which is the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts. Brazil nut kernels taste similar to pine nuts. The high presence of fat in Brazil nuts has led to the fact that they are poorly stored and spoil quickly. Brazil nuts are very high in calories - 703 kcal, but in order to always have beautiful and clear skin, only 1-2 nuts every day are enough. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the sexual function of both men and women.

Brazil nut calories

The calorie content of Brazil nuts is 656 kilocalories. Brazil nut acts as a very valuable product, which contains virtually all the trace elements, minerals, and vitamins required by the human body. Brazil nuts contain vitamins A, B, E, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, niacin, thiamine, selenium, and fiber, which exhibit the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts. Nuts contain fiber, which acts as the most reliable colon cleanser.

Selenium is a mineral element that has a rejuvenating effect on the human body; selenium will not allow a person to age prematurely - this is the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts. The daily intake of selenium is found in several Brazil nuts, and if you use nuts unsystematically, then a single dose can be no more than five pieces. Selenium is also used as a protective measure to reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer. Selenium has an anticarcinogenic effect, effectively prevents and stops the formation of tumors. Selenium in small doses is simply vital for the body, but in excessive doses it is harmful.

Two Brazil nuts a day will help you be more resistant to stress and successfully cope with depression - these are the beneficial properties of the Jurazel nut. In addition, Brazil nuts help reduce the concentration of bad cholesterol in the body and help normalize sugar levels.

Brazil nut to boost immunity and fight aging.

Brazil nuts are an excellent source of arginine and flavonoids. Arginine is used to improve immunity. Arganine, an amino acid that promotes complete blood clotting, is another beneficial property of Brazil nuts.

Useful properties of Brazil nut and its composition:

Arginine acts as a precursor of nitric oxide, dilating blood vessels and increasing their blood flow.

Reduces blood pressure, while improving blood rheology, helping to lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and perfectly prevents blood clots - these are also the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts.

Stimulates the synthesis of growth hormone and effectively activates growth in children and adolescents (useful properties of Brazil nuts).

Increases muscle mass while reducing the mass of adipose tissue, helps improve the condition of connective tissue - also useful properties of Brazil nuts.

Increases immunity and slows down the formation of tumors.

Arginine is also good for increasing potency and stimulating spermatogenesis - irreplaceable beneficial properties of Brazil nuts.

Flavonoids are preventive antioxidants, which are very beneficial for cardiovascular and cancer diseases. Flavonoids are beneficial for humans, first of all, because they take an active part in the redox processes of the body, while promoting the production of nitric oxide. It is better and more beneficial for a person to obtain flavonoids from food, then the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts will manifest themselves.

Flavonoids have pronounced antioxidant qualities, providing protection against oxidation and cell damage under the influence of harmful free radicals, which prevents early aging of the body - extremely important beneficial properties of Brazil nuts.

All of the above beneficial properties of Brazil nuts are widely used in cosmetology. Healing oil, entering the skin, nourishes it, forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin, which prevents aging, as well as excessive evaporation of water. Oil and others beneficial properties of brazil nuts used for high-quality care of the skin of the body, face, and hair. The oil can also be used as a moisturizer and nourisher for skin and hair. Experienced experts strongly advise enriching skin and hair care products with oil, adding up to 10% of the content. The oil perfectly heals wounds, and is also used to successfully treat inflammation and various skin ulcers - these are the beneficial properties of Brazil nut.

Not all housewives know what a Brazil nut is. This product with vitamins and minerals contains protein, fiber, and a daily dose of selenium. Nuts help strengthen the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. Two grains lower sugar, reduce fatigue and irritation. Nutritionists recommend eating 100 grams per day to prevent cancer and normalize metabolism.

Characteristics and composition

Brazil nut (fruit of the Bertholetia tree) grows in Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela. The tree is 45 meters high, reaches 2 meters in diameter, and grows for 500-800 years. The fruits look like dense boxes with a diameter of up to 15 centimeters, weighing 1.5-2 kilograms. Bertoletia is grown as a crop, but the yield is higher for its wild counterparts. Shelled nuts contain vitamins and beneficial minerals.

Brazil nuts contain:

• protein;
• cellulose;
• vitamins E, C, B6;
• phosphates, phosphorus;
• selenium, zinc, manganese;
• iron, calcium;
• riboflavin;
• thiamine;
• amino acids.

Thanks to this composition, grains have a high nutritional value and quickly saturate the body. Because of this, the calorie content of Brazil nuts is high, so you need to eat it little by little. Among other nut grains, only pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts have higher calorie content. Calorie content of 100 grams of Bertoletia fruits is 682 kcal. How many calories the body receives depends on the amount of grains eaten and the method of preparation.

Use in cooking, folk medicine

The medicinal properties of Brazil nuts and their spicy taste are used in cooking and medicine. The fruits of Bertoletia are used by cooks, cosmetologists, and adherents of traditional methods of treatment. We use natural nut oil with vitamin E and antioxidants. The grains, peeled from the hard shell, are eaten raw or fried in a frying pan.

Cooks use nuts and oil:

• nut oil is used as a salad dressing;
• the oil is used in baking and preparing sweets;
• Cooks sprinkle crushed nuts on cakes and pastries;
• nut crumbs are used for breading meat and snacks;
• nuts are used to decorate ice cream and sweet cakes.

In cosmetology, fruit oil is used:

• to moisturize the skin;
• during hair and body care procedures;
• during a massage;
• for the manufacture of moisturizers and lotions;
• for skin rejuvenation.

Traditional medicine uses nut oil for the following purposes:

• in the treatment of burns;
• for the treatment of skin diseases, skin inflammations;
• when healing wounds, cracked heels;
• for the production of moisturizing and rejuvenating home masks, scrubs;
• to grow thick and long hair;
• when reducing cholesterol, sugar in diabetes;
• for the treatment of intestines, the prevention of cancer.

Brazil nut oil is used to make paints. It is also used to lubricate watch mechanisms.

What are the benefits of fruit for the body?

The benefits and harms of Brazil nuts have been thoroughly studied by nutritionists. Doctors identified contraindications and identified beneficial properties. When asked whether Brazil nuts are good for the body, doctors answer in the affirmative. The mineral and vitamin composition has a positive effect on blood vessels, heart and joints.

The beneficial properties of nuts are as follows:

Magnesium is useful for heart patients with osteochondrosis. It also increases the mental functioning of the brain and the academic performance of schoolchildren and students.

Vitamins E and C are beneficial for women. They slow down skin aging and prolong youth. The components that make up the grains help to get pregnant or cure infertility.

Zinc promotes the body's absorption of calcium. It also prevents the occurrence of prostate diseases in older men.

Unsaturated fats and acids reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. They fight the causes of cataracts and atherosclerosis.

Proteins with amino acids help you lose weight during a diet and help build muscle tissue.

Plant fiber has a cleansing effect. Together with riboflavin and choline, it removes toxins from the liver and gently cleanses the intestines.

B vitamins reduce stress levels and strengthen the nervous system. Together with useful macroelements, they strengthen the immune system and improve metabolism. It is recommended to eat Brazil nuts in small quantities during pregnancy to eliminate constipation and swelling.

Nuts are also good for men. They increase potency and reduce bad cholesterol. Betaine with arginine serves to prevent stroke and strengthen blood vessels. Thanks to the components, the number of healthy sperm in the seminal fluid increases.

For children, nuts are useful for reduced immunity, fatigue and loss of strength. One peeled grain every day is enough to protect the body from diseases.

In addition, the fruits of the Bertholetia tree regulate blood clotting and fight cardiovascular diseases. They are allowed in diabetes to reduce sugar levels. Nutritionists also recommend them to patients with diseases of the thyroid gland, lungs or stomach. For effective treatment You should find out the benefits of pine nuts, almonds and pistachios.

Having learned everything about Brazil nuts, many housewives will want to buy them in a store or supermarket. However, before making a purchase, you should study the requirements for the quality of the grains and the method of their packaging. The European Union has introduced strict import rules, mandating that every shipment must be de-shelled. This law is carefully checked, because the shell contains toxins. Harmful substances in the shell can cause liver cancer and liver damage.

The fruits meet the following requirements:

• fresh nuts do not rattle in the package, do not look dry or cracked;
• the pack is neither light nor hard to the touch;
• The shelf life of any package does not exceed 2 years;
• no stale smell, no signs of damage to the package or box;
• there is no damage on the kernels, they look intact.

Fruits on supermarket shelves and at home should be stored in a cool place. It is advisable to place the purchased nuts in a tightly closed container and put them on the refrigerator shelf.

Harm and possible contraindications

Brazil nuts have contraindications due to their composition and calorie content. Nutritionists allow eating only 1-2 nuts per day in the absence of allergies. This is enough to replenish the daily requirement of minerals and vitamins.

Eating fruits causes harm in the following cases:

In case of individual intolerance to the components of the kernel or allergies. In this case, use should be stopped immediately.

If you are overweight, gain weight quickly. Grains are high in calories and contribute to obesity.

If consumed excessively, more than 3 pieces per day. Nuts contain small doses of radioactive radium and barium. You can only eat them in small quantities, 1-2 pieces each.

If high blood pressure occurs in older people.

Homemade recipes for skin and hair

Brazil nut oil, thanks to its fats and amino acids, has a moisturizing effect. It can heal wounds, remove acne or scars on the skin. The healing composition protects cells from drying out and rejuvenates their structure. The oil is applied to cracked heels, rubbed into the hair and inflamed facial skin.

Here are a couple of effective recipes:

Add 2-3 drops of miraculous oil to a purchased lotion or cream. The resulting product is applied to the face in the morning and evening. The mixture eliminates wrinkles and moisturizes dry skin. It has a rejuvenating effect and helps you stay beautiful longer.

To grow thick hair, rub oil into the strands along their entire length every day. This procedure will restore the structure of the curls, giving them radiance and health. The hair becomes more shiny and thick. Weakened hair stops falling out and grows faster.

The nutritional value, the beneficial and harmful properties of which are highly controversial, is, by and large, not a nut at all. This is the fruit of the giant Bertholetia talla tree, classified by botanists as a capsule with a hard shell and grains inside. It is the one that is familiar to the whole world under the name “Brazil nut”; it has a specific taste and oily texture.

Bertoletia high

Bertoletia, or high bertoletia, is the only species of the genus of the same name from the Lecitis family. It is distributed in the virgin rain forests of the Amazon in Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana, Brazil, and Peru. It is cultivated in small quantities on plantations, but due to their specific nature, their productivity is extremely low compared to wild trees.

Bertoletia talla, or the familiar Brazil nut (calorie content and properties - further in the text), is one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest. It is long-lived (500 years or more) and reaches a height of 30-45 m. The trunk with a diameter of up to 1-2 m, is even and straight, branches at approximately ¾ of the height and forms an even spherical crown.

Pollination and fruiting

Abundant fruiting is possible only in the untouched virgin forests of the Amazon, where bumblebees and large bees of certain genera - pollinators - live in sufficient numbers. This is due to the structure of the plant’s flower and the characteristics of the nectar. Only large insects with long proboscis can reach it. Moreover, Bertoletia’s eternal companions are orchids, attracting bees and bumblebees with their aroma.

The fruit ripens 1 year and 2 months after pollination. It is a box with a very dense shell, resembles in appearance, has a diameter of 10-15 cm and weighs up to 2 kg. Inside the fruit there are from 8 to 24 triangular-shaped grains. They are usually called Brazil nuts, which is absolutely incorrect in the botanical sense.

Nutritional value of Brazil nuts

Nutritious Brazil nut, calorie content 100 g. which can be compared to 1 kg of apples or slightly less bananas, has a number of useful and amazing qualities. Its composition includes 69% fats (saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated in a ratio of 25%, 41%, 24%, respectively), 18% proteins and 13% carbohydrates, as well as a significant amount of selenium, magnesium and vitamin B1 (thiamine). The taste of the Brazil nut is specific; experts give it much lower ratings compared to cashews and almonds.

Brazil nuts: calories

As mentioned above, Brazil nuts consist of almost 70% fats of various categories. In this regard, it is easy to guess that the calorie content of the product will be very high. The nutritional value of 100 g of product is 682 kcal. Therefore, you should not get too carried away with eating it, especially for those who have problems with excess weight, as well as a high tendency to allergies.

For comparison, it should be said that 100 g of almonds and walnuts contain 576, 654, 553, 628 kcal, respectively. In order for the body to receive a daily dose of essential vitamins and microelements, it is enough to eat one Brazil nut. Calorie content of 1 piece is about 35 kcal, since the average weight of the grain is about 5 grams. The nut will also satisfy your hunger.

Beneficial features

The secret of the benefits of Brazil nut lies in its unique composition. Firstly, it should be noted the high content of vitamins B, C, E and D, which are of great importance for both adults and children. Secondly, Brazil nuts contain several amino acids: folate, pantothenic, betaine and arginine. Each of them makes a certain contribution to human health. Thirdly, the fatty acids in this product help cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Selenium in Brazil nuts

Selenium is an important trace element for the body; Brazil nuts contain significant amounts of it. The calorie content in 1 piece of fruit is small, but by eating it, you get half the daily dose of the element, which is 100 mcg. Perhaps this is the richest natural source of selenium. Research shows that the micronutrient reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Therefore, Brazil nuts are often recommended to be consumed for preventive purposes, although this must be done regularly and for a certain period of time. There is an opinion about the beneficial effect of fetal components on the thyroid gland and female hormonal levels, as well as increasing the chances of pregnancy and its successful course.

Contraindications

Despite many wonderful properties and excellent composition, Brazil nuts, which are quite high in calories, have some contraindications for consumption. It is dangerous for allergy sufferers. This is especially true if there is already an established allergy to any other nuts, as well as mangoes. In this case, the likelihood that it will provoke a negative reaction from the body is very high.

How to choose and how to store

Due to the fact that the Brazil nut shell contains a certain toxic substance, it is usually sold in purified form. When choosing a product, pay attention to its appearance. It should have a dense texture (not be too light or wrinkled) and be dark brown in color. Brazil nuts have a high calorie content due to the high fat content in their composition, and it is they who make it a perishable product. Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to the smell. Brazil nuts should not smell like rancid fat.

It is best to store fruits in the refrigerator, in a dark place, for up to three months.

Uses of Brazil nuts

First of all, Brazil nuts should be eaten fresh. You can lightly dry them in a hot frying pan, sweeten or salt them. In addition, the fruit is popular in cooking, especially in the preparation of puddings, pesto sauce, fondants, snacks, vegetable and fruit salads. Due to their high fat content, Brazil nuts are often pressed into oil, which is used in various applications. It has a yellow color and a characteristic sweet smell and taste. The oil is used, for example, in cosmetology as a moisturizer and skin softener, rich in youth vitamin E, in cooking, in the pharmaceutical industry, and even to lubricate watch mechanisms.

The global harvest of Brazil nuts is approximately 20 thousand tons. At the same time, the lion's share belongs to Bolivia and Brazil - 50% and 40%, respectively, and only 10% - to Peru. Brazil nuts for export are harvested exclusively from wild plantations deep in the Amazon rainforest. Besides fruits good qualities Bertholetia wood also has this property.

The unique chemical composition and high nutritional value are what distinguishes the Brazil nut. The calorie content of fruits does not allow consuming them in too large quantities, but this is not necessary. 1-2 nuts a day are enough to give the body valuable fats and microelements that promote health and prolong youth.