Useful properties and contraindications to the use of Brazil nuts. What are the possible harms? Walnut oil - area of ​​\u200b\u200buse

Nutritious and tasty, Brazil nuts are good for people who are at risk of developing cancer. Two or three nuts a day reduces the risk of developing a tumor. This nut is useful for skin, hair and in general for the health of the whole organism. It is full of nutrients that our body needs for normal functioning.

Brazil nuts are the seeds of the Bertholetia talla tree, which grows in the virgin tropical forests of the South American continent. They are called nuts because of their size and the dense shell in which the nut is enclosed.

With a rich, creamy taste, Brazil nuts are one of the popular foods in countries South America and all over the world.

Where does the Brazil nut grow?

The habitat of high bertholia is located in Venezuela, Guyana, the eastern parts of Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and, of course, in Brazil itself.

Single small areas of growth of this tree can be found in the Amazon shallows.

They are trying to grow Bertoletia as a cultivated plant, but unfortunately, these attempts are not very successful. Such a rich harvest, as from a tree growing in the wild, is not obtained.

The plant lives up to its name. The height of this tree, with a straight smooth trunk, can reach 45 meters. During a drought, Bertoletia sheds its leaves.

Bertoletia plays important role in the ecological system of the tropics of South America. Bertholetia fruits serve as food for many animals, including the South American rodent agouti.

This tree is a wonderful illustration of the complex interactions of the rainforest. The plant blooms with complex looped flowers that ordinary insects cannot penetrate. Therefore, pollination occurs only by one species of bees with a long proboscis.

But such bees are attracted not by the blooming Bertholetia, but by the orchid that grows in this area. By attracting male orchid bees with their scent, they in turn attract females, which pollinate Bertoletia. Therefore, Brazil nuts can only grow in virgin tropical forests, where all the growing conditions are available for it.

After pollination, the ripening of the nut lasts 14 months. The nuts themselves are inside a large coconut-like capsule. The size of such a nut is approximately 10-15 centimeters in diameter and weighs up to two kilograms. If you cut it, you can see a row of triangular nuts with a very dense shell.

This nut is the staple food of the natives living in the Amazon region.

Useful properties, composition and calorie content of Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are of particular importance in nutrition due to their unique nutritional value. This richest source protein, which is especially important for vegetarians. The nut contains a large amount of fat, about 69 percent, of which 41 percent is unsaturated fat, which reduces bad cholesterol.

It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and many other substances beneficial to the human body.

Brazil nuts are a rich source of B complex vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin. B vitamins are extremely important for metabolic processes in the human body.

These nuts are the richest source of the micronutrient selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant and is considered one of the most important minerals for a person.

In addition to selenium, Brazil nuts contain magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.

While magnesium is involved in many internal processes in the human body, copper prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Manganese acts as a coenzyme in many metabolic processes. By eating 2-3 nuts a day, you can forget about fatigue.

Zinc is very important for men. It has a major role on the condition of hair and skin, it is needed for reproductive system And strong immunity. A few nuts a day can provide 9 percent of this element for men and more than 20 percent for women.

Contains Brazil nuts and fiber, which is important for normal operation intestines.

Omega-6 fatty acids help fight skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. They are also needed for the work of the heart and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidants in the nut are vitamin E and selenium. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, support immune system. Vitamin E is also important for eye health.

A large amount of this nut contains L-arginine, an amino acid that is important for blood vessels and the heart.

Brazil nuts are gluten-free, which is important for people with celiac disease.

Brazilian high-calorie product. 100 grams contain 656 calories. Their high calorie content is due to monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid, which increases the content good cholesterol in blood.

Benefits of Brazil nuts for the body

Based chemical composition Brazil nut, it is difficult to overestimate its benefits for the human body. They:

Improves the functioning of the digestive system;

Increase immunity;

Prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases;

Improve hormonal balance;

Improves male fertility;

Reduces risk oncological diseases;

Promotes weight loss;

Improves skin condition, prevents and reduces signs of aging.

The main benefit of Brazil nuts is related to the presence of selenium in them. Selenium neutralizes free radicals, which are highly reactive particles that can oxidize and damage body tissue cells. They are often called the culprits of cardiovascular diseases, oncology and a number of other diseases. In addition, selenium is important for immunity.

Selenium is involved in 25 types of enzymes. Therefore, its presence is important for:

Reducing the risk of cancer;

Protecting cells from free radicals;

For the functioning of the thyroid gland;

For the treatment of AIDS patients.

Studies have shown that a lack of selenium in a man's body increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. In addition, selenium increases sperm motility and blood flow to male genitals, which can help with male infertility.

Oil is extracted from the nuts, which has amazing properties. It turns out a beautiful pure yellow color with a very pleasant taste and aroma. This oil is used as medicinal oil for massage and for treatment, in particular acrodermatitis. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin well.

How many Brazil nuts can you eat per day?

This question interests many. Still, Brazil nuts are one of the most high-calorie and high in selenium. Therefore, before answering this question, you need to know daily norm consumption of this microelement, which is given below.

Children 1 to 3 years old – 15-20 micrograms per day

Children 4 to 8 years old - 25-30 micrograms per day

Children 9 to 13 years old - 35-40 micrograms per day

Adults and children over 14 years of age - 50-55 micrograms per day

Pregnant women - 55-60 micrograms per day

Breastfeeding women - 60-70 micrograms per day

100 grams of nuts contain 3485 percent of the recommended daily allowance for an adult. 100 grams is a small pile of nuts. Therefore, 2-3 nuts a day for an adult is quite enough.

Brazil nuts can be eaten as a snack. You can add them to various dishes: salads, puddings, cookies, sprinkle on pasta, fruits.

How to choose a Brazil nut

Fresh ivory Brazil nuts. In our stores they sell already peeled nuts. The main thing is not to buy a rancid product. Because of high content fat, they quickly spoil and become bitter.

Therefore, you should not buy wrinkled or damaged nuts. If the nuts are yellow, then most likely they will be bitter.

Since we have to export nuts, our stores sell nuts already prepared in a special way. But if you happen to be lucky enough to get a fresh Brazil nut to store, it needs to be processed so that it does not become bitter. To do this, you can use two methods: soak them in salt water or fry them.

In the first case, take 1 tablespoon for 4 cups of nuts sea ​​salt and 7 glasses of water. After preparing the solution, soak the nuts in it for 8-12 hours, covering them with a clean cloth or towel.

Throw away any nuts that do not sink to the bottom. They are already bitter.

Remove the rest from the water. Rinse and lay them out to dry. Then pour into an airtight container.

According to the second method, the nuts must be fried in an oven preheated to 200 degrees on a dry baking sheet. Fry for about 10-12 minutes. If necessary, stir them during the frying process. The nuts should turn light brown.

Cool and pour into a container with a lid.

Possible harm

Most importantly, you should not eat Brazil nuts in large quantities. This can lead to selenium poisoning. This can be manifested by nausea, vomiting, the smell of garlic from the mouth, emotional stress.

Manifestations of selenium poisoning can be dermatitis, hair loss, brittle nails, abdominal pain and other symptoms.

The second disadvantage of these nuts is increased radiation. Surprised! Nuts contain a large amount of radium, which is a radioactive element. Where does the radium in nuts come from? It's just that in Brazil there is a lot of this element in the soil. The plant absorbs it from it and, accordingly, radium is present in the nuts.

The radioactivity of Brazil nuts is 1000 times higher than that of other foods such as bananas, carrots, and potatoes. Although this radiation is not very harmful to the body, you should not get carried away with nuts.

If you have an individual intolerance, you may have an allergy to nuts, which can manifest as a rash, redness and other symptoms.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude: Brazil nuts are a healthy food product that can provide many useful nutrients to our body. But they should be consumed in moderation.

Brazil nut nutritional table per 100 grams of product

Find out more about the benefits of Brazil nuts from the video “Live Healthy” with Elena Malysheva

Nuts have long been known for their health benefits and healing properties. Brazil nut is one of the varieties of this type of plant, which has individual characteristics and properties that are used both in the field of traditional medicine and, for example, in cosmetology. What does the product contain? How safe are brazil nuts for health? Who can use it, and who falls under the group of contraindications? Let's consider in more detail.

Brazil nut is a small oblong fruit white, wrapped in a protective brown film and hidden in a hard shell, reminiscent of a medium-sized box. These “wooden boxes” grow high on trees, which are most often found in the jungle. Latin America.

Brazil nuts are also grown as a cultivated plant, but in terms of productivity their wild counterparts are far ahead

It should be noted nutritional value nut, since just one small fruit already contains the daily requirement of all nutrients and vitamins for the normal functioning of the body throughout the day.

Comparison of Brazilian and Greek

Compared to other nuts, Brazil nuts are very large and are often used to produce oils.

Benefits of nuts

Small Brazil nut fruits correct use have the following general action on the body:

• Cleansing blood from cholesterol.
• Normalization of work gastrointestinal tract.
• Removing waste and toxins from the body.
• Ensuring the prevention of cancer of the intestines, breasts, prostate and lungs.
• Replenishing energy and strength, eliminating stress and depression.
• Acceleration of metabolism.
• Security effective recruitment muscle mass.
• Quickly eliminate the feeling of hunger.
• Improved brain functioning.
• Increasing the level of blood clotting.
• Prevention of the aging process of cells.
• Increase immunity and stabilize the nervous system.
• Relieve inflammation and heal wounds.
• Memory improvement.
• Preventing anemia.
• strengthening bone tissue, skeleton, facilitating the transfer of osteoporosis with the systematic use of fruits.

How it helps women

It is worth noting separately the benefits of nuts for the female body:

• Reducing the risk of infectious and viral diseases during pregnancy.
• Preservation of reproductive function.
• Thyroid protection.
• Giving hair a healthy shine.
• Strengthening of the nail plate.
• Skin tightening and giving it more elasticity.
• Help with weight loss by stabilizing cholesterol levels.
• To improve the health of pregnant women (see the nuances below).

Unsaturated fats, contained in brazil nuts, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cataracts and atherosclerosis

Brazil nuts also have a positive effect on the male body:

• Increased potency.
• Increase in the number of active spermatozoa.
• Prevention of the development of prostate cancer.
• Increasing sexual activity.
• Assistance in the treatment of infertility.

How does it affect people with diseases such as type I and type II diabetes

• Normalization of blood sugar levels.
• Reducing the risk of diabetes 2 types with constant use.
• Prevention of retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can later lead to blindness.

How to use it correctly

You can eat Brazil nuts both raw (no more than 2 fruits per day) and after heat treatment, for example, by frying in a frying pan until golden brown (the same rate) or by adding other ingredients to create a separate savory dish.

How many pieces can be eaten during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant women are not only allowed, but also recommended to eat Brazil nuts while pregnant, as a small portion of the fruit (2 nuts daily) will be enough to improve health expectant mother And developing baby. But it is worth noting that Brazil nut, like any other nut, is an allergen and can cause an allergic reaction in a baby, so exceed permissible norm not recommended for expectant mothers. Women during breastfeeding You should introduce nuts into your diet gradually, one fruit per day in the morning, observing the child’s reaction. If no changes in the baby’s skin or difficulties with digesting milk were detected, then you can continue to eat one nut a day.

Fruit salad recipe

• Avocado (ripe) – 1 pc.
• Strawberries - 300 g.
• Brazil nut (raw) – 50 g.
• Lettuce leaves - 4 pcs.
• Lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.
• Liquid honey - 1 tbsp. l.
• Olive oil - 50 g.
• Sugar – ½ tbsp. l.

Mix lemon juice, honey, butter and sugar thoroughly, put the mixture in the refrigerator for half an hour. We wash the lettuce leaves, absorb excess moisture with a paper towel and place them on the bottom of the dish. Peel the avocado and cut into small slices and place on lettuce leaves. Cut the strawberries into large pieces and distribute evenly over the avocado. Chop or grind the nuts, sprinkle a layer of strawberries. We take the chilled ready-made dressing out of the refrigerator, pour it on top and mix everything.

Combined with Brazil nuts in one dish, avocado makes for the most nutritious snack possible.

Nut muffins

• Flour - 300 g.
• Butter - 200 g.
• Sugar - 150 g.
• Eggs - 5 pcs.
• Brazil nut - 100 g.
• Soda – ½ tsp.
• Jam (to taste) - 100 g.
• Chocolate (black or milk) – 100 g.

Beat eggs with sugar with a mixer or whisk, add soft butter and beat again. Add flour, soda, jam, chopped nuts and mix. Grease the muffin tin with butter, fill 2/3 of the tin with batter and sprinkle with grated chocolate. Place in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 40–50 minutes.

Milkshake

• Milk - 500 ml.
• Brazil nuts - 20 pcs.
• Dates - 4 pcs.
• Bananas - 1 pc.
• Vanilla - 1 pack.

Soak the nuts in water for 2 hours. Peel the dates, peel the bananas, and chop finely. Mix the solid ingredients and grind in a blender. Add milk, vanilla and beat until smooth.

Brownie (video recipe)

For weight loss

Despite the fact that Brazil nuts are high in calories and contain a lot of fat, their fruits are recommended for consumption during a diet. But this does not mean that you can eat nuts for breakfast, lunch, dinner and spend time on them fasting days. Brazil nuts are effective for weight loss if used as an additive or salad dressing, since even a small portion of it can satisfy hunger for a long time.

Several nut fruits can become a nutritious snack and will not harm your health or cause exhaustion, because they contain proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, replenishing energy reserves and saturating the body useful substances.

In the nutritional system according to blood type

Proper nutrition in accordance with a certain blood type implies a list of acceptable and non-recommended foods. Brazil nut is undesirable for the first blood group, as it is quite heavy product, and this group needs to eat as “light” meals as possible and follow a low-carbohydrate diet.

Brazil nuts are recommended for blood groups II and III as a filling and nutritious snack. The fourth blood group includes in its diet the menu of the second and third groups, therefore it also allows nuts, including Brazil nuts, in everyday meals.

In cosmetology

The beneficial properties of Brazil nut, or more precisely, its oil, are used in anti-aging cosmetology to slow down the aging process and improve the appearance of skin, hair and nails by adding to various cosmetic products:

• Effective moisturizing of facial skin.
• Creating a protective layer on the surface of the skin.
• Relieves inflammation and heals wounds and ulcers.
• Promoting facial rejuvenation, smoothing out wrinkles.
• Cleansing pores of impurities.
• Nourishes hair roots and nail plates, strengthens them.

Thanks to the fats in the nut, products prepared on its basis protect cells from drying out and the harmful effects of many atmospheric phenomena

Nourishing mask for face and hair

• Walnut - 10 pcs.
• Heavy cream - 2 tbsp. l.
• Olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.

Chop the nuts, grind them in a mortar, mix with cream and butter. Apply to a previously cleansed face and hair roots for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat the skin with a terry towel, and wash the hair with shampoo.

Anti-wrinkle cream with Brazil nut oil

• Any nutritious cream- 2 tbsp. l.
• Brazil nut oil - 10–12 drops

Mix the components and use it as a regular cream according to the instructions indicated on the packaging of the cosmetic product used as a basis.

Body Scrub

• Cosmetic scrub - 5 tbsp. l.
• Chopped nuts - 1 tbsp. l.

Mix the ingredients and apply the finished scrub to pre-steamed skin while taking a hot bath. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash off at the end of the bath procedures.

Contraindications and side effects

You should stop eating Brazil nuts or reduce your daily intake to a minimum if you have the following symptoms:

• Individual intolerance or allergy to nuts.
• Obesity.
• Hypertension.
• Excess levels of selenium, zinc and radium in the body.
• Pregnancy and lactation period.
• Under the age of 12 or after 65 years.

Did you want to grow a head of hair faster and ate more Brazil nuts than you should? Receive reverse effect!

In case of overdose, serious consequences are possible:

• Radium, which is 1000 times more concentrated than any other product, causes disturbances in the body.
• Aflatoxin, which occurs in the shell due to improper storage of fruits, is a real poison that provokes tissue destruction.
• Phytin, which prevents the complete absorption of iron in the body, can cause iron deficiency and lead to poor health.
• Selenium contained in Brazil nuts can upset you if you overuse the delicacy. nervous system, destroys the structure of hair and nails, and can provoke the appearance of cancerous tumors.

Despite all the benefits and pleasant taste of nuts, you should not abuse them, since violation of the daily norm can lead to significant disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the appearance of excess weight and overdose individual components and minerals in the plant. Therefore, in order to maintain general condition and to improve health, you need to eat up to 2 fruits per day and not ignore contraindications to eating nuts.

Brazil nut (Bertoletia) is one of the most striking and unusual representatives of the plant world of South America. The tree on which nut fruits grow loves hot climate. Its height reaches about 46 meters, and it is long-lived. This unusual plant can only be found in Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia.

The fruits of the tree received scientific name"Berthollet" in honor of the chemist Claude Berthollet. They gained wide popularity due to their unusual taste and rich natural composition.

Natural composition and calorie content

The natural composition of Brazil nuts is very diverse. Walnut contains a large number of nutrients, among which are present:

• vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, PP, E, C, D;
• macro- and microelements - magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc;
• amino acids - alanine, aspartame, glycine, histidine, leucine, glutamine, lysine, methionine, serine, proline, tyrosine, cystine, tryptophan, threonine;
• flavonoids;
• fatty saturated acids- pentadecanoic, dodecanoic, margarine, stearic, myristic, arachidic, butane;
• polyunsaturated fats— Omega 3, 6, 9;
• styrene and polyhydric alcohols;
• fiber, etc.

The nutritional value of this product presented:

• saturated fat - 66.4 g;
• proteins - 14.5 g;
• carbohydrates - 12.2 g;
• starch - 0.25 g;
• fiber - 7.5 g;
• ash - 3.5 g;
• water - 3.4 g.

Calorie content of Brazilian grains are 656 calories per 100 grams of product.

Beneficial features

Brazil nuts, due to their huge number of beneficial properties, are considered a very valuable product. It is recommended to be used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Healing properties of this nut are characterized by the presence in it various groups vitamins, antioxidants, microelements important for healthy body.

Brazilian fruit is good for:

• Prevention of cancer.
• Strengthening the immune system.
• In inflammatory processes.
• Hormonal system.
• Of cardio-vascular system.
• Vision.
• Protecting the body from harmful substances.
• For weight loss.
• For muscles and tissues.

The product protects cells from free radicals, prevents the occurrence of cancer of the intestines, breasts, lungs, and prostate glands. It also increases the body's resistance to various viral diseases.

Brazil nut normalizes endocrine system, improves hormonal background and the activity of thyroid hormones.

Eating Brazil nuts reduces the risk of cataracts. It helps remove harmful toxins from the body and heavy metals(lead, mercury).

The product is suitable for those who want to lose weight. Grains help burn body fat, normalize sugar levels in the body and improve metabolism. With the right dosage, consumption of these fruits helps to gain muscle mass, restores damaged muscle cells.

For women

Brazil nuts are especially beneficial for a woman’s body. It has a beneficial effect on well-being and health. Brazil nuts contain a large amount of vitamin E, which is incredibly beneficial for the beauty and health of hair, skin and nails.

Selenium, which is part of the Brazil nut, ensures the preservation of female reproductive function and provides correct flow pregnancy, protecting the baby from various pathologies development.

One of the beneficial properties of Brazil nuts is that the use of these components in food allows you to keep the body young. This is due to the content of antioxidants, which effectively help fight free radicals (usually they break the transmission of cellular impulses, and cells stop cooperating with each other).

For men

About the benefits of nuts For male body It's worth talking separately. This fruit completely ensures the health of the male reproductive system. The substances included in its composition strengthen male strength and strengthen sex drive.

Daily use several grains helps to increase potency, improve sperm quality and stimulate sperm production. Thanks to a number of useful components, Brazil nuts help prevent the development of prostate cancer.

However, it should be remembered that such a vitamin-rich product should not be consumed in large quantities. To maintain a healthy body, one or two fruits per day are enough. Otherwise, an overdose of selenium may occur, which can cause various adverse reactions.

What are the benefits of Brazil nut oil?

Brazil nut oil is a very valuable nutritional product. It gained particular attractiveness due to its rich natural composition. The oil contains a huge amount of selenium, vitamins and minerals, which have a beneficial effect on our health.

Brazil Nut Oil helps:

• Rejuvenation of the body;
• In the fight against skin diseases;
• In the treatment of burns and various damages skin;
• Prevention to eliminate fine wrinkles;
• Collagen production;
• Increase skin elasticity;
• Stopping the development of cancer;
• Slow down inflammatory processes in people with HIV infection;
• Stress relief, positive impact on the nervous system.

Bertholetia oil found wide application in cosmetology, aromatherapy, cooking and not traditional medicine. IN for cosmetic purposes Selenium product is used as a skin and hair care product. At home, special rejuvenating and healing masks are prepared based on these grains.

Application of Brazilian grains

Brazil nut is widely used in various areas. The grains of this product are used in folk medicine, cooking, cosmetology, the perfume industry, and even in painting.

Bertholetia oil is used:

• In cosmetic medicine.
• In painting.
• In the perfume industry.
• In cooking.

On the basis of Brazil nuts, various moisturizing and nourishing face and body masks are made. It is added to various perfumes and perfumes to emphasize the fragrance and increase the durability of the product.

Artists use oil to preserve the painting on long years. To eliminate fading of colors, this oil is added to the main palette to enhance its durability, as well as to obtain more rich shade

Brazil nuts are most often used in cooking. Traditional cuisine in some countries involves adding this product to salads, sauces and various snacks. Nuts are also used to make sweets, baked goods and many dessert dishes.

In folk medicine

The Brazil nut has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. His beneficial features and the presence of selenium in the composition make it possible to use this fruit to treat many ailments.

In Latin America, the peel of the walnut is used for healing. skin diseases(bruises, wounds, cuts), etc. In our circles, this fruit became known not so long ago, so about the methods of its use in medicinal purposes, not everyone knows.

In our homeland, where it is not possible to purchase useful leaves and bark of this plant, it is customary to use the fruits and oil of Brazil nuts for medicinal purposes.

For iodine deficiency This tincture is useful: take 4 teaspoons of Brazilian fruit powder, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. Let it brew for 30-40 minutes, then filter. We take the infusion twice a day, 50-70 ml after the main meals. The course is three weeks.

To improve reproductive function It is recommended to take a glass container and pour 200 grams of chopped Brazil nuts into it. Then pour natural honey into a jar and put it in the refrigerator. Use this remedy You need one spoon daily at any time of the day.

Brazil nut oil is excellent for healing burns, wounds and ulcers. As remedy Apply oil to the affected areas of the skin. After half an hour, blot the wound with a dry cloth.

For thyroid dysfunction caused by excess iodine in the body, it is recommended to eat 2-3 nuts per day.

In cosmetology

Brazil nut oil is most often used in cosmetology. It is recommended to use it
for skin and hair care. As a medicinal product, the oil is used to treat wounds, burns and various skin diseases.

In order to prevent appearance of early wrinkles, you need to make the following mask:

• Take 30 ml. Brazil nut oil.
• Add 30 ml. wheat and sesame oil.
• Mix in 20 ml. jojoba oils.
• Carefully add 3 drops of mint and geranium essential oils.
• All components mix well.
• Apply the resulting mixture with light tapping movements to problematic areas (skin area around the eyes, nasolabial folds, décolleté, neck).
• It is recommended to use the mask three times a week, spending 15 minutes on the procedure

To prepare face mask dry skin, take 30 ml. oils grape seed, 30 ml. avocado oil, 30 ml. Brazil nut oil. Add a few drops of chamomile, sandalwood and geranium essential oils to this mixture. Apply the resulting essential mass with light circular movements to the surface of the skin. After 20-25 minutes, wash off the mask with cool water.

It is also recommended to use brazil nuts for making nourishing mask for hair. We heat the oil of the Brazilian fruit in a water bath and apply it to the entire length of the hair, including the roots. Next, cover your hair with cellophane and wrap your head with a towel on top. The duration of the procedure is one and a half hours. It is also helpful to add three drops each of rose, sandalwood, lavender, oregano, clove, and orange to warmed Brazil nut oil.

For hair root strengthening mask mix in equal proportions Brazilian oil with almond and apricot. Add a couple of drops of rosemary and jojoba oil to this mixture. The resulting mixture is rubbed into the scalp, using massaging movements. Next, apply the mask along the entire length of the hair. After that, wrap your head with a towel. After 30-40 minutes, wash off the mask warm water.

A medicinal bath is wonderfully relaxing. To do this, draw a bath with hot water(temperature 36-38 degrees), add 10 drops there essential oil lemon and mint, and 20 ml. brazil nut oil. Such a bath has a relaxing effect and will be especially useful before bedtime.

Brazil nut oil is recommended to be used to strengthen and enhance nail growth. To do this, one drop of this oil is rubbed into the nail plate using massaging movements. The procedure is recommended to be carried out daily before bedtime.

In cooking

Brazil nuts are widely used in cooking. Eminent chefs around the world use these amazing grains in salads, side dishes, desserts, confectionery and baking. The southern nut is added to food raw, roasted, sweetened or salted.

Prunes and brazil nuts cupcake

To prepare a cupcake with Brazilian grains, you need to prepare the necessary ingredients in advance:

• pitted prunes - 150 g;
• pure water- 1 glass;
• wheat flour - 300 g;
• baking powder - 15 g;
• brazil nuts - 100 g;
• ground cinnamon and cloves - 0.5 tsp each;
• sugar - 150 g;
• lemon zest - 3 tsp;
• vegetable oil - 80 g.

Wash the prunes well and soak them in boiled water for 20 minutes. Then we drain the water into a separate container. Sift the flour with baking powder, add crushed nut grains, spices and sugar. Next, mix the water left from the prunes with oil and lemon zest.

Pour the resulting mixture into flour and mix everything thoroughly. Next, add prunes and beat everything with a spoon until it has an airy, homogeneous consistency. Put the dough into a mold and decorate it with nuts on top. Bake the cake for 40-50 minutes.

Dessert with ice cream and nuts

A very tasty and healthy dessert made from Brazilian grains with ice cream. to prepare it you will need:

• sugar - 150 g;
• nuts - Brazilian, hazelnuts, almonds - 70 g;
• praline;
• chocolate or vanilla ice cream - 5 balls;
• cream liqueur "Baileys" - 70-100 ml.

Praline needs to be melted: heat 115 ml. water, add praline, bring to a boil. Boil until a golden brown syrup is formed. Then take it off the stove and let it cool down a bit. Place the ice cream in saucers or glasses and pour in a little syrup and cream liqueur. Sprinkle the top of the dessert with chopped nuts.

Syrniki

Cheesecakes based on this nut are incredibly tasty and rich in minerals. Selenium makes them the perfect start to any day. To prepare them you need the following components:

• Brazil nut - 4 pcs;
• Walnut- 2 pcs;
• cottage cheese - 700 g;
• eggs - 3 pcs;
• wheat flour - 80 g;
• sugar - 50 g;
• vegetable oil - 50 ml.

Take a bowl and beat eggs and sugar in it. Add cottage cheese to the resulting mass and wheat flour. Mix all ingredients well and add chopped nuts to them. From the resulting mass we make cheesecakes, fry on both sides vegetable oil. Decorate the prepared dish with powdered sugar and pieces of fruit.

Contraindications

Despite the high content of nutrients in Brazil nuts, there are a number of contraindications to the use of the product. It is not recommended to use these Brazil nuts for people suffering from the following diseases:

• penchant for allergic reactions,
• allergy to any type of nuts,
• asthma,
• hypertension,
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, pancreatitis, gastritis),
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (excess iodine in the body).

Brazil nuts are quite high-calorie and nutritious, so it is very important to observe a certain norm in its use. A healthy adult is recommended to consume 2-3 nuts a day so as not to exceed the norm of selenium. It is this amount of product that allows you to enrich the body with all necessary for the body elements, vitamins, minerals and omega acids.

For example, to provide the body with a daily dose of selenium and protect your body from premature aging and development cancer diseases, you need to consume only 2-3 nuts per day.

It is better to buy Brazil nuts in sealed bags, which are sold in the store, so the selenium and vitamins in its composition will retain their properties longer. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the expiration date, the integrity of the package and appearance nuts.

Brazil nut kernels should be firm and deep brown in color.

The surface of the fruit must be even and absolutely smooth, without damage. Small irregularities and wrinkled grains are a sign that the nut is stale or wrong choice its storage.

A closed bag of nuts can be stored for up to six months. But if this package has been opened, it is better to transfer the product to a sealed plastic container. In this form, they are stored for up to three weeks.

The brazil nut is also called bertoletia, or bertoletia., in honor of K. L. Berthollet - French chemist of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Its third name is very suitable for the plant - South American, or American walnut, since it is common in the countries of the northern part of South America located along the Amazon River: Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. This nut differs from others in that it is actually a seed that only tastes like a nut. But the main thing in this product is how tasty and healthy it is.

Description

Bertholletia is one of the largest trees in the Amazon. It reaches a height of 45–50 m and a width of 1–2 m. The plant is a long-liver among trees: it lives 500 years, and sometimes 1000 years, according to some scientists. The tree has a straight and smooth trunk without branches. The crown occupies only a quarter of the length of the trunk and forms a round dome.

Only large orchid bees can pollinate flowers. This explains why most of the harvest comes from wild trees in the Amazon forest, and not from specially planted plantations. One forest beetle can produce 200-300 kg of fruit per year.

Did you know? There is no need to climb to the top of a huge tree for nuts, since mature specimens themselves fall to the ground. Perhaps that is why colonists from Spain gave the tasty nuts the name “gift of God from heaven.”

The fruit has a round capsule with a diameter of 10–15 cm with a strong, coconut-like shell, the thickness of which is 8–12 mm. The box is filled with elongated grains (4–5 cm), which are similar in shape and arrangement to orange slices. Inside the fetus, there can be from 8 to 24 pieces.

The tree-like shell of the Bertolet fruit is so hard that, even falling from enormous height, it often goes unscathed. But the strong and strong can handle it sharp teeth small rodent agouti. These creatures gnaw the grains from the inside. What remains, they bury in reserve, and then forget about their vaults, from which new sprouts later grow.

Bertoletia fruit seeds are the "Brazil nuts" that we buy in the store and which have many useful properties.

Composition and calorie content

Bertolet seeds are so useful because they contain many vitamins and minerals. Their composition:

• vitamins A, D, E, C and almost all B vitamins (, nicotinic, and);
• 10 essential microelements(selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, iron, manganese, calcium, sodium);
• flavonoids;
• 18 valuable amino acids, including betaine and arginine;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• cellulose.

Brazil nuts are very high in calories. 100 g contains:

• energy value - 682 kcal or 2851 kJ;
• proteins - 14 g;
• fats - 66 g (saturated - 15.1 g, monounsaturated - 24.6 g, polyunsaturated - 20.6 g);
• carbohydrates - 12 g (including sugar - 2.3 g).

By eating 100 g of nuts, a person will replenish his body daily norm vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins:

• - 51 %;
• - 25 %;
• - 7 %;
• - 5 %;
• - 4 %;
• - 3 %;
• - 2 %;
• - 1 %.

Minerals:

• - 2739 %;
• - 104 %;
• - 94 %;
• Copper - 58%;
• - 33 %;
• - 27 %;
• - 24 %;
• - 24 %;
• - 16 %;
• - 1 %.

Important! American nuts are high in calories. Therefore, you should not exceed the daily rate of its use, especially for those who want to lose weight.

Beneficial properties for the body

Brazil nuts are very nutritious and useful for people prone to cancer, because the selenium contained in it prevents the development of colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer. Fiber cleanses the intestines and aids in digestion. Vitamins and trace elements in the composition of this nut strengthen the immune system and improve the metabolism in the body.

You can use this product as a prevention of various diseases: of cardio-vascular system, thyroid gland, atherosclerosis and cataracts. So, it is necessary to eat it for all people of all ages, men and women.

Men

Brazil nuts are important for men's health, as they supply the body with valuable selenium in large quantities, which prevents the development of many male diseases.
Benefits of nuts:

• Selenium and magnesium take care of the health of the prostate: it prevents the development of prostatitis and prostate cancer.
• Antioxidants and vitamins C and E stop oxidative processes thereby reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Testosterone levels increase by a few percent, sperm motility improves.
• The content of cholesterol decreases, which positively affects the condition of the heart and blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots.
• The use of Brazil nuts is useful for the male reproductive system, in particular, it improves the functioning of the testes.
• contained in nuts is a protection against problems with the heart, blood vessels and excess weight.

Women

• Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, the normal course of pregnancy, birth healthy child without pathologies. It also provides thyroid protection.
• Antioxidants fight free radicals, slowing down aging and prolonging the youth of the female body.
• Vitamin E is needed by every woman to look beautiful, as it takes care of the health of the skin, hair and nails.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids lower cholesterol levels.

Contraindications and harm

Like most others healthy products nutrition, Brazil nut has contraindications. Here are the reasons why it can be harmful:

• Allergy to nuts.
• Walnut peels contain aflatoxin, a poison that, if consumed in excess, is dangerous to the liver, promotes cirrhosis and cancer. Therefore, you can not eat and store nuts in the shell.
• There is some harmful radium in the product, because of this, nuts should not be abused.
• Selenium, if overindulged, has dangerous side effects: nausea, vomiting, confusion, redness of the skin, bad smell from the mouth, difficulty breathing, pneumonia and liver failure.

Abusing it healthy nut may cause irreparable harm to health.

How to use and daily dose

American walnuts are usually eaten raw, unprocessed. But it is very tasty fried, salty and sweet. It is used as an ingredient in confectionery, added to salads and other cold dishes, to which it adds spice. Walnut oil is made from it, which is used in cosmetology and cooking.

Doctors recommend eating 2-3 nuts every day. This amount will provide the body with all the necessary nutrients, including valuable selenium. Exceeding this daily dose can lead to dangerous health consequences.

Did you know? Brazil nut oil is used not only for culinary and cosmetic purposes. It is also used to make artistic paints and oil for lubricating watches.

How to choose

When choosing inshell Brazil nuts, you should shake them: fresh grains sit tightly in the peel and do not rumble. The shelled nuts should be fairly heavy, firm and crunchy.
They should have their own characteristic nutty smell. Light, dry and odorless specimens should not be taken, as they are of poor quality or stale and have been stored for too long.

Important! It is best to buy peeled nuts, as their peel is poisonous.

Terms and conditions of storage

Brazil nuts absorb odors very strongly. For this reason, they must be kept tightly closed at home. glass jar or chinaware. If there are few nuts, they can be packed in a plastic bag.

The container with grains should be stored in a refrigerator or other cool place, preferably away from strong-smelling foods, such as sausages.

In a dark, cool and dry place, nuts, even without peel, are stored for about 2 years without losing their healing properties.

Exotic American nuts are an expensive product. But you don't need a lot of them. It is enough to eat a couple of pieces a day. It won't hurt your pocket too much, but will bring great health benefits.

Brazil nuts are the fruits of high Bertholletia (Bertholletia excelsa), a tree that is the only representative of the Lecythis family and grows in the virgin forests of the Amazon (in Bolivia, Brazil, Peru). Nuts intended for delivery to the international market are harvested only from wild trees (plantations are considered low-productive and unprofitable due to the lack of places inhabited by humans, sufficient quantity large bees, which are natural pollinators of this plant). This is how a program is implemented that allows you to receive income from wild tropical forests without destroying them.

Bertoletia is a tree up to 45 meters high. Straight plant trunk covered with smooth bark gray color, can reach a diameter of 200 centimeters. The large spherical crown of Bertoletia is formed by long branches located in the upper part of the trunk. Green elongated leaves of the plant, having a smooth or jagged edge, can reach 35 cm in length and 16 cm in width. The small, pale green Brazil nut flowers form panicles up to 100 mm long.

Bertoletia fruits are large boxes with a hard tree-like shell, having a diameter of up to 16 cm and a weight of up to 2.3 kg. In each such box, one can find from 8 to 24 triangular-shaped grains, reaching 50 mm in length. It takes at least 14 months for the fruit to fully ripen.

Fresh Brazil nuts have a pleasant aroma and crack with a slight crunch. A wrinkled surface, covered with a coating, and an unpleasant rancid smell are signs of their deterioration. Store Brazil nuts in a tightly sealed container in a cool place away from light and moisture (such as a refrigerator). In such conditions, Bertoletia fruits retain their properties for up to 3 months.

Brazil nuts are eaten raw, roasted, sprinkled with sugar or salt. In addition, they are used for the manufacture of oils used in food, medical and industrial purposes (for the manufacture of perfumes, paints, for lubricating moving parts of mechanisms, etc.).

Nutritional value of Bertholetia fruits and vitamins in their composition

The nutritional value Brazil nuts (per 100 g):

• 14.296 g protein;
• 67.319 g fat;
• 12.416 g carbohydrates;
• 7.491 g dietary insoluble fiber;
• 3.476 g water;
• 3.499 g ash;
• 2.341 g sucrose;
• 0.248 g of starch and dextrins;
• 2.341 g of monosaccharides, disaccharides;
• 0.016 g fatty acids omega-3;
• 20.571 g omega-6 fatty acids;
• 15.138 g saturated fatty acids;
• 24.547 g monounsaturated fatty acids;
• 20.569 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Vitamins in Brazil nuts (per 100 g):

• 21.987 mcg folate (B9);
• 0.183 mg pantothenic acid(B5);
• 0.694 mg ascorbic acid(C);
• 0.616 mg thiamine (B1);
• 5.724 mg tocopherol equivalent, alpha-tocopherol (E);
• 29.112 mg choline (B4);
• 0.391 mg betaine;
• 0.034 mg riboflavin (B2);
• 0.294 mg niacin equivalent (PP);
• 0.099 mg pyridoxine (B6).

Brazil nut calories

Brazil nuts and dishes prepared on its basis are characterized by increased energy value.

• Calorie content of Brazil nuts (per 100 g) – 657.897 kcal.
• The energy value of 1 fruit (average weight - 6 g) is 39.474 kcal.
• Calorie content of 100 g of Brazil nut oil is 897.661 kcal.

Healthful Elements in Brazil Nuts

Microelements in Brazil nuts (per 100 g):

• 1916.612 mcg selenium;
• 1.221 mg manganese;
• 2.421 mg iron;
• 4.058 mg zinc;
• 1742.007 mcg copper.

Macronutrients in Brazil nuts (per 100 g).