Despite its name, the Brazilian nut or bertolleta is not a nut, but a grain. It simply has a hard shell-shell and a fairly large size. Yes, and in appearance more like walnut kernel, like peanuts or almonds . The walnut is growing not only in Brazil, but is also found in other Latin American countries, primarily in Bolivia, the largest exporter of this product. Therefore, the Brazilian nut is also called American. And this is by no means a cultivated plant, it is not grown specially, but is harvested right in the wild jungle.
Useful properties of the Brazil nut are associated, above all, with its nutritional qualities. It is very nutritious and delicious. The nuclei are fairly large in size - about 5 cm in diameter. Form they are like peanuts, and taste - on pine nuts. Nutritional value of the Brazil nut is over 650 kcal / 100 g. Almost 70% of the total mass of the product is fats, another 13% - carbohydrates, but there are a lot of proteins - 17%. And although most of the fatty compounds refers to unsaturated, responsible for optimizing the level of cholesterol, nuts are recommended to eat in moderation. In fact, when abused, this product, despite all the useful properties of the Brazil nut, can harm the human body.
Ingredients of Brazil nuts
This plant product is very rich in active substances, including rare ones. In the kernels of the fruits of the berthelet you can find:
- cellulose;
- valuable amino acids;
- vitamins: A, C, E, group B;
- minerals: iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium , zinc, copper, etc .;
- flavonoids and antioxidants.
Brazil nuts are also a source of a rare trace element of selenium, a pair of nuts are able to supply the body with a daily dose of this substance.
Is the Brazil nut useful?
Of course, the fruits of bertholety can not be called a panacea for all diseases. And they should not be taken to medicines. To be treated with the help of a Brazil nut, especially alone, without consulting a doctor, is impossible. It is rather a useful biological supplement that can provide preventive and supportive action on the body. For example, the Brazil nut during diabetes helps regulate metabolic processes in the body. It improves the well-being of such patients, but has no significant therapeutic effect. And if a diabetic will eat too many fat, carbohydrate-rich nuts, it can, on the contrary, significantly undermine his health.
Controversy among nutritionists is caused by the use of the Brazil nut during pregnancy due to its caloric value and the risk of allergic reactions. Future moms need to consult a doctor before including the fruits of bertholety in the diet. But in general for women the benefits of Brazil nuts are beyond doubt. It has a rejuvenating effect
Brazil nuts, thanks to the presence of amino acids, are able to stimulate the work of blood vessels. They prevent the appearance of atherosclerotic formations, help in the prevention of heart disease, cataracts, neuroses. Fiber in the composition of nuts has a beneficial effect on the intestinal peristalsis and clears it. To the children's organism, the Brazil nut helps to optimize the production of growth hormones. And it's a powerful natural energy.