Brazil nuts 500g

Brazil nuts 500g by Targroch

Brazil nuts come from South America, from the Amazon region (Bolivia, Brazil, Peru) and are harvested from the dormouse tree (Bertholletia excelsa).

Brazil Nut Nutrients and Effects

Brazil nuts have the most selenium of all nuts. Selenium is especially recommended for men, as it significantly improves semen quality. This element also increases the body's immunity, supports the fight against cancer. Selenium is also helpful in thyroid problems. Brazil nuts are a rich source of fats, as 100g contains over 65%, mostly polyunsaturated Omega-6 and Omega-3 acids (e.g. alpha-linolenic), which support the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system (combined with a large amount of vitamins from group B). Regular consumption of 20g of Brazil nuts a day reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which improves the functioning of the circulatory system and improves the condition of the heart, prevents heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Large amounts of vitamin E and polyphenols slow down the aging process of the body, improve the appearance of the skin, hair and nails.

Some people may be allergic to brazil nuts, which manifests itself as an allergy.

Polyphenols present in Brazil nuts

Polyphenols are especially found in the brown skin of Brazil nuts and are:

• flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, taxifolin) - fighting inflammation, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, atherosclerosis, blood clots, cancer (pancreatic and prostate cancer), asthma
• flavanols (catechins, gallocatechins) with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiatherosclerotic and antimutagenic properties
•   phenylcarboxylic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, ellagic) with antioxidant activity

Nutritional and energy value of 100g Brazil nuts

Energy value - 659 kcal

Protein 14.3g, fats 67.1g (including monounsaturated fatty acids 23.9g, polyunsaturated fatty acids 24.4g), carbohydrates 11.7g (including fiber 7.5g)

Vitamins: Vitamin C 0.7 mg, B vitamins (B1 0.62 mg, B2 0.04 mg , B3 0.3 mg, B6 0.1 mg, B9 22 µg), vitamin E - 5.65 mg

Minerals: phosphorus 725 mg, potassium - 659 mg, magnesium 376 mg, calcium - 160 mg, zinc 4.06 mg, iron 2.43 mg, sodium 3 mg, selenium 103 µg   

Use of brazil nuts

Brazil nuts can be a delicious snack. They can also be crushed and used to bake cakes. They are also used to make sweet peanut butter.

Due to the valuable fatty acids and vitamin E, they have been used in the production of oiling and moisturizing cosmetics for dry, neglected facial skin and damaged hair.