Brazil nuts: are the contraindications stronger than the beneficial properties? Brazil nut in cosmetology. What are the benefits of Brazil nuts for the body?

Brazil nut- This is a delicious delicacy. During the research, it turned out that the product is incredibly useful. So, how does a Brazil nut grow, and what useful qualities has?

What is this exotic product? Of course, this is a nut that grows in distant Brazil. Thanks to trade relations, the product appeared in Russia, but relatively recently. Few people know, but these nuts are very healthy and nutritious.

ABOUT beneficial properties ah, contraindications and how much of the product should be consumed per day, we will find out below in the article.

How does the exotic Brazil nut grow?

Tree on which Brazil nut grows

This product grows on the Bertoletia tree. It was named after the great French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet. The tree grows in the Amazon rainforest. This is quite an impressive plant, reaching a height of about 50 meters, with a trunk diameter of 2 meters. The tree has smooth bark and large leaves that are collected in clusters.

Interesting fact: the leaves, together with the fruits, are located almost at the very top of the plant.

The tree grows for about 500 years, but begins to bear fruit at the age of 12. Sometimes there are specimens that live up to 1000 years. It is not easy to collect fruits from such a height, but this is not necessary, because they themselves fall to the ground.

The shell of the product is thin, but extremely durable. If it doesn’t break during the fall, you will have to try hard to get the most delicious thing. The inhabitants of these places, namely capuchin monkeys, have greatly succeeded in this matter. Animals split fruits on stones.

Interesting fact: the rich wildlife of these places contributes to the natural spread of the plant. For example, relatives of guinea pigs are agoutis. They, like capuchin monkeys, are capable of splitting this fruit with their sharp teeth. These animals store a huge amount of nuts from this plant “for a rainy day” and bury them in the ground, and then forget this place. Over time, a new tree grows in place of the buried Brazil nuts.

By the way, nuts themselves do not grow on a tree, they are collected in a so-called cauldron, which is called a fruit. Its size is equal to the size of a coconut. It is inside such a “cauldron” that the nuts grow, which are nicknamed in Brazil as chestnuts-from-the-Pair.

In winter, all the leaves fall from the tree, and in spring, flowering occurs all at once in one day. After which the fruits begin to ripen. Their maturation lasts about a year. Such a long period is associated with a dense shell. Towards the end of winter, the “kettles” begin to fall to the ground.

This fruit with nuts inside weighs about 2 kilograms. The shell is similar in composition to wood. Its thickness is 1 cm. Inside each “pot” there can be from 8-24 nuts. The size of the nut can be compared to an orange slice, i.e. relatively small.

An interesting fact: such trees cannot be found in every tropical forest, but they grow only in forests untouched by man, where they feel free and at ease. Bertoletia does not grow in swampy areas, only on solid soil. Sometimes trees populate a certain area too densely, and often there can be one tree per several hectares.

In order to get tasty treat, you first need to cut off the top of the “kettle”. After which, they begin to peel the nuts themselves, and their shells are similar in hardness to. So, this process generally takes quite a lot of time.

In addition, this plant does not grow throughout Brazil, but only in a few states. And in order for nuts to be available in all stores in Brazil, they also need to be diluted. This accounts for its high cost, and this is only in this country, let alone Russia.

It began to appear in our country recently, but is still inferior in popularity to walnuts and hazelnuts, due to the high markup. On average, the price per kilogram of this delicacy in different regions varies from 1,750 to 2,500 rubles.

You have learned how and where the product grows; below we will talk about its beneficial properties and contraindications.

A little about the origin

The Amazonian forests are considered to be the native homeland of the plant. Although the delicacies are named after the country of the same name, Bolivia is considered the largest supplier today. The main reason is the deforestation of tropical forests, and with them Bertoletii.

In the homeland of the product, this delicacy is called differently, but often chestnuts-from-a-pair. Pará is a state that used to be part of the Amazon. A lot has changed now. Today, the main producer of the product is the state of Acre, which is located on the very outskirts of the country.

In addition to this state, nuts grow in Rondonia, Amapá, Maranhão, etc.
Today, these trees are listed in the Red Book, because every year there are fewer and fewer of them due to deforestation.

Useful properties

Before you learn about the beneficial properties of this product, you need to consider what this delicacy consists of. Main component – unsaturated fats, they occupy about 70%. 100 grams of product contains about 700 kcal. This amount makes it possible to saturate the body for the whole day.

Other components include:

Water;
Protein;
Fiber;
Ash;
Starch;
Amino acids and oils.

They borrow the remaining interest.

In addition, nuts are rich in:

Micro- and macroelements;
Vitamins.

The beneficial properties of this delicacy are truly surprising:

Prevents the development of cancer;
Conquers depression and other emotional disorders;
“Stops” aging;
Normalizes the level;
Increases immunity;
Helps reduce cholesterol;
Restores muscle tone;
Improves the condition of skin, nails and hair;
Increases blood clotting;
Prevents the development of cataracts;
Helps normalize the functioning of the hormonal system.

The daily norm of such nuts, regardless of what specific goal a person is pursuing. It is fixed, but more on it a little later. The use of such useful product does not give immediate results. The first changes can be noticed only after a month of regular consumption.

This product is extremely useful for women because it contains a large amount of selenium, and it plays a key role in maintaining reproductive function. In addition, nuts contain E and antioxidants, which help maintain skin condition. Regular use of the product also helps to get rid of extra pounds.

Harm

Although Brazil nuts have a huge amount Although it has beneficial properties, it still has a number of contraindications, just like any other product.

Main contraindications:

Individual intolerance;
Overweight.

The nut contains a lot of radium and barium, especially in the shell of the product. Medicine does not treat Brazil nuts as a radioactive product; exceeding the norm is fraught with minor changes: a decrease in the body's defenses, exacerbation of chronic ailments, and causeless increase in body weight. In addition, free radium is excreted extremely slowly from the human body, which may lead to negative consequences in the future.

Don't give a nut small child– the child may choke. And if you still decide to give it, you should start with a small amount, constantly monitoring the body’s reaction. If your child has a tendency to allergies, then it is better to start giving the product from the age of five.

How to eat?

It is best to eat Brazil nuts raw. But special taste and they release their aroma when they hit the hot frying pan. Cooks often add finely chopped product to various dishes, for example, in salads and cold appetizers, thereby they take on a sophisticated spicy taste. Nuts go well with, especially with the addition of honey.

Experts recommend eating no more than 2 nuts per day, with balanced diet. This amount is enough to saturate the body with essential vitamins and microelements. Remember that the product contains selenium, and large quantities it poses a serious danger to human health, including coma. In case of overdose occurs:

Indigestion;
Poisoning;
Irritability;
Muscle weakness;
Body pain and much more.

It is important to know: no matter how healthy this product is, it contains a large amount of fat, i.e. caloric. Therefore, it is best to consume it before lunch, for breakfast or lunch.

By the way, it is still better to consume it raw, so it does not lose its beneficial properties.

How to select and store nuts?

When purchasing an unshelled product in a store, shake the packaging: if the nuts rattle inside the shell, it means the product is of poor quality and should not be purchased. With peeled nuts everything is much simpler. As a rule, quality product should be:

Heavy;
Meaty;
Elastic.

In addition, the product must have a bright, characteristic aroma. If the nuts are too light and have no smell, this is a low-quality product.

Uses of nut oil

The oil from this product is obtained by pressing, thereby preserving all the beneficial properties of nuts. used as a salad dressing, sauce additive or as regular sunflower oil.

It is often used to lubricate watch mechanisms and is used as a component for the preparation of (art) paints.

But still most often used in cosmetology. The oil has the following properties:

Moisturizing;
Nutritious;
Softening;
Regenerating.

In addition, it helps in the treatment of skin ailments. A number of cosmetic manufacturers include it in their products.

Now you have learned how and where this product grows. In order to not incur trouble from the product in pursuit of health, but to comprehensively protect the body and achieve quick results, it is recommended to strictly follow the norm, i.e. no more than 2 nuts per day.

It must be remembered that they should be used systematically. Do not exceed the specified dosage, otherwise you may harm your body. Remember that everything is good in moderation.

Benefits of Brazil nuts:

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Nutritional value, useful and harmful properties which are very controversial - 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 overweight, 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 average weight grain is about 5 grams. The nut will also satisfy your hunger.

Useful properties

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: folic, pantothenic, betaine and arginine. Each of them makes a certain contribution to human health. Thirdly, fatty acids in the composition of 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 daily dose 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 for consumption for preventive purposes However, this must be done regularly and for a certain period of time. There is an opinion about the beneficial effect of fetal components on thyroid gland and female hormonal background, as well as increasing the chances of pregnancy and its successful course.

Contraindications

Despite the 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 that make it 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 in 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 yellow 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.

Unique chemical composition and high nutritional value- this is what distinguishes the Brazil nut. The calorie content of fruits does not allow them to be consumed 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.

In the article we discuss Brazil nuts. You will learn what the benefits and harms of the nut are for women and men, where and how it grows, what beneficial properties it has and what contraindications it has for use. By following our tips, you will learn how to store it correctly. We will tell you how the nut affects thyroid hormones, and how much fruit you can consume per day.

Brazil nut is the fruit of the South American plant Bertholletia (lat. Bertholletia) of the Lecythidaceae family. This tree was named after the French chemist Claude Bertholet. Bertholetia fruit is also known as the American or South American nut.

The fruit of the Brazil nut is a large round capsule, up to 15 cm in diameter and weighing up to 2 kg. Under the hard, hard shell there are from 8 to 24 kernels of the nut. They are similar in shape and location to orange slices. The length of each nut is no more than 5 cm.

How do Brazil nuts grow?

The Brazilian is a large tree that lives up to 500 years. The hazel tree reaches a height of 45 meters. The trunk diameter is 2 m. In the wild, the Brazil nut grows in Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Guyana, Bolivia and Colombia. Brazil nuts produce more than 20,000 tons of fruit every year. Half of them are collected in Bolivia.

Brazil nuts are cultivated on plantations, but in such conditions the tree produces a low yield. In its natural habitat, the tree is pollinated by bumblebees and orchid bees. Only they can overcome the complex curves of a flower with pollen on its legs. These bees do not live where the ecosystem is destroyed. Without them, the tree hardly bears fruit.

Chemical composition of Brazil nut

Brazil nut contains:

polyunsaturated fats;
flavonoids;
antioxidants;
B vitamins;
vitamin C;
vitamin E;
amino acids;
fiber;
selenium;
potassium;
zinc;
phosphor;
iron;
magnesium;
calcium.

Brazil nut calories

Calorie content 100 gr. Brazil nuts - 690 kcal. The fruit is ⅔ fat.

Useful properties of Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts have many beneficial properties. It lowers cholesterol levels, regulates blood clotting, improves intestinal motility and cleanses the body of waste and toxins.

Nuts replenish energy, help with depression, stress and chronic fatigue. They strengthen the immune system and eliminate free radicals, improve metabolism, and reduce blood sugar levels. Brazil nuts are used to prevent vascular diseases, cataracts and atherosclerosis.

Nuts are used to prevent cancer. The fruit contains selenium, which is useful for cancer, it stops the development of pathology.

Brazil nuts contain amino acids that help burn fat and help gain weight. muscle mass. They are included in the diet of athletes and used in dietetics.

Brazil nut benefits and harm

The benefits and harms of Brazil nuts depend on the amount of fruit eaten. The nut contains barium and radium - radioactive substances, for this reason you should not eat the fruit in unlimited quantities.

The beneficial properties of Brazil nuts are obvious, but they can be harmful. For example, an excess of selenium leads to toxic liver damage. In case of poisoning, nausea, vomiting and general weakness appear.

It is necessary to eat completely peeled fruits. The shell of the Brazil nut contains aflatoxin, a substance that causes cancer.

Uses of Brazil nut

The beneficial composition of Brazil nuts is highly valued in folk medicine. It is used in pure form, and also produce oil from it - a concentrated product that exhibits the same medicinal properties as the whole nut. It is used to treat diabetes mellitus, vascular diseases and oncology.

Brazil nut oil is popular in cosmetology. It is applied pointwise to problematic skin, for example, for treatment acne. The product is added to creams, gels and masks.

The oil improves the condition of not only facial skin, but also hair. The product deeply nourishes the hair and adds shine to the curls. In its pure form, the product is applied to dry ends. More often, oil is added to cosmetics for hair: shampoos, conditioners, masks.

Thanks to high taste qualities Brazil nuts are used in cooking. It is used to decorate desserts or as an ingredient for baking. Nut butter added to salads, main dishes and confectionery.

How much can you eat per day

Brazil nuts are one of the most high-calorie nuts, so they should be consumed with caution. A couple of nuts or 1 teaspoon of oil per day satisfies daily requirement body in vitamins and nutrients.

Brazil nut for women

Brazil nuts have a beneficial effect on a woman's hormonal levels. This, in turn, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails.

Antioxidants keep the skin youthful, vitamins nourish and strengthen the epidermis. Vitamin E moisturizes the dermis and accelerates regeneration processes.

Brazil nut for men

Brazil nuts are high in selenium and magnesium. These minerals stimulate sperm production and increase potency. Brazil nuts are used to prevent prostatitis.

The proteins in the nut are indispensable for athletes. They are easily digestible and accelerate muscle gain.

Brazil nuts during pregnancy

Brazil nuts can be consumed during pregnancy. The product improves a woman’s condition and reduces the risk of developing fetal pathologies.

Brazil nut normalizes the production of thyroid hormones, thereby protecting against stress, depression, and mood swings.

Brazil nuts for children

You should not introduce your child to Brazil nuts before the age of 3. Fruits can cause an allergic reaction, so they should be introduced into the diet gradually, in small pieces. It is necessary to observe the reaction of the child's body.

Due to its high fat content, the nut increases the load on the child’s digestive system. The child's body may not cope, which will lead to stomach upset. The daily norm of nuts for children is no more than 2 pieces.

How to store Brazil nuts

Any glass container with a lid is suitable for storing nuts. The main thing is to keep it away from other products and direct sunlight. Fruits instantly absorb foreign odors, which impairs their taste. Store Brazil nuts in a cool, dry place.

Peeled fruits can be stored in the refrigerator. They retain their beneficial properties for a month. Unshelled nuts can be stored for about a year if the recommendations are followed correctly.

Brazil nut oil

Brazil nut oil is produced by cold pressing. This method allows you to preserve biologically active substances. The product has yellow tint, nutty aroma and slightly sweetish taste. In cooking, oil is added to main dishes, salads and desserts.

Brazil nut oil is used in medicine and cosmetology. The product is added to cosmetics and used in its pure form, including internally. The oil is used for... It softens and nourishes the skin, hair and nails.

Contraindications and restrictions

Contraindications to the use of Brazil nuts:

individual intolerance;
overweight.

Don't eat more daily norm Brazil nuts so as not to harm the body. Before using Brazil nut oil medicinal purposes it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Eating even one Brazil nut a day can significantly improve not only a woman’s health, but also change her appearance for the better. Being a treasury of valuable minerals and beneficial vitamins, the fruit truly strengthens the body. However, there is a subtle line between the negative and positive effects of the nut on work internal organs. When consuming more than 9 kernels per day, the benefits of the product are neutralized, and you can apply irreparable harm body. Experts recommend observing moderation and eating no more than 2-3 pieces per day.

Composition and beneficial properties of the Brazil nut fruit

Brazil nut kernels have high energy value and taste like pine nuts

What are the benefits of Brazil nuts? The fruit of Bertholia is high-calorie product, consisting of 13% carbohydrates, 18% proteins and 69% fats. The variety of fatty acids present in the nut and oil makes it a unique product:

Polyunsaturated acids (24%). Represented by linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids, which have beneficial effect for functioning cardiovascular system, regeneration and tissue renewal.
Monounsaturated acids (41%). Through oleic and palmitic acids in female body cholesterol, fat accumulation and the formation of atherosclerotic deposits on the walls of blood vessels are reduced.
Saturated acids (25%). Thanks to myristic and stearic acids, energy reserves are created in the body. They are also an essential building material for cells.

100 g of Bertolecia fruit contains a daily dose of minerals in the following percentage ratio:

Manganese - 81% or 80 mg. The element is necessary for the production of hormones by the thyroid gland, maintains normal bone structure and promotes the absorption of food.
Copper - 116% or 2.5 mg. Normalizes the activity of the heart and blood vessels, increases the absorption of iron in tissues, improves blood composition.
Phosphorus - 96% or 945 mg. Improves the condition of bone mass, the functioning of the genitourinary system and accelerates cell growth.
Magnesium - 125% or 500 mg. An active participant in metabolic processes, protein absorption and elimination of toxins.
Calcium - 21% or 213 mg. Prevents diseases of the digestive tract, nervous system and hearts.
Thiamine - 55% or 0.75 mg. Improves the body's metabolic processes, helps strengthen the cardiovascular system and central nervous system.
Selenium - 2740%. Increases a woman’s fertility, is a powerful oxidant, and prevents the development of cancer.
Vitamin E 38% or 7.5 mg of the product supports the functioning of the nervous system and muscle mass. Daily consumption of the nut improves the condition of the skin, nail plate and hair. It is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants.

Use for women's beauty and health

The product is useful not only as a remedy for many diseases. The use of Brazil nut is especially effective for women: it has a positive effect on the body as a whole, and its oil is highly valued in cosmetology.

Recent studies have shown that eating several fruits daily reduces the risk of tumors in the reproductive organs and mammary glands. Also, consumption maintains fertility at the proper level and prolongs the reproductive period in women. Thanks to the selenium contained in Brazil nuts, the normal course of pregnancy and fetal development is ensured.

Expert advice: The product will be useful for women who are actively involved in sports. The amino acids and large amounts of protein contained in the fruit kernels help to quickly build muscle mass, while reducing body fat. To get the desired result, you need to eat 1-2 kernels per day.

Brazil nut oil is an essential component of shampoos, conditioners and face creams.

The use of oil from the bertholia fruit in cosmetology is not new today. It is used in balms, masks and hair creams. It has gained enormous popularity for its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and nourish it. useful substances. As the skin absorbs the extract, a thin protective film forms on the surface, which well protects the epithelium from drying out.

The oil also heals various inflammations, wounds, microcracks and burns well. The nut extract, having a strong wound-healing property, effectively resolves scars on the surface of the skin even after major operations. The oil is also recommended for use as a remedy against acne.

Expert tip: Add 2-3 drops of oil to a single serving of hair conditioner or any body care product. After some time, the hair will acquire silkiness and a special shine, and the skin will become firmer and velvety.

Is it possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

But as for eating the fetus while breastfeeding breast milk, then in this case it is necessary to exercise caution. Despite the presence of a large number useful elements, like any nut, it belongs to the group of allergens. Therefore, experts advise gradually introducing it into a woman’s diet, while monitoring the baby’s condition.

Contraindications and possible harm

Despite the unique composition of the product, experts advise observing moderation when consuming it. Do not exceed stated daily norm, otherwise the nut will bring harm, not benefit. Therefore, it is worth drawing the reader’s attention to side effects Brazil nuts in case of overdose:

Radium. The minimum amount of the substance in the fruit (40–260 Bq/g). Despite this, its concentration is 1000 times higher than in any other product, which can cause serious problems in the body.
Aflatoxin belongs to the group of strong biological poisons. The substance is formed in the shell of the fruit during improper storage and is a vital process of microscopic mold fungi. When large amounts of aflatoxin enter the body, liver tissue begins to break down. Therefore, when imported into European countries, unshelled nuts undergo strict sanitary control.
Fitin. The substance prevents the full absorption of iron elements.
Selenium. Its overdose causes severe hair loss, increased fragility of the nail plate and disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system. Also, selenium in large quantities in the body can cause cancer. Symptoms of excess substance include nausea and vomiting.

The cause of hair loss may be an excess of selenium, which is rich in Brazil nuts.

The structure of the fruit has its own characteristics, so when purchasing an unshelled nut, you should prepare for its step-by-step cutting. A whole Brazil nut consists of a dense layer of shell, which contains individual shells with kernels.

Expert advice: it is better to buy already shelled nuts. Firstly, this will reduce the time of cutting the fruit (the shell will have to be sawed), and secondly, when long-term storage Molds that are harmful to the body form in the shell.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

A ripe fresh nut should be heavy.
When lightly shaken, the nut should not make any sounds.
The shell should be even, smooth and without damage.
The fruit kernels should be firm, crisp, smooth and unwrinkled.
It is better to give preference to already cleaned kernels in sealed packaging.

As for storage, it is best to keep shelled nuts in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. This will protect the fruits from absorbing foreign odors. The product can be stored for up to 2 years.

In addition to its healing properties, the bertholia fruit is famous for its ability to add flavor to dishes exquisite taste. Just a few kernels added to the salad not only bring great benefit body, but also allow you to diversify your usual breakfasts. Be healthy!

A lot of scientific research has been devoted to a comparative analysis of the benefits and harms of Brazil nuts. And all because this product is not so simple.

On the one hand, it has pronounced beneficial properties, which are due to high content Selena. On the other hand, there is a strict contraindication that prohibits eating a lot of Brazil nuts every day. All for the same reason - because of selenium.

What is it?

Brazil nut, or Bertoletia talla ( Bertholletia excelsa) is one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest. You can see what it looks like and how it grows in the photo.

The trunk of such a giant can reach 45 meters in height and up to 2 meters in diameter.

Bertholetia fruits are not nuts, from a botanical point of view, but huge boxes containing grains inside, which we call nuts.

Compound

100 grams contain:

647 kcal;
15 g protein;
65.8 g of fat (most of all monounsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic and oleic);
7.35 g vegetable fiber;
2709% of the daily dose of selenium;
94.5% magnesium;
87.5% copper;
70% phosphorus;
59.5% manganese;
42% thiamine (vitamin B1);
28% vitamin E and zinc each;
17.5% calcium and potassium each;
14% iron.

The most important component in the composition of Bertoletia is selenium. This is what determines the benefits of Brazil nuts.

We talk a lot about how important it is to get antioxidants from food. But in fact, one of the strongest antioxidants is synthesized in the body. This is glutathione. The antioxidant activity of glutathione is so high that it is even called the “mother of all antioxidants.”

But with a lack of selenium, the synthesis of this compound is suspended.

That is why products containing this microelement, and above all, Brazil nuts, significantly increase overall resistance to the negative effects of free radicals. They saturate the body with selenium. And this makes it possible to enhance the biosynthesis of glutathione.

Useful properties

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

The most striking beneficial property of Brazil nuts is its ability to fight inflammatory reactions. Bertoletia contains ellagic acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to suppress inflammation in the central nervous system.

Selenium is even more important, as it ensures the synthesis of glutathione, which regulates the functioning of T cells. immune system and the production of leukotrienes, as well as having antioxidant properties.

The next component of the nut that is responsible for reducing the level of chronic inflammation is oleic acid. The same fat that predominates in olive oil and the abundance of diet which is largely explained.

Due to its high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, Brazil nuts are useful for:

prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
protection against cancer;
improvements appearance skin (treating pimples and acne), prolonging the youth of the skin;
strengthening immunity.

Maintaining Thyroid Health

Most people know that iodine is necessary to maintain normal functioning of the thyroid gland. This is why consumption plays such a prominent role in the body's hormonal health.

But not everyone knows that selenium is no less important for the thyroid gland than iodine. Meanwhile, without this microelement, the production of active thyroid hormones is impossible. Selenium deficiency is one of the causes of hypothyroidism.

The use of Bertoletia reliably protects against a deficiency of this substance. And that's the point special benefit Brazil nuts for women, since thyroid diseases affect the fair half of humanity more often than men.

Other healing properties

The beneficial properties of Brazil nut listed above are mainly due to the presence in its composition of large quantities of selenium and ellaginic acid. But there are others healing qualities related to vitamins, minerals, fiber.

These “other healing qualities” are not so strongly expressed due to the fact that Bertoletia is a product that cannot be eaten often or in large quantities. Therefore, people do not consume it in large quantities, sufficient for fiber or vitamin B1 to reveal all their beneficial properties.

However, it has been scientifically proven that Brazil nuts have the following biological activities:

improves mental well-being (suppresses depression and anxiety);
optimizes the functioning of the digestive system (fights constipation, bloating and flatulence), supports healthy intestinal microflora;
helps normalize blood pressure and lipid profile;
enhances cognitive abilities and memory;
improves the absorption of food microelements;
improves energy status.

What are the possible harms?

Attention! Selenium overdose

Brazil nuts can be harmful if eaten daily. Not even in very large quantities.

Just 1 piece gives the body more than 100% of the daily requirement of selenium. If you eat 6 nuts, which corresponds to one ounce (28.35 grams) - a standard serving in many Western countries, then the body will already receive 774% of the daily dose of selenium.

Obviously, it is impossible to introduce so much of this microelement. Therefore, it is advised to eat 1 piece of nut every day or eat more, but less often.

Symptoms of selenium overdose may include:

nausea;
metallic taste in the mouth;
diarrhea;
brittle nails and hair;
cough.

Other contraindications and side effects

Strict contraindication There is an allergy to eating Brazil nuts. It occurs especially often in those people who have allergic reactions to pistachios and cashews. Since nut allergies can be very severe, even leading to anaphylactic shock, at the first sign allergic reaction You should completely stop using the product.
According to current scientific data, nuts of this type contain more radioactive radium than all other foods. It is believed that it is not actually absorbed by the human body. And if you eat 1-2 nuts a day, and you shouldn’t eat more because of the high level of selenium, they cannot cause harm.

However, for cancer patients, those who suffer from a phobia of various carcinogens, pregnant women and nursing mothers, it is still better to avoid using Bertoletia.

Effect on weight loss

One could say that, as in the case of weight loss, Bertoletia has both a positive and negative effect on weight loss. The negative impact is due to the high calorie content of the product. The positive is more varied.

However, this is not entirely true. Because Brazil nuts cannot be eaten in quantities that would saturate the body with fiber, which is useful for weight loss, or suppress appetite for a long time.

Bertoletia is eaten 1-2 pieces a day, and therefore its benefits for weight loss lie mainly in positive impact Selenium on this process.

For sustainable weight loss, it is important to suppress chronic inflammation. Since with obesity and simply large overweight Hidden inflammatory reactions swell in the body, which make it impossible to normalize body weight. Walnut selenium enhances the synthesis of glutathione, which eliminates chronic inflammatory processes.

But the calorie content of Brazil nuts does not matter. Since one piece contains about 30 kcal. And this cannot significantly change the caloric content of the diet.

How to use it correctly?

Bertoletia can bring significant benefits to the body in very small quantities. So just 1 nut a day is enough to saturate the body with selenium. Namely, this microelement contains the lion’s share of the beneficial properties of the product.
Since Brazil nuts contain a lot of selenium, you should not massively include it in your diet, much less drink Bertoletta milk, which is sometimes used as a substitute for other nuts. liquid products, For example, almond milk.
Under no circumstances should you eat Bertoletia with sugar, honey, put it in baked goods, etc. Such a dish will have even more high calorie content and fewer beneficial properties. Since sugars steal all the benefits of those foods with which they are consumed at the same time.
It is forbidden to eat rancid nuts.
Best eaten raw. Because when heat treatment monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the nut are oxidized and turn from healthy fats into harmful ones.

If you still want to roast the nuts, you should do it as follows:

in the oven at a temperature of no more than 180 degrees for 5 minutes;
in a frying pan, stirring constantly, 3 minutes.

How to select and store?

Brazil nuts should be purchased peeled, as their shells contain toxic compounds. But under no circumstances should it be stabbed. Because crushed nuts are usually already rancid and often infected with mold.

Bertoletia should be quite large and light-colored. Look meaty.

It must be stored in glass jar with a tight lid or in an airtight container. Preferably in the refrigerator.

Nuts can be frozen. This significantly extends their shelf life.

The benefits and harms of Brazil nuts for the body: conclusions

The beneficial properties of Bertoletia are mainly due to the fact that it contains an extremely high amount of selenium.

This same quality also explains the contraindications for including abundant nuts in the diet - there is a risk of overdose of this microelement.

Therefore, there is no need to worry about the calorie content of Brazil nuts and how these calories may affect your body weight and overall health.

Due to the excessively high concentration of selenium in the nut, you can eat 1-2 pieces per day. And nothing more. This mode of including bertoletia in the diet cannot significantly affect the overall calorie content of the menu.