All about Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts have numerous beneficial properties and are often used in cooking, cosmetics, and to make healing oils. They have a beneficial effect on several organs, helping to improve their function. However, it's important to be aware of the downsides and contraindications of this product.

Description, composition and useful properties

The Brazil nut is the fruit of the South American Bertholletia tree. The tree is named after the French chemist Claude Berthollet. The fruit is characterized by a round capsule, up to 15 cm in diameter and weighing up to 2 kg. Beneath the hard shell are 8 to 24 kernels. In shape and arrangement, they resemble orange slices no more than 5 cm long.

A large tree can live up to 500 years. The hazelnut tree reaches a height of 45 meters, with a trunk diameter of 2 meters. Brazil nuts are planted on plantations, but in such conditions, the tree bears almost no fruit. In the wild, the tree is pollinated by orchid bees and bumblebees, as only they can navigate the complex curves of the flower with pollen on their legs. These bees are absent in areas with disrupted ecosystems, and without them, the tree produces almost no fruit.

Brazil nuts are rich in:

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

The plant's advantage lies in its numerous beneficial properties. It effectively lowers cholesterol levels, improves intestinal motility, regulates blood clotting, and cleanses the body of waste, toxins, and other harmful substances.

A Brazil nut as tall as a 20-story building

Its growth is possible only in the virgin forests of South America.

A nut can only bear fruit after its flowers have been pollinated, and only certain types of bees are capable of this.

The Brazil nut resembles a coconut, but it contains triangular seeds inside.

In what cases is the nut used:

• helps replenish energy;
• used for the prevention of cataracts, atherosclerosis and vascular diseases;
• strengthens the immune system;
• lowers blood sugar levels;
• eliminates free radicals;
• improves metabolism.

Brazilian fruits are a cancer preventative. They contain selenium, which is beneficial for cancer treatments, as it slows the progression of the disease. The plant is rich in amino acids, which burn fat and help build muscle mass—it's no wonder they're recommended for athletes and dieters.

Benefits and harms

Brazil nuts can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the amount consumed. They contain high levels of barium and radium, both radioactive substances. Excessive consumption can have adverse effects on health.

The plant contains selenium, and excess amounts can cause liver toxicity. Poisoning is accompanied by general weakness, vomiting, and nausea.

Only completely peeled fruits are allowed to be consumed as the nut shell contains aflatoxin, a substance that causes cancer.

Nut butter

The plant is often used to extract oil, which is popular in many fields. This product is most in demand in cosmetology. The oil is rich in vitamin E, which has beneficial effects on the skin, moisturizing it and accelerating the regeneration process. It is used as a wound healing agent. The oil is often used to combat numerous skin conditions.

Brazil nut extract is often prescribed to pregnant women—the oil prevents stretch marks and maintains skin tone. Use of the oil during breastfeeding is only permitted with the approval of a physician. The product restores the nervous system, strengthens bones and teeth, and improves metabolism.

Culinary masterpieces: how to use oil?

Walnuts are widely used in cooking. They are used in various salads, appetizers, and desserts. The nut contains protein, which helps replenish energy, while adding incredible flavor and uniqueness to dishes. The extract can be consumed raw, dried, salted, or sweet. Walnut kernels are particularly nutritious.

To reap the health benefits, eat 2-4 walnuts per day. For added variety, combine nuts with figs, dates, and raisins. A dish combining hard cheeses and walnuts is considered especially delicious.

Is it possible to grow a walnut tree on your own plot?

To ensure your body receives beneficial vitamins, you need to regularly consume the nuts. Buying the nut isn't always as easy as it seems. Growing Brazil nuts is a good option. However, this is practically impossible, as the plant can only bear fruit in specific conditions in pristine forests where orchid bees thrive. Without them, the plant would be worthless.

It's unlikely that you'll be able to grow the plant in a place without bees or orchids. Furthermore, it takes more than a year for the plant to fully mature, but only if grown under special conditions.

Planting a nut tree in a garden bed, a summer cottage, or near a house is impossible. Most brave souls try to grow the plant, but only with failure. Growing a Brazil nut tree is possible, but only in a greenhouse at least 50 meters high and with a special tropical climate.

How to choose and store nuts?

It's important to know a few rules when choosing a product. To buy a quality product, pay attention to the texture—it should be dense, and the nut should be brown in color.

Any glass container with a lid is suitable for storage. Store nuts away from other foods and out of direct sunlight. Nuts quickly absorb foreign odors, which can affect their flavor.

Store the fruits in a dry but cool place.

The only way to preserve this product without losing its beneficial properties is to store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The shelf life is 1 month and 1 year, respectively.

Experts recommend purchasing Brazil nuts in packaging, as the vacuum seal reliably protects the product from oxidation.

Benefits for men, women and children

A special feature of the Brazil nut is that it has a positive effect on people of any gender and is especially useful for children.

What properties does the product have:

• For women. Brazil nuts have a beneficial effect on a woman's hormonal balance, helping to improve the condition of her hair, nails, and skin. The plant contains antioxidants that preserve youthful skin. Vitamins nourish and moisturize it perfectly.
  Vitamin E is essential for hydrating the skin and accelerating regeneration. This product can be consumed during pregnancy, as it improves the woman's condition and reduces the risk of fetal abnormalities.
• For men. The fruit's magnesium and selenium content stimulate sperm production and improve potency. It's also beneficial for preventing prostatitis. The nut contains a large amount of easily digestible protein, accelerating muscle gain.
• For children. It is not recommended to introduce nuts into a child's diet before they reach three years of age. The fruit can cause an allergic reaction, so it should be introduced gradually in minimal quantities, while monitoring the child's reaction.
  Due to the product's high fat content, it can often place significant strain on the digestive system, which can make it difficult for a child to cope, leading to stomach upset. The recommended dose for children is no more than 2 kernels per day.

Group	Daily intake	Critical dose
Adults	2-4 kernels	More than 100 g/day
Pregnant women	1-2 kernels	More than 3 cores/day
Children 3-7 years old	1/2 kernel	More than 1 core/day
Athletes	3-5 cores	More than 150 g/day

Brazil nuts normalize the production of thyroid hormones, protecting against stress, depression, and mood swings.

When should the product not be consumed?

Brazil nuts have several contraindications. They are not suitable for people who are overweight or have an individual intolerance to the product. It is recommended not to eat more than four Brazil nuts to avoid causing irreparable harm.

Brazil nuts can be used to make many healing remedies for various skin and hair conditions. This product helps improve thyroid function and boost metabolism. It is prized worldwide for its many beneficial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions