The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa): Characteristics and properties

Brazil nut

Brazil nut

Today we are going to talk about the Brazil nut. It is a seed and not a dried fruit as it is thought to be. It is a natural panacea native to the Amazon region in South America. This seed is also known as the Amazonian nut, chestnut or Brazilian coquito. Its scientific name is Bertholletia high and you can find the main forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and other countries of the South.

If you want to know all the characteristics and properties that it has for the body, in this article you can discover everything. Read on and learn all about the Brazil nut.

Key features

Brazil Nuts

brazil nuts

The seed comes from an immense and long-lived wild tree that is capable of reaching 50 meters in height. They are ancient trees, since they can live for approximately one thousand years. It produces a large, round fruit similar to coconut (hence the name Brazilian coquito). Inside tThey have 20 seeds considered to be of great nutritional richness and it can be consumed in different ways. It can be consumed raw with and without skin, roasted, salty or tasteless.

Brazil nuts are often used in confectionery and can often be found in different recipes for cakes, cookies, and sweets. Among its nutritional values ​​we find a high protein level and a significant amount of healthy fats. It is also rich in amino acids that can be of great help to all those who have nutritional problems or for high performance athletes who need more energy. As for their vitamins, they have large amounts of vitamins such as A, C, E and those of group B.

It has important minerals to complete a balanced diet such as selenium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, copper, zinc and calcium. The Brazil nut also has high levels of fiber.

Healthy and medicinal properties

Brazilian coquitos have great health benefits if taken in any of its different forms. We are going to analyze each of its properties:

Antioxidant properties and enhancement of the immune system

Natural habitat

He lives naturally

They have a great antioxidant power due to its high content of selenium and vitamin E. Thanks to the union of this mineral with the vitamin, it strengthens our body, giving it the ability to fight free radicals. In this way we manage to save ourselves from the possible damage done to cells and delaying the devastating effects of aging.

As for the benefits of the immune system, we find a reinforcement thanks to the seeds. Consuming them helps us to increase the level of our defenses and the possibility of contracting flu or infections.

Protective property of the cardiovascular system and against cancer

Properties of the Brazil nut

Brazil nut properties

Another property that has been found in scientific studies is to protect our heart health, as it prevents various cardiovascular diseases.

Thanks to the richness of minerals and vitamins, the Brazil nut it is considered a perfect food to prevent some types of cancer like stomach, lung and breast. These seeds are also advantageous for people with insufficient iodine, people with gastritis and people with cholesterol problems. In turn, this seed is used to treat male impotence.

Perfect for losing weight and for hair

Disease reduction

disease reduction

Another property of the Brazil nut is that of burning fat. The amount of fiber they have is a perfect tool when it comes to regulating our appetite. When this type of food is consumed, a feeling of satiety is produced that neutralizes hunger and prevents food from being eaten in an inappropriate way. In this way, we will be avoiding the possibilities of increasing body weight.

The nutritional richness of this food and its high content of healthy fats can help us get rid of focused fats in various areas of the body. For these reasons, the moderate consumption of the Brazil nut is recommended for those who have obesity problems and those who want to regulate their weight.

As for hair, the consumption of this food can ensure that your hair is long, abundant and, above all, healthy. Hair growth depends directly on the amount of nutrients the body receives from food. The amount of vitamins and minerals present in the seeds of Coquitos from Brazil can help you accelerate hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Brazil nuts should be eaten in moderation. Doing so can even add shine to your hair naturally. In this way, you can solve hair growth problems or if your hair is very dull.

Elimination of acne and reduction of cholesterol

Acne reduction

acne reduction

As we have mentioned before, these seeds are high in selenium. Selenium is considered one of the quintessential minerals for skin care. The intake of Brazil nuts can help eliminate acne and other dermatological problems. It also has high concentrations of zinc, used to solve problems at the skin level and it is very effective against acne.

If we eat these nuts weekly it can protect us to prevent strokes. Scientific studies have shown considerably that these seeds can have a very positive effect on heart health and provide the body with a quantity of healthy fats that give us the possibility of reducing bad cholesterol that can seriously harm our health.

Who can take it?

Used in pastry recipes

Used in pastry recipes

Pregnant women should NOT take this type of foodsince various studies have shown that there is a high risk of the baby being born with asthma problems.

On the other hand, it is highly recommended for people suffering from thyroid. They are very advantageous for these people, since selenium acts as a raw material for thyroid hormone and the large amount of it is ideal for regulating the thyroid. However, if you are taking medications to regulate thyroid function that contain levothyroxine, it is best not to consume them, as they can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Brazil nuts have been found to contain the highest amount of selenium possible compared to other foods. Only 26 grams of this dried fruit has over 7 times the daily index of selenium recommended. Therefore, its consumption must be frugal and prudent.

I hope that with this information you can take advantage of all the benefits of this Brazil nut.

The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa): Characteristics and properties

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