Brazil nuts: calorie and properties

Brazil nut calories, nutritional value, beneficial and harmful properties of which are highly controversial, by and large, is not a nut. It is the fruit of a giant tree bertholetia high classified by botanists as a box with a hard shell and the beans inside. He is familiar worldwide under the name ‘Brazil nut" has a specific taste and buttery texture.

Bertholetia high

Bertholetia, or bertholletia, high is the only species of the same genus of the family Lecythidaceae. It is common in the virgin rain forests of the Amazon in Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana, Brazil, Peru. In small quantities it is cultivated on plantations, but in connection with specificity of pollination of plants, their productivity is extremely low compared to wild trees.

Bertholetia high, or familiar Brazil nut (caloric and properties, hereinafter), is one of the largest trees in tropical rain forests of the Amazon. It is a long-lived (500 years or more) and reaches a height of 30-45 m. the Trunk diameter of 1-2 m, smooth and straight, approximately ¾ of the height gives a branching, and forms a smooth ball-shaped crown.

Pollination and fruiting

Abundant fruiting is possible only in the virgin forests of the Amazon, where a sufficient number of live bees and large bees individual birth – the pollinators. This is due to the structure of the flower plants and the characteristics of nectar. Only large insects with a long proboscis can reach it. And constant companions of Bertholletia are Orchid, its scent attracts bees and bumblebees.

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The Fruit Matures in 1 year and 2 months after pollination. It is a capsule with a dense shell, resembles a coconut, has a diameter of 10-15 cm and weight 2 kg. Inside the fruit is 8 to 24 grains of triangular shape. What they are called Brazilian walnut, which is absolutely wrong in Botanical sense.

Nutritional value of Brazil nuts

Nourishing Brazil nut, caloric 100 gr. which can be compared with 1 kg of apples or slightly fewer bananas, but a great and wonderful qualities. Its membership includes 69% of fats (saturated, mono and polyunsaturated in a ratio of 25%, 41%, 24%, respectively), 18% protein and 13% carbs, as well as significant amounts of selenium, magnesium and vitamin b₁ (thiamine). The taste of Brazil nuts specific experts give it a much lower rating in comparison with cashews and almonds.

Brazil nuts: calorie

As mentioned above, Brazilian walnut is nearly 70% of fats from different categories. In this regard, it is easy to guess that the calorie content of the product is very high. Nutritional value of 100 g of the product is equal to 682 kcal. So not worth much to get involved in his eating, particularly for those who have problems with excess weight, and a high tendency to Allergy.

For comparison, I should say that 100 g of almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts contain, respectively, 576, 654, 553, 628 kcal. In order to get the daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, enough to eat one Brazil nut. Calorie 1 PC– about 35 kcal, since the average grain weight is about 5 grams. The nut will also satisfy your hunger.

Useful properties

The Secret benefits of Brazil nut lies in its unique composition. First, it should be noted the high content of b vitamins, C, E and D, which are of great importance, both adult and for children. Second, the composition of Brazil nuts contains several amino acids: folic, Pantothenic, betaine and arginine. Each of them contributes to the human health. In-the third, the fatty acids in this product help cleanse the blood vessels of cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease.

The selenium in the Brazil nut composition

Selenium is an important trace mineral, in large quantities contains the Brazil nut. The calorie content in 1 piece of small fruit, but eating it you get half the daily dose of the element, which is 100 mcg. Perhaps, it is the richest natural source of selenium. Studies show that trace mineral reduces the risk of breast cancer and prostate glands. Therefore, Brazilian walnut is often recommended to use prophylactically, however, it should be done regularly and within a certain time. It has been suggested the beneficial effect of components of the fetal thyroid and female hormonal background, as well as to increase the chances of conception, her safe course.

Contraindications

Despite the many wonderful properties and great composition, Brazil nuts, calories which is quite high, has some contraindications for use. It is dangerous for people with allergies. This is especially true in the case if you already have an established Allergy to any other nuts, and mangoes. In thiscase, the likelihood that it will provoke a negative reaction of the body, is very large.

How to choose and how to store

Due To the fact that the shell of the Brazil nut contains a toxic substance, he arrives, usually, in a purified form. When you select the product pay attention to its appearance. It needs to have a dense texture (not too light, wrinkled) and be dark brown. Brazil nut calorie content is high due to the high fat content in its composition, and they also make it a perishable product. So, when buying, pay attention to the smell. Brazil nuts should not smell rancid grease.

To Keep the best fruit in the refrigerator, in a dark place, period – to three months.

Using the Brazil nut

First and foremost, Brazil nuts should be eaten fresh. They can be slightly dry in a hot pan, sweeten or salt. In addition, the fruit is popular in cooking, especially when cooking puddings, pesto, sweets, snacks, vegetable and fruit salads. Because of the high fat content, Brazil nuts are often subjected to extraction and get the oil that is used in various fields. It has a yellow color and a distinctive sweet smell and taste. Oil is used for example in cosmetics as a moisturizing and skin-soothing product, rich in "vitamin of youth" E, in cooking, in the pharmaceutical industry and even for the lubrication of watch movements.

The Global volume of the collection of Brazil nuts is equal to approximately 20 thousand tons. While the lion's share belongs to Bolivia and Brazil, 50% and 40% respectively, and only 10% of Peru. Brazil nuts for export is harvested exclusively from the wild plantations in the depths of the Amazonian rain forest. In addition to the fruit good qualities wood bertoletti.

A Unique chemical composition and high nutritional value – this is what distinguishes the Brazil nut. The calorie content of fruit allows you to consume them in too large numbers, but this is optional. Just 1-2 nuts a day to give the body with valuable fats and minerals, promote health and prolong youth.