The Brazil Nut
The Brazil nut, or Para nut, is the seed of a tree called the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), native to the Amazon Rainforest. It has a majestic stature, reaching heights of up to approximately 50 meters.
The Brazil nut comes inside a “pod” or “husk,” which contains 5 to 25 seeds (nuts) of various shapes and sizes.
This nut is delicious and highly appreciated by consumers in the national and international markets. It is a healthy and sustainable product as it respects the environment, helps prevent deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, and generates income for the local population, which is a significant factor in social development.
The Brazil nut is a natural product, very healthy, and a source of selenium.
Health benefits:
The Brazil nut offers numerous health benefits! It is the largest known source of selenium. Selenium has several functions in the body, including combating free radicals, supporting thyroid metabolism, aiding in detoxification, and strengthening the immune system.
The suggested consumption of Brazil nuts is 2 units per day.
Properties of Brazil Nut:
It is rich in lipids and proteins that contain all essential amino acids, with emphasis on sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine), which are found in lower amounts in plant proteins. It contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, and selenium, which is a natural antioxidant (see nutritional information below). Brazil nut oil contains approximately 85% unsaturated fatty acids, with 51% being monounsaturated oleic acid and 34% being polyunsaturated linoleic acid.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
