Brazil Nuts Are Healthy Nuts

Brazil Nuts Are Healthy Nuts

The rain forests of the Brazil serve as the source of some great fruits full of nutrients. One such fruit, known as Brazil nut, is grown on a tree called Castanheiro do Para. The tree measuring almost 160 feet in height, is the source of the Brazil nuts that are spherical in shape.

The fruits are like rough wooden capsule that can weigh up to a few pounds. The Brazil nuts are grown at the branch ends from where they fall after ripening. You may find 15 to 25 pieces of fruits in each capsule. 

The plantations of Brazil fruit are grown in many parts of Amazon. There are hectares of land dedicated to the Brazil nut plantations. In 1990, there were as many as 320,000 trees planted on the land of Brazil. Initially, these trees were planted for the convenience of the farmer cattle to graze in between the trees.

There has been a remarkable achievement in growing the clones of these trees in different areas. However, these clones have resulted in reduced production and also the fruits produced are insufficient to fight against the infections and insects.

The trees of the Brazil nuts require a long time to grow and thus the nuts are grown after almost ten years. The normal life span of these trees is 500-800 years. The flowers of these nuts are pollinated by a special bee specie.

Also, the agouti (a small mammal) is required to assist in breaking the hard shells. The months of January to June comprises the time period in which the fruits fall from the branches. There are many trees that have the capacity to grow more than 300 fruit capsules in one year.

The Brazil nuts resembles the coconut in the texture. These creamy nuts can be consumed raw or in the roasted form. It has been proved that as many as 6 Brazil nuts consumed at one time are capable of providing 4 grams of protein, equal amount of carbohydrates, along with 19 grams of fats.

The fats are comprised of 7 grams monounsaturated and 6 grams of polyunsaturated fats. This amount of Brazil nuts also provides 2 g of fiber content and 1.62 mg of Vitamin E. A number of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc are also included in these nutrients. Overall, almost 186 calories are gained from one ounce of the Brazil nuts.

Also, these nuts contain selenium, a rich provider of phytosterols. This is very useful for decreasing the risk of heart problems and even cancer.

Thus, Brazil nuts are one of the tree nuts that are essential parts of one’s diet to stay fit and fine.