Brazil Nut Tree

Nuts & seeds revisited (Part 3)

By MARIAM ALIREZA, MARIAM.ALIREZA@GMAIL.COM

Published: Jun 8, 2011 14:12 Updated: Jun 8, 2011 14:12

I have been discussing nuts and seeds in the last two articles. Plant seeds, in general, have inhibiting properties to cancer cells. Studies show that populations who consume significant quantities of plant foods and oils have lower risk of developing hormone-related cancers like prostate, breast and colon. It is believed that plant seeds contain cancer-suppressing enzymes. Laboratory animals, infected with melanoma cells but injected with enzymes from seeds were less likely to develop cancer. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania and the Russian Republics, where consumption of seeds and their unprocessed oils is very common, are less exposed to cancer than other nations.

Today I shall resume my analysis of these precious crunchy bits, but this time I shall begin with seeds instead.

Safflower , Carthamus tinctorius, is native of the Mediterranean basin, but widely cultivated in the US and Europe. The branched plant is related to the sunflower, lettuce and daisy. The seeds, or achenes, are deeply imbedded inside the flower head, protected from birds’ sight. The seed contains one quarter to a third of its weight beneficial cooking oil. Because of its valuable fatty acid and phytosterol content, it protects against coronary heart and vascular diseases by preventing the formation of fatty plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. Safflower seed oil has the blood-thinning agents, which improve blood circulation, thus enhancing cell oxygenation and nutrient distribution in the body and brain, preventing heart attacks and strokes. The seeds have digestive characteristics and lubricant effect on the intestines. They give similar results to sunflower seeds, Hebanthus aninus.

Flax seeds , Linum usitatissimum, and their oils have a sweet flavor with laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. Their fat is considered healthy, because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. They cleanse the vascular system; prevent cholesterol build up; bolster the immune system; and help heal degenerative diseases like autoimmune and mental disorders. Their fat works best in combination with fish and olive oils. 

Flax or linseeds, offer an abundance of phytochemicals like apigenin, beta-carotene, lecithin, beta sitosterol, campesterol, chlorogenic acid, cycloartenol, luteolin, myristic acid, squalene, stigmasterol and vitexin. Their nutrient content is not less impressive. It consists of amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, vanadium and zinc plus vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, E and fiber.

Learn More About Brazil Nuts - Gourmet Coffee Snob presents ...

The Brazil Nut Tree is credited to be among the world’s largest growing trees, generally found in the Amazon Rain Forests of South America. These trees normally attain a height of more than 100 feet while their trunks measure about six feet in diameter. They can live for over 500 years but estimated by experts, some species reach a lifespan of around 1 000 years.

The Brazil Nut Tree grows abundantly in undeveloped forest areas within the Amazon Rain Forest. This tree is tall and grows straight and foliage can be seen only above the halfway mark of the trunk. It grows very tall with the branches overshadowing other trees in these areas. These undeveloped areas in the forest are ideal for easy pollination and to produce fruits. The Brazil Nut Tree requires certain large sized bees, which can be seen in these undeveloped parts of the forests.

It may surprise Brazil nut lovers, that some of the closet relatives of the Brazil nuts are, persimmons, cranberries, and blueberries. Another surprising fact; botanists do not consider the Brazil nut, a nut, but a seed. This is because a true nut, in a shell, when opened, breaks into separate pieces when it’s removed from the shell. This makes a Brazil nut one huge seed.

Brazil nuts contain large amounts of Selenium; leading nutritionists to believe this ingredient might help in minimizing the risk of breast, or prostate cancer. As yet, all evidence to these claims is inconclusive. The medical downside to Brazil nuts is found in their shells, which contain considerably high levels of aflatoxins. This toxin is one of the most carcinogenic substances known, and could contribute to liver cancer.

In South America, Brazil nut oil is widely used for cooking and salad dressings. It took part in food industries in United States while it is also used in the manufacturing industry in cosmetics and hair care products. Artist paints also make use of the oil while the oil is unusual used as lubricant for clocks.

Out of around 20 000 tons of Brazil nuts produced, Bolivia is the top most exporter with Brazil as the second top exporter.

It is very much interesting and delightful to taste the big delicious Brazil nuts, which are second to none.

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