Brazil nuts can help in the prevention of cancer

Within the last decade, many studies have investigated the health effects of nuts. It seems that regular consumption of nuts have a positive effect on your health. The researcher Yang had a special interest in Brazil nuts, since there are studies that suggest that this type of nuts can help to prevent the development of cancer. Therefore the results of several scientific studies were pooled in a recently published review.

Brazil nuts are a good source of antioxidants
Nuts are famous because of their favourable lipid profile and their bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants. However, compared to other nuts, Brazil nuts contain a relatively high level of antioxidants. Numerous studies showed that these compounds can inhibit cell growth and thus the formation of a malignant tumour.

Selenium is the secret weapon of Brazil nuts
The uniqueness of the Brazil nut is the result of the compound selenium. The Brazil nut contains large amounts of selenium. Selenium enhances the effect of antioxidants, which results in even higher preventive activity in the development of cancer. In several human studies this preventive effect was seen on mammary, prostate and lung cancer.

Regular consumption of Brazil nuts improves health status
Although the evidence is very limited, it can be assumed that the health effects brought about by the consumption of Brazil nuts is promising when it comes to the prevention of cancer. That the consumption of Brazil nuts can help you to stay healthy was already known. Therefor, help your body by consuming Brazil nuts on a regular basis.

Sources:
1) Yang J. Brazil nuts and associated health benefits: a review. Food Science and Technology 2009;42:1573-1580.

In the spotlight: Brazil nuts!

Origin
The Brazil nut tree was originally discovered growing in hard, well-drained soil along the Amazon River in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. The nut became famous in Europe because of a Spanish officer who fed his exhausted men with the Brazil nuts. Their recovery was relatively rapid owing to the favourable energy and nutritional values of the Brazil nuts.

Cultivation
The Brazil nut tree belongs to the lecythis family (Lecythidaceae). It can reach a height of 40-60 metres with a diameter of 2 metres. In fact, it can tower over the dense forest of the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers. Annually, 30-40 kilograms of Brazil nuts can be harvested per tree. During autumn and winter, also referred to as the wet season, the nuts simply fall from the tree. Rubber tapping and the collection of Brazil nuts are the two main source of income of the inhabitants of the Amazon region.

Nutritional aspects
Nutritionally, the Brazil nut is very rich in nutrients. It is a good source of protein, fibre, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin B1. It also contains vitamin B3, B6 and E, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and copper. In addition to this range of nutrients, the Brazil nut is famous for its selenium content. One single Brazil nut contains 160% of the USA Recommended Daily Allowance of selenium. The selenium content of the Brazil nut is a result of the high selenium concentration of the Amazonian soil.

Consumption
The Brazil nut is a popular nut and is available all over the World. Most of the Brazil nuts are exported, 30% of which are shelled. All the exported Brazil nuts are dried in order to increase their preservability. Since the nut contains a large amount of oil, it can easily become rancid. However, shelled and dried Brazil nuts can be stored for two years.

Cooking with nuts: Baked goat’s cheese with Brazil nuts and honey

Snack

8 servings

20 min

Preparation
• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each goat’s cheese.
• Place each goat’s cheese in an individual baking dish or next to each other.
  This prevents them from falling apart.
• Divide the nuts over the tops of the cheeses.
• Pour over some honey.
• Place the baking dishes in the oven and bake the goat’s cheeses for 15 minutes     until they are golden brown.
• Serve with crusty farm bread.

Snack – Serves 8
• 4 individual goat’s cheeses,
   e.g. Bettine Blanc
• 8 slices bacon
• 75 g Brazil nuts, coarsely chopped
• liquid honey
• farm bread

Nutritional values


More information about Brazil nuts >

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Editorial staff
Intersnack Group, Düsseldorf
Schuttelaar & Partners, The Hague

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Schuttelaar & Partners, The Hague

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