Brazil Nuts - The Next Almond!!

2015 healthy prognostics claim that Brazil Nuts will be the new "IT" nut. Let's find out why and where do these super nuts come from?

A little bookish knowledge of em - Amazon's dense forest holds some of the unique plant species like Brazil nuts, acai berry, etc., that can be found nowhere else on the planet earth. Native Amazonians cherished these delicious nuts for ages, which provided them much-needed protein, fats, and other essential nutrients. Some of the common names in local dialects are castanha-do-pará, Catania, para-nut, cream-nut, Castaña-de-Brazil (chestnuts of Brazil)...etc.

Now that you know where Brazil Nuts come from let's find out why they are gaining so much popularity?

They have crazy levels of vitamins and minerals and are ultra-creamy and rich in taste. They are the richest food source of selenium, which is essential for immune and thyroid function, as well as protection from prostate and breast cancers. In addition to selenium, they hold very good levels of other minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. It plays a key role in reducing allergies and inflammation. Brazil nuts are also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant and beauty-boosting vitamin and magnesium, which helps to cure headaches, insomnia and PMS (yes ladies you heard it right). Furthermore, just as in almonds and pine nuts, Brazil nuts to are free from gluten protein. The nuts, therefore, are one of the popular ingredients in the preparation of gluten-free food formulas. These formula preparations are, in fact, healthy alternatives in people with wheat food allergy and celiac disease.

Phew! No wonder these big-half moon shaped ones are creating so much buzz.

Added Bonus is that Brazil nuts are great for cooking, snacking and baking. Its rich taste makes them perfect to create nut butters, pestos, and even vegan cheeses. They are also used in fudge, puddings, pesto, chocolates-bars, crunchy-bar preparations, desserts - particularly in fruitcakes. Coarsely ground brazil nuts can be sprinkled over fruit/vegetable salads. They can also be added to soup as well as meat and vegetable dishes. Brazil nut oil is used in salad dressing and in cooking.

They have definitely become our personal favorite and trust us they taste super yum!!

So what are you waiting for? Get your bag today and munch away.

Available at The Gourmet Box

Image Source: www.terrapapers.com

Information Source: http://www.swide.com/beauty/top-10-healthy-food-trends-for-2015/2014/12/04, http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brazil-nuts.html