Brazilpedia - Things you probably didn't know...

Here is a section of the blog that has the purpose of bringing information to my fellow international friends. In this section I will be talking about all kinds of things (fruits, habits, products, vegetables, roots, etc) that are quite particular from the Brazilian culture but you probably didn't know about.  

The first "thing" that I will be talking about will be Brazil Nuts. In Brazil we call them Castanha do Pará or "Pará Nut." 

Some of the facts about Brazil Nuts that you probably didn't know about; it is a fruit rich in calories and proteins as well as a good source of magnesium and thiamine (B1 vitamin). It is also known that Brazil Nuts are a good diet item against prostate cancer. The best mineral in these nuts, however, is without a doubt selenium. This super mineral has golden properties to the human system, such as: 

• Fights free radicals
• Maitains the immune system
• Helps protect the brain from degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer
• It promotes the good functioning and hormone production of the thyroid 
• It helps your body to eliminate toxic substances, including heavy metals that may be stored in cells

Specialists recommend that you eat one Brazil nut per day to maintain good selenium levels in your system. Since the fruit is also rich in monounsaturated fats, it is a great option for low carb diets and to keep your sugar levels balanced. 

How do we call Brazil Nuts in Brazil? Now you know: Pará Nuts!