The nut that feeds loves to hide
Directly from the Amazon rainforest, Brazilian walnut is a concentrate of well-being. Not to be confused with pecan nut and macadamia nut. Externally it resembles a coconut, but, once broken, we do not find milk, but twenty as many walnuts with wraps to be broken before reaching the pulp. A double protection for a truly precious content!
A beauty product for everyday use, Brazilian walnut oil is perfect for both skin and hair . It has a light yellow color with a pleasant fragrance. Brazil nut oil is a tree that grows spontaneously, without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, to be considered an organic product .
For the hair
Traditionally, the Indian tribes of Amazonia used it specifically for hair care: in fact it nourishes and protects them, giving softness and brightness .
It is an oil particularly suitable for those with colored hair or with streaks or in any case long and wishes to preserve its beauty to the ends. You can use it diluted or pure, as a pre-shampoo mask, on the market it is common to find it as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and masks.
... and for the skin!
It is also an excellent massage oil to nourish the skin and keep it protected from dehydration and cracking. It is therefore ideal for those with dry skin, thanks to its emollient and nourishing properties, but not only: it is an excellent anti-acne treatment for those with sagging skin, thanks to the anti-inflammatory virtues.
In Brazil it is mainly used as an ingredient in sun creams and after-sun creams, face creams, lip gloss and soaps . It is found on the market in many organic shops, fair trade or even on the internet, often combined with macadamia oil.
You can learn more about the properties, nutrients and uses of brazil nuts
In aromatherapy
The oil of this nut is also used in aromatherapy as a base or carrier oil, or to dilute essential oils. A good circulation stimulating oil used in aromatherapy massage is based on Brazilian walnut oil and is composed as follows: walnut oil base, to which add a drop of essential oils, circulation activators and invigorating, such as mint essential oil, rosemary oil, cypress or lemon essential oil.
Its daily application improves blood circulation, helping to combat heaviness and swelling of the lower limbs. A dozen drops can also be poured into the bathtub.
In the kitchen
Three walnuts a day are enough to get the right nutrition from these precious nuts. They can be eaten as a snack, as a snack, to fight nervous hunger or during main meals or breakfast .
They are eaten whole, cut, minced or ground. They are also added to desserts, fruit, biscuits, salads, fillings, ice creams .
The oil is also used, known in South America as "aceite de castaña" . Little known in Italy, it is generally sold online in 250ml bottles. The extra virgin one, obtained from the first pressing of the walnuts, replaces the olive oil for its pleasant taste, usable both cold, to season the salad, for example, and for cooking .
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The properties of the fruit
Brazil nuts are rich in protein (100 grams of nuts contain about 16% of protein), vitamins (especially vitamin E and B vitamins) and mineral salts (phosphorus, potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur, copper).
The fats contained are then monounsaturated, omega 3, which help regulate cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain a good dose of selenium, a powerful antiradicalico, used to eliminate free radicals . They are very caloric : 100 grams of nuts provide about 650 calories.
There are many properties of nuts and oil: they strengthen the skin and hair, help fight stress, stimulate the functions of the thyroid, promote the development of muscle mass, purify the liver and keep the value of glucose in the blood constant, help male fertility and, according to research, they would be able to prevent colon and prostate cancers.
The oil is particularly suitable as an anti-inflammatory mucosa, for those suffering from respiratory problems, it helps digestion and has a mild laxative effect.
Curiosity: the Brazilian walnut is also called " Brazilian chestnut " and its trees, which stand out among the forests of Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, have a very long life, can exceed 700 years of age!
