Nutritionally, Brazil nuts are a good source of magnesium and thiamine, and are perhaps the richest dietary source of selenium, containing as much as 1180% of the USRDA (U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowances), although the amount of selenium within batches of nuts varies greatly. Recent research suggests that proper selenium intake is correlated with a reduced risk of both breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. This has led some health commentators and nutritionists to recommend the consumption of Brazil nuts as a protective measure. These findings are inconclusive, however; other investigations into the effects of selenium on prostate cancer were inconclusive.

Despite the possible health benefits of the nut, the European Union has imposed strict regulations on the import from Brazil of Brazil nuts in their shells, as the shells have been found to contain high levels of aflatoxins, which can lead to liver cancer. According to Tony Farndell, MD of TFR Nuts and Dried Fruits Ltd, a UK importer, the import restrictions on in-shell kernels came as a result of the whole nut including the shell, being ground down for testing. Thus aflatoxins were detected and the restrictions imposed.

source: www.wikipedia.org

Health benefits of Brazil nuts:

• contain many helpful nutrients including protein, fiber, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E and thiamine
• have “complete” protein which means that the Brazil nut has all of the necessary amino acids to help foster optimal growth in humans. Organic Brazil nuts can be a good source of protein for people who are vegetarians
• selenium, found in brazil nuts, is a powerful antioxidant linked to lower rates of cancer and heart disease and also helps boost the immune system along with possibly discouraging the aging process
• magnesium, also found in brazil nuts, aids the release of energy from foods to assist nerve and muscle function and keep bones healthy. Zinc helps strengthen the immune system as well and Vitamin E can help prevent heart disease
• are high in fat, like most nuts, but it is unsaturated fat which has been thought to help lower cholesterol

Nutrition Facts
serving size, 1 oz, 6 nuts

calories: 185
fat: 19 g
saturated fat: 4 g
fiber: 2 g
carbs: 3 g
protein: 4 g
Thiamin: 12% RDA
Iron: 4% RDA
Magnesium: 27% RDA
Phosphorus: 20% RDA
Potassium: 5% RDA
Zinc: 8% RDA
Copper: 25% RDA
Manganese: 17% RDA
Selenium: 774% RDA

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Raw  chocolate ice cream

• 2 cups soaked Brazil nuts
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup raw coconut butter
• 2 Tbs vanilla
• 3 Tbs agave nectar (or more depending on how sweet you want it)
• 3 Tbs raw cacao powder

Mix all ingredients in blender. Chill for one hour and then transfer to ice cream maker or keep in freezer for a few hours.

Be healthy, happy and vital…learn more about healthy foods:

Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two “good” fats responsible for lowering LDL cholestero

Claimed health benefits of almonds include improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon (feces) and the prevention of cancer. Recent research associates the inclusion of almonds in the diet with elevating the blood levels of high density lipoproteins and of lowering the levels of low density lipoproteins.

A controlled trial showed that 73g of almonds in the daily diet reduced LDL cholesterol by as much as 9.4%, reduced the LDL:HDL ratio by 12.0%, and increased HDL-cholesterol (i.e., the good cholesterol) by 4.6%.

In Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity. Almond oil is called Roghan Badam in both Ayurveda and Tibb Yunani طب يوناني (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine). It is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.

Health benefits:

• lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol, while maintaining healthy high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol levels.
• prevent premature appearance of wrinkles, black heads, pimples and dry skin as well;  regular massage with almond oil will help  to get a glowing and flawless complexion.
• almond oil is used to treat black circles around the eyes, since almond oil helps to re-vitalize the fatigues cells and improve the blood flow.
• almond oil is useful for treating all sorts of hair problems;it helps as a cure for treating hair-fall, dandruff and avoids untimely graying of hair .
• have an extremely high nutritive value since they contain copper, iron and vitamins and are hence used as a remedy for anemia.
• treats constipation ( increase the fiber content of the food).
• decrease the after-meal rises in blood sugar and are hence help in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
• have antioxidant properties and are hence very beneficial for the health.
• almond oil rejuvenates the body and replenishes the skin; also known to relieve the stress.
• babies who have lactose intolerance, can be given a mixture of powdered almonds mixed with warm water, which provides as much if not more nutrition as milk.
• contain Alpha – tocopherol, which is a major source of Vitamin E -  great for healthy hair and skin.
• increase the blood flow to the vital organs and are also used as aphrodisiacs.
• provide nutrients that help to increase the bone mineral density, which helps to strengthen the skeletal system. Owing to this it can also be considered as a remedy to cope up with osteoporosis in the elderly.
• sweet almond oil, which is one of the essential oils in aromatherapy and is frequently used as carrier oil.
• almond oil also possesses laxative properties and helps to produce soft stools and avoid any other problems of the digestive system

source: www.wikipedia.org

Nutritional  value of almond

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

Almond milk

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup water + 3 cups water
• 2 dates (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)

Soak the almonds in the 1 cup of water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.

Drain the water from the almonds and discard. Blend the 3 cups of water, almonds and dates until well blended and almost smooth.

Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or other strainer.

You can keep it in refrigerator for three or four days.