Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are the seeds of a South American tree that grows in the Amazonian rain forest. Bolivia is the largest exporter of Brazil nuts, responsible for about half of the production in the world, followed by Brazil.

Brazil nuts have a delicate buttery taste and smooth texture. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, monounsaturated fats and protein.

Brazil nuts contain 2,500 times as much selenium as any other nut. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent damage to cells by free radicals, boost the immune system, and increase red blood cell concentration. A 2008 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming 2 Brazil nuts daily was an effective replacement for selenium supplements. In addition, selenium can also boost mental performance.

Moreover, a study from Harvard Medical School found that consuming as little as two ounces of nuts, such as Brazil nuts, per week as part of a healthy, balanced diet can help lower the risk for heart disease.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia Hispanica. They are among the healthiest foods in the world fully loaded with nutrients.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains:

• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDA.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.

In addition, they also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.

However, it supplies only 137 calories.

As it contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein and so it if good for bone health.  The calcium content is particularly impressive - 18% of the RDA in a single ounce. 

Another area where chia seeds shine is in their high amount of antioxidants, which can fight the production of free radicals that contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer.

Chia seeds can drastically reduce appetite and cravings, hence have weight loss effect. This is because:

1. By weight, chia seeds are 40% fiber. Because of fiber, chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, becoming gel-like and expanding in your stomach. This increases fullness, slow absorption of food and help automatically eat fewer calories.
2. They are about 14% protein, which is very high compared to most plants. A high protein intake reduces appetite and has been shown to reduce obsessive thoughts about food by 60% and the desire for night time snacking by 50%.§  Many health experts believe that chia seeds can help with weight loss.

Although chia seeds are rich Omega-3s, the Omega-3s in them are mostly ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) and not DHA.

 

Nevertheless, given that chia seeds are high in fiber, protein and Omega-3s, they are able to improve our metabolic health. In accordance with EU Regulation, chia seeds can be used as  novel food ingredient in bread products.

 

Nuts for spices leads FSA to investigate food chain

The  Food  Standards Agency  (FSA) in UK has launched an investigation into the potentially deadly substitution of nuts for cumin in Britain's food chain. 

Multiple cases have emerged where products claiming to contain cumin have included almonds that were not declared on the packaging. The inclusion of almonds could prove fatal to those suffering from nut allergies.

Cumin is one of Britain's most popular ingredients and substituting it with peanuts or almonds can inflict a range of suffering from mild symptoms to abdominal pain and cardiac arrest.

The UK has joined forces with governments in the EU, US and Canada, along with food companies and trade associations, in a bid to determine the scale and source of the threat.