Enjoy the Benefits of Almond

Almond scientifically known as Prunus dulcis is native to Middle East and South Asia. The fruit of the almond tree is not a true fruit but a drupe containing outer hull and hard shell with seed inside. The almonds are sold with their shells intact. Blanched almonds are prepared by treating the shelled almonds with hot water and the white embryo is then exposed. It is a deciduous tree attaining a height a height of 10-40 centimeters and the trunk is 30 centimeters in diameter. The young twigs are green in colour but become purplish when exposed to sunlight and attain grayish colouration when they are two years old. The leaves are 3-5 inches long and serrated with 2.5 cm long petiole. The flowers are white or pale pink with five petals and may be borne singly or in pairs just before the spring fall. The almond tree starts producing fruits at the age of 5 years. The fruits mature 7-8 months after flowering.

The global production of almond is about 1.7 million tonnes annually. Two forms of almond tree are known. One produces sweet almond and the other produces bitter ones. The kernel of the sweet almond contains fixed oil and emulsion and was used during early 20th century in medicines. The bitter almond is however more popular in the field of medicine particularly in the aromatherapy. The bitter almond is somewhat broader and shorter than the sweet almond and contains 50% more of the fixed oil. The oil contains an enzyme emulsin which in the presence of water acts on soluble glucoside, amygdalin, yielding glucose, cyanide. The chief component of the oil of bitter almonds is benzaldehyde. Bitter almonds also yield 4-9 mg of hydrogen cyanide per almond. Consumption of bitter almonds along with cyanide may be toxic so the cyanide content must be removed earlier.

Almond may be eaten raw or roasted and is also an important ingredient of many dishes. They are available in different forms like whole, sliced, almond butter, almond milk and almond oil. These different forms are used in different sweets as well as other preparations. Like other nuts they are sprinkled over many sweets and ice-creams. Sweet almonds are used in desserts and nougats. Sweet almonds are also used for the preparation of almond butter similar to peanut butter but less salty in taste. Almonds can be processed for making almond milk which is a suitable choice for lactose intolerant persons and vegans. The soft texture, mild flavor and light colouring of the nut makes it more efficient to carry out this practice on large scale. The Marcona variety of almond is shorter, rounder, sweeter and delicate originated in Spain and is more popularly used by the chefs in making a popular dish called as turron.

Almonds contain approximately 49% of oils of which 62% is monounsaturated oleic acid, 24% linoleic acid and 6% palmitic acid. The oil is insoluble in insoluble in alcohol but is readily soluble in ether and chloroform. Sweet almond oil is obtained from the kernel of sweet almonds. The oil finds good use in massage therapy as well as a wonderful substitute for the olive oil. Sweet almonds contain 26% carbohydrates and are used in making cakes and are good for the individuals suffering from glycosuria. The almond flour is gluten-free so is also good for health. They are rich source of vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich source of monounsaturated acids which is helpful in reducing the LDL cholesterol levels. They are helpful in improving the complexion, firm movement of food through colon as well as also in prevention of cancer. A study suggests that intake of almond elevates high density lipoproteins and lowers the levels of low density lipoproteins. They are considered to be associated with many cultural aspects for example they are state tree of Kashmir. In India almond is considered to be good for brain as well as beauty.

Navodita Maurice

Benefits of Almonds - A Natural Fat Burner!

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of almonds, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from almonds - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

We consider almonds to be nuts, but in reality they are seeds from the fruit of the almond tree. However, similar to a peach pit that is found in the center of a peach, these seeds are encased in a shell in the fruit of the almond tree.

Covered by a hard shell, the meat of the almonds is off-white, with a thin, grooved, brown skin. That is the reason that we consider them to be nuts: they are chewy like nuts, have the same consistency as nuts, and they are good for you, too!

Almonds can be divided into a couple basic types. Almonds may be sweet or bitter. The ones we eat are the sweet almonds. These oval-shaped almonds are on the malleable side and have a buttery taste. They can be purchased with or without shells in the stores. Plus, you can buy almonds that are whole, slivered, sliced, blanched (with skins removed) or unblanched.

There are toxic substances in bitter almonds and they cannot be eaten. However, they undergo careful processing and are utilized in the production of almond oil.

Almond oil (almond extract) is utilized as a food flavoring; it is also used to make liqueurs like Amaretto. When almond oil is processed, all the toxins are removed.

It is possible to buy almonds throughout the year in grocery stores, health food stores and whole foods markets.

Fat Burning Benefits of Almonds

In addition to being delicious, almonds are quite beneficial to your health -- they can even help burn fat.

Almonds do have calories as well as fat, but it's the good fat -- the monounsaturated fat -- that reduces cholesterol and assists in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.

In addition to being a good source of dietary fiber, almonds are loaded with nutrients, including Vitamin E, manganese, potassium, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, riboflavin and phosphorus.

Almonds contain fiber that aids in shedding pounds and maintaining weight loss. This may be because the fiber in almonds helps satisfy you, making you feel fuller so you consume less. In addition, fiber helps digestion, provides energy, makes stools bulky, and speeds up the process of removing toxins from the body.

Tryptophan found in almonds also helps you feel full and satiated. Most likely, you will consume less at this meal as well in later meals.

Tryptophan causes serotonin to be released in the brain. This makes you feel good, assisting in controlling moods and fighting stress.

Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, is found in almonds. In addition to assisting in the lowering of cholesterol and providing cardiac protection, Vitamin E helps enhance circulation, promotes proper blood clotting and wound healing, relieves PMS and may shield women from developing some kinds of breast cancer.

Phosphorus is contained in almonds and it is required for the health, growth, development and repair of bones. Present in white blood cells, it also boosts sexual function, makes vital nutrients available to the nerves, and is critical for brain and muscle tissue. Phosphorus supplies energy, aids in protein digestion and sugar breakdown too.

Manganese provides energy by metabolizing fats, carbohydrate and protein. In addition, it keeps blood sugar levels stable and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system as well as proper growth, development and repair of teeth and bones.

Almonds contain magnesium that boosts circulation and oxygen levels in the system. In addition, magnesium shields you from free radical damage, boosts energy, and assists in maintaining healthy bones, arteries and heart. Magnesium assists in the metabolization of fats, protein and carbohydrates; it also enhances digestion.

Potassium found in almonds decreases blood pressure, regulates water balance in cells, keeps muscles strong, and releases energy from fats, carbohydrates and proteins during metabolism. In addition, potassium may assist in shielding you from becoming obese and developing cardiac problems, diabetes, and renal disease. It acts to keep your bowels moving and it rids your body of toxins. In addition, potassium relieves stress and reduces confusion and irritability.

Riboflavin, a B vitamin, facilitates the conversion of food into energy within the body. It also promotes growth of strong hair and nails, and it may be helpful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and cataracts. In addition, riboflavin is required for the production of neurotransmitters, which are helpful in providing emotional health and well-being.

Copper facilitates nerve function and bone growth, in addition to helping the body use sugar correctly. In conjunction with Vitamin C, it produces elastin, a connective tissue. In addition, copper is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect us from dangerous free radicals and helping to decrease our chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Preparation of Almonds

It is possible to purchase packages of almonds at your local grocery store. You can find them sold in bulk in whole food and health food outlets.

If you purchase large quantities, be sure that the vendor has a regular turnover of their bulk items so you can be sure the almonds are fresh. Check the nuts, which should be stored in a covered container, for any insects or debris. Nuts that are shriveled, limp or an off color should be avoided. Give the almonds a sniff; what you want is a sweet and nutty smell. If they smell rancid or bitter, do not purchase them!

Store almonds in an airtight container that is placed in a cool, dry location. Avoid exposing them to heat and light, particularly direct sunlight. If refrigerated, they will keep for a few months; if frozen, they will last for approximately a year. Keep in mind that almonds that have been cut into pieces or slivers will turn rancid faster than whole almonds. Unshelled almonds will last the longest.

How to chop almonds: To easily chop the almonds, place them in a food processor and use the pulse function. However, be careful that you do not run it too long. If you do, you will end up with almond butter.

How to remove the skins from almonds: It is possible to remove almond skins by blanching them quickly. As soon as the skin begins to swell, remove it. Drain and rinse using cold water. Last, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch. Then you should be able to remove the skin with ease.

As far as recipes go, you can eat them raw all by themselves. In addition, sprinkling whole, slivered or chopped almonds on salads makes them taste great. Mixing almonds with a variety of fruits and nuts, you can create your own trail mix.

Did you pulse your almonds too long and end up with almond butter? You can add that to a breakfast or protein shake for a great taste sensation.

Some other ideas include chicken salad with almonds, green beans with slivered almonds, cold rice salad with currents, almonds and garden peas. Adding sliced almonds is a great way to enhance any veggie dish. Almonds combined with fruit and yogurt provides a fast, healthy snack.

There are a great many dessert options that contain almonds. Following are just a few yummy dessert ideas: Pear-almond calfoutis with red wine glaze, almond biscotti, almond rice cookies (low fat), almond granola, raspberry almond torte, toasted almond cheesecake.

What Quantity Should Be Eaten?

A handful of almonds, or about 1/4 cup, is the average serving size. When a recipe specifies the use of almonds, follow the recommended portion size and ingredient measurement. A single portion of dry roasted almonds is 206 calories.

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The History Of Almond Tree, 'Prunus Dulcis'

The ancient travelers and traders, who circulated back and forth over the Silk Road route between Greece and Turkey, used almonds in their commercial trading, in exchange for other expensive and desirable goods. Native almond trees, 'Prunius dulcis,' are found growing in Western Asia, and biblical references suggest that almond nuts have been grown in Israel since 2000 B.C. from time immemorial in the ancient land of Canaan; according to the book of Numbers in the Testament. Other references to almonds in the Bible are found in the books of Genesis, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. The Old Testament Bible records the fact of Aaron's staff blossoming and developing into edible almonds, suggested that this divine miracle expressed the approval of God to Aaron and his brother, Moses as acceptable leaders of the Israelites.

Researchers believe that the almonds available on today's markets evolved from an ancient plant in China (Mongolia) that had a bitter kernel, much like the peach kernel. Through selective growing over the centuries, kernels appeared that demonstrated a characteristic sweet, spicy, crunchiness that U.S. almond tree growers prefer over bitterness.

In recent years, almond nuts harvested from trees in California have become an excellent product of considerable importance. The first almond trees sent to the new world to America from Spain in the mid 1700's by Franciscan monks were planted in Spanish monasteries near Sacramento, California. Almond trees are closely related to other stone fruits, such as the cherry, peach, and plum, but it is the stone that forms the food product from the almond, but the fleshy substance that surrounds the pit. The leaves on almond trees are dark green, much like the long narrow leaves on peach trees, a genetically and similar related tree; a closeness that has been confused by many amateur gardeners, but the edible fruit parts are entirely and unmistakably different.

The almond tree is appreciated as one of the most beautiful flowering trees known in horticulture. The almond trees begin to flower early in the spring, reliably being loaded with beautiful rosy flowers on the leafless branches of the trees.

The U.S., agricultural, almond tree authorities report that 6000 almond growers cultivate approximately 450,000 acres of almond trees, supplying all of the U.S. domestic market and 70% of the world supply and are being distributed and sold to 90 nations.

Most nut tasters and food gourmets agree that the pecan is a much more desirable nut in respect to the flavor, cost of production edge, and an available supply over almonds, but the aggressive and cooperative superior marketing promotion of the Almond Nut Association has left the bureaucratic and limp marketing strategies of the Southern Pecan Association far behind. One advantage gained by almond tree promoters is that all European and Mideastern countries grew and used almonds in their food supply for centuries, and pecan promoters have not properly distributed and advertised this American product to massive exposure and those foreign markets to the sampling of the pecan that is necessary to be successful. Pecans also offer tremendous benefits to healthy bodies since their kernels contain extreme concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, that are so high in antioxidants, and they protect the heart by removing clogging cholesterols that interfere with blood flow in veins and arteries. The distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds make this nut a prime ingredient in candy, pies, cakes, treats for salting, toasting, and dipping in various kinds of icings. Marketable products of almonds are almond butter; which tastes like and resembles peanut butter; almond extract; an oil extracted from the nuts that is used as a potent flavoring, almond flour; used like flour in cakes and pastries, and almond paste; used in the preparation of confections and candies.

Almonds are used as a health benefit due to the cholesterol free fatty acids that reduce the risks of heart disease. Vitamin E is beneficially concentrated in almonds, which reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, acting as an antioxidant-further reducing inflammation. We suggest growing your own almond trees for enjoyment, entertainment, and health benefits from eating the almonds, as well as the exercise that is spent in growing your own trees.

Learn more about various plants, or purchase ones mentioned in this article by visiting the author's website: TyTy Nursery

Brazil Nuts - A Perfect Source of Protein and All-Round Nutrition

So what are brazil nuts?

Brazil Nuts are found inside the fruit of the Brazilian Nut tree that grows rampantly in the Amazon rainforests. They have a soft, ivory-colored nutmeat covered with thin brown skin that is enclosed in a hard, dark brown, roughly-textured shell. These nuts have a sweet, soft, buttery flavor, often compared to coconut and are great to eat by themselves or in desserts. Because of their rich taste, Brazil nuts can often substitute for macadamia nuts and coconut in recipes

Due to their high fat content, they are often pressed for oil, popularly used in cosmetics.

Nutritional benefits of brazilian nuts

These nuts are 18% protein, 13% carbohydrates, and 69% fat. The fat breakdown is roughly: 25% saturated, 41% monounsaturated and 34% polyunsaturated. Brazilian nuts are also an important source of magnesium and thiamine They are considered to be the richest dietary source of selenium, containing 200 times selenium to that of any other food. Recent research suggests that adequate selenium intake reduces risk of both breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. Therefore many nutrition consultants recommend the consumption of Brazil nuts as a preventive measure.

If Brazilian nuts are so high in fat, why are they good for you?

Many people refrain from eating These nuts because of their high fat content. It is important to note that this fat content is present in an unsaturated form, especially as monounsaturated fat. This type of fat actually decreases the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol and helps maintain the desirable levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in nuts, vegetables, and fruits may reduce cholesterol levels as much as medication. Moreover, weight gain is never a problem when a balanced diet is supplemented with brazil nuts.

These essential fats are also important in the breaking down and absorption of essential nutrients in the body. The lubrication from these fats also gives your hair and skin a healthy luster, lubricating your joints at the same time.

Having said that, it is important to watch how many of these you eat - about 7 of them at a time should be good enough. Ask your dietician for more information on this.

Brazilian nuts are also a very rich source of protein, especially for vegetarians. They are also rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin B.

If you're still not convinced, there are plenty of resources available about these Nuts Online, which will elicit the benefits of consuming these healthy nuts.

Where to get Brazil nuts

Since Brazil nuts must constitute an important part of your diet, buying nuts in bulk quantities may make sense. This way they will last you all the year round and you will have to pay far less for them, than you would at retail prices. You don't even have to step out of your home to buy them for yourself or your loved ones. You can now get these nuts online, ordered in bulk quantities at wholesale prices. Websites like nutsinbulk.com offer good quality brazil nuts at wholesale prices. For more information on price and availability of Brazilian nuts online visit nutsinbulk.

Jerry Jacson offering Nuts Online at nutsinbulk.com also with so many verities of nuts like: Brazil Nuts and Brazilian nuts at very affordable price.

Benefits of Brazil Nuts - Nature's Fat Burning Food!

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of brazil nuts, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from brazil nuts - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

It's really no surprise that we get the Brazil nut from - where else - Brazil! As a matter of fact, they are found on the towering Bertholletia excelsa tree that grows in the Amazon River Basin of South America.

They are actually seeds instead of nuts, and are enclosed within a tough outer shell, with flesh that looks like the flesh of an orange. However we commonly call it a nut, thus in the US it is commonly called a 'Brazil nut'.

These prcular nuts taste rather earthy, and may be purchased at your local supermarket, grocery store, health food store or whole foods market.

Fat Burning Benefits of Brazil Nuts

Even though they do have fat (healthy, unsaturated fat), they also contain a great deal of protein, manganese, thiamin, selenium and phytosterols, plus they are also a reliable food source for calcium, zinc, Vitamin E and fiber.

Selenium is helpful in neutralizing the harmful effects of traveling free radicals prior to their attempt at harming cells in the body. Selenium is helpful in neutralizing the harmful effects that wandering free radicals cause to the body. Selenium prevents any negative effects from occurring. These nuts contain selenium, yielding a complete protein. The reason for this is because these nuts, contrary to many other plant proteins, have every amino acid that is required to maintain good health.

Vitamin E, similarly to selenium, is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the body from heart disease and cancer. It aids circulation and healing and even alleviates PMS symptoms.

Since these nuts supply zinc, they help us digest and also facilitate metabolism of food.

Calcium is essential for bone and dental health and growth. Additionally, it maintains stable blood pressure levels, helps you to lose weight and fights against the potential to contract cancer of the colon.

Brazil nuts provide phytosterols that aid in lowering cholesterol levels. They can minimize the rates of some cancers and improve immune function too.

Magnesium aids in metabolism of carbs, fat and protein for use by the body. It supplies energy and fosters development of teeth, bones, heart, and nervous system.

The B vitamin, Thiamin, is needed by the body when it needs to utilize carbohydrates as an energy source. In addition, it facilitates metabolism of amino acid compounds. Thiamine is important for all of the cells that make up our systems. It is helpful in producing hydrochloric acid, a substance that aids digestion; it also increases the circulation and is helpful in promoting the normal functioning of the brain. Thiamin is helpful in slowing down the process of getting older, and also helps the intestines, stomach and heart to have good muscle tones. It can even ward off blocked arteries and glucose intolerance.

As a source of fiber, these large nuts fill you up without filling you out. They help the digestive process and make bowel movements bulkier to get rid of toxins quicker.

Proper Preparation of Brazil nuts

The nuts are gathered by hand in the Amazon Basin, typically during January when the weather is good. You can typically buy them throughout the year in American stores, in the shell or shelled.

You can keep these nuts anywhere that's cool and dry as long as they are in their shells. Out of the shell, Brazil nuts have to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. You can store them for months in this fashion.

The shell of a Brazil nut will come off easier if they are pre-soaked and then boiled.

Brazil nuts are fine for snacking just as they are. A delicious snack idea is dipping nuts in just a bit of rich dark chocolate. Chocolate does contribute fat to that already contained within the nuts. It's okay to indulge every now and then, however. Dark chocolate is packed with beneficial antioxidant ingredients.

Additionally, you can slice, chop, dice or grind the nuts when you want to use them in cookie, cake, bread, stuffing and dessert recipes. The flavor of Brazil nuts reminds us of macadamia nuts, thus they are a good alternative in recipes and dishes.

Try making a Brazil nut pie crust for your cheesecake, Brazil nuts and walnuts tossed in with your salad, Brazil nuts over spinach, or pork-chops with a crust made from Brazil nuts.

Proper Amount To Eat

A normal portion is around 6-8 Brazil nuts, which is the respective equivalency of 30 grams. There are approximately 186 calories in a one oz. portion. Limit consumption to a few times weekly, substituting them for other sources of fat.

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Toasted Brazil Nuts Rolled Into Strawberry Shortcake

For many there's hut one answer to the dessert problem when strawberries are in season - strawberry shortcake. When one thinks of shortcake, the so-called old-fashioned type made from a plain biscuit dough, served in two or three layers, with whole, sweetened crushed fruit in between and heavy cream, comes first to mind. Shortcakes, however, have gone modern, as have so many of the other foods of the country. Today most cook books will carry more than one recipe variation for the old-fashioned shortcake. This is a sure sign that homemakers want and use more than one recipe for this famous dish.

The latest thing in streamlined shortcakes is a luscious pastry made with toasted Brazil nuts rolled fine. The pastry, which is rolled out quite thin and cut with a three-inch cookie cutter, offers a delightful contrast in flavor and texture to the sweetened strawberry filling. The recipe is given below.

If you use sponge cake for the base of strawberry "shortcake," use powdered mace as the flavoring accent or mix 1/2 teaspoon of it in one pint of whipped cream for topping.

Modern Triple Decker Shortcakes

1.75 cups sifted cake flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup shortening

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup Brazil nuts, toasted and rolled fine

1/4 cup cold water

Sift together cake flour and salt. Out in the shortening and butter. Stir in the Brazil nuts (toasted and rolled fine with your rolling pin). Add cold water to make a dough that sticks together (1/4 cup is generally exactly correct). Roll pastry quite thin on lightly floured board. Cut with three-inch cookie cutter (if pastry is rolled thin, this amount will cut just 18 rounds). Arrange on baking sheet, prick surface. Bake in hot oven (400 degree F.) 12 to 15 minutes. Using three rounds per shortcake, add strawberry filling and topping.

Strawberry Filling: Wash and stem 1 quart strawberries. Save 6 strawberries for top of shortcakes. Crush or slice remainder and cover with sugar. Bring 6 Brazil nuts to boil; boil 3 minutes. Drain and slice each 3 or 4 times. Spread crushed strawberries between layers of pastry, top each shortcake with whipped cream, and decorate with sliced strawberries and sliced nuts.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

14 graham crackers

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup softened butter

2 cups rhubarb, cut in 1-inch pieces

1 cup each of sugar and water

2 cups strawberries

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Crush crackers, mix thoroughly with sugar and butter. Press mixture firmly into 9-inch pie plate. To make filling, wash and cut rhubarb. Combine sugar and water, bringing mixture to boiling point. Pour syrup over rhubarb. Cook until tender; drain rhubarb, reserving syrup. Poach cleaned strawberries in rhubarb syrup 3 minutes and drain. Combine blended cornstarch and 1/4 cup water with hot syrup. Boil gently, stirring constantly, for 15 minutes. Add butter and lemon juice. Fold in fruit. Cool, turn into pie crust. Serve with whipped cream topping.

Strawberry Bavarian

1 cup crushed strawberries

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

1 cup irradiated evaporated milk, chilled

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Hull and wash 1 pint strawberries. Press through coarse sieve. Measure 1 cup. Add sugar; set in a cold place to dissolve, stirring occasionally. Soak gelatin in the cold water. Dissolve over boiling water. Cool slightly. Add to strawberry mixture. Whip the thoroughly chilled milk very stiff. Fold in lemon juice, then the berry-gelatin mixture. Pour into a mold rinsed with cold water and let stand in a cold place to set. Serves 6.

Strawberry Ice

2 cups water

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

1.5 cups crushed strawberries

Make a syrup of water and sugar. Cool and add lemon juice, salt and crushed strawberries. Place in refrigerator tray and freeze, stirring occasionally.

Orange-strawberry Marshmallow Fluff

1 cup cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup quartered marshmallows

1.5 cups orange segments or half slices

1/2 cup halved fresh strawberries

Whip cream until thick, fold in other ingredients. Chill thoroughly and serve cold. Decorate with whole strawberries.

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Brazil Nut Oil - Where It Comes From And Where To Buy It

Brazil nuts are native to the Amazon region of South America and are harvested from huge trees over 100 feet tall.? It can take up to 30 years for the trees to produce the first crop of hard, cannonball sized pods, each weighing up to 5 pounds. The complex ecosystem of the region makes for some unusual properties about the Brazil nut.

First, the tree is only pollinated by a single species of insect, a bee that depends upon the tree and is found in that particular region of the Amazon.

Second, only one animal, the agouti, a rather large rodent native to the rain forest, has the very large and sharp teeth capable of gnawing through the tough outer husk, or fruit pod. ?The agouti's work allows the seeds inside the pod to be scattered across the rain forest floor, ensuring the new generation. ??

Because the trees are in dense forests, take many years to bear fruit, and require such specific conditions to grow, they are not suited for plantations.? Rugged workers carry the heavy pods and nuts to locations where they can be sorted and prepared for use.

The most common products derived from the plants are the moist and crunchy nuts, which are high in protein, and rich in oil.? This oil can be extracted with some dedication for a delicate, distinctive salad dressing, and has many other uses.?

The nut oil and butter are moisturizers for skin and hair, and a natural remedy for split ends. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and selenium and supply all the omega fats as well.

High quality Brazil nut products are a trade commodity in the Amazon region. Buying Brazil nuts, oils and candles from companies that embrace Fair Trade practices, allows workers to collect a living wage that can sustain themselves and their families.

Visit The HUB Global Marketplace to find Fair Trade Brazil Nut products from Peru and other hard-to-find items that support Fair Trade from all over the world. Items can be shipped to your door - or sent as gifts. The Global Marketplace is the portal for shopping in a "cause driven economy." You select who, where, how, and how much impact you want to make in the world by the products you select to purchase. The way in which each of us chooses to spend our money is a powerful act.

Click here for Brazil Nut Oils and other items that make an impact. http://hubhub.org

Dave Petzold is a supporter of Humanity Unites Brilliance.