Brazil is a vast country and produces an enormous amount of different fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods that are very good for health and are difficult to find in other parts of the world. Knowing how to take advantage of what our land has to offer is fundamental to having a good diet and an excellent quality of life. Read below which Brazilian super foods you should include in your day-to-day life for a healthier life.
1. Brazil nuts. Also called Brazil nuts ( Bertholletia excelsa ), this oleaginous seed is rich in selenium , an important mineral for the immune system and which acts as an antioxidant, defending cells against free radicals. But beware: excess selenium is toxic. The indicated dose is 1 Brazil nut per day.
2. Acai. Açaí is a fruit derived from a palm tree and rich in antioxidants. Its effects are numerous: it acts on the vascular system as a vasodilator, has an anti-inflammatory, tonic, energetic effect, among others. Prefer to consume acai as pure as possible, without other combinations. ATTENTION: this fruit is extremely caloric, so manage your consumption.
3. Cocoa. This fruit widely cultivated in the Northeast of the country is rich in antioxidants and its consumption reduces the risk of vascular diseases, heart disease and cancer , in addition to controlling high cholesterol and high blood pressure . There are studies that indicate that cocoa can help fight type 2 diabetes .
4. Soy. This grain is widely cultivated in Brazil. Soy is an oilseed rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E and several minerals such as phosphorus , calcium , iron and potassium . Studies also prove that soy isoflavones help to improve menopausal symptoms and premenstrual tension.
5. Beans. Present in the Brazilian daily diet, beans are important for health. In addition to being low in calories (1 bean shell has less calories than 1 apple!), beans are rich in protein, fiber, potassium, B vitamins, zinc , iron, magnesium and other minerals. In addition, the intake of beans helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol and glucose. Therefore, do not exclude this food from the diet.
6. Rice . Also daily in the Brazilian diet, rice is one of the most consumed grains in the world. Consumption of this food (especially brown rice) helps maintain blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Rice is also rich in vitamin E, antioxidant, phosphorus and iron.
7. Cashew. The fleshy part is actually the stem that supports the real fruit, the chestnut. Cashews are rich in vitamin C and phenolic compounds that help fight heart disease. In addition, cashew is rich in iron and calcium, helps fight anemia and strengthen bones. Cashew nuts also have great advantages. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids that reduce LDL (bad cholesterol ), in addition to containing zinc, selenium and other oligominerals.
8. Passion fruit. This fruit is ideal for juices and desserts, but consuming it pure brings great benefits. Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and B complex, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and has few calories. In addition, passion fruit flavonoids and alkaloids have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to calm stress and agitation.
9. Guava. Brazil is a major producer of red guava, which is also grown in China, India, Mexico and South America. This delicious fruit is a source of phosphorus, potassium, and fiber, especially pectin. Guava is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C (white guava has almost twice as much vitamin C as orange).
10. Cupuaçu. This typical fruit from the North region of the country has nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, calcium, selenium and fibers such as pectin. In addition, the butter made from cupuaçu pulp is moisturizing and excellent for the skin. Cupuaçu seeds have been studied for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.
11. Pinion. This seed is typical of the southern region of the country. Its pulp is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins and proteins. In addition, pine nuts are rich in fiber and fat that help fight bad cholesterol. ATTENTION : this seed is very caloric. Consume in moderation.
12. Pitanga. Pitanga is typical of the Southeast region of the country. This fruit has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in the treatment of rheumatism, fever and diarrhea . In addition, pitanga is rich in vitamin A , vitamin C , lycopene and antioxidants. Pitanga juice is very refreshing and ideal for hot days.
13. Guarana . This fruit from the North region has several medicinal properties. Studies reveal that guarana has antimutagenic, anticancer and neuroprotective activity, helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and memory loss. In addition, the fruit is rich in stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine, as well as antioxidants.
14. Cassava. Cultivated for many centuries in our country, cassava has several health benefits. This food is rich in fiber, which causes the ingested carbohydrate to be slowly transformed into sugar, being an adjuvant in the diet. In addition, cassava has calcium, essential for the health of bones and muscles.
15. Banana . This fruit is widely known and one of the most consumed in the world. Bananas are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 , B2 and B6 , in addition to being an important source of potassium , fiber and magnesium . The banana even prolongs the effect of satiety, being an adjuvant in diets.
The best tip, therefore, is to have a diversified diet with the foods that our land produces.
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