While they are stationary and silent, plants and trees possess tremendous benefits and offer great support to life and the ecological system. Apart from their power to help reduce tension through the serenity and lushness that they offer, some trees offer numerous medicinal benefits. One such tree is the one that houses burrawang nuts.
For decades, burrawang nuts have been valued and appreciated for their numerous health benefits. In ancient times, they were utilized for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Let’s check it out.
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What are burrawang nuts?
The burrawang tree, whose botanical name is 'Macrozamia communis,' is predominantly grown in the coastal regions of New South Wales. The appearance of the burrawang tree is distinguished by its large, spiky, and fan-like fronds. One unique thing about the tree is that it can live up to 120 years. How amazing is that?
The seeds of the burrawang tree grow on separate male and female plants. The female tree produces cone-like structures that are large and contain seeds, which are the burrawang nuts.
However, it is essential to remember that burrawang nuts contain toxins and must not be consumed until they are duly processed. The traditional methods of detoxifying them include soaking and roasting to eliminate the toxins, and then they are edible with no health risks.
What are the health benefits of burrawang nuts?
Like most edible nuts, burrawang nuts' health benefits include an abundant source of minerals and vitamins that include plant-based protein, which makes them perfect for almost all types of diets, as well as healthy fats, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, niacin, thiamin, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and folate. All these nutrients play essential roles in helping to maintain optimal body functions. Let us discover some of the health benefits of burrawang nuts.
The benefits of the burrawang nuts
1. Management of weight
Burrawang nuts have an incredible nutrition profile that can be beneficial for managing your weight. The nuts contain healthy fats, protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Protein and fiber can help enhance the feeling of fullness, thereby helping to regulate the hormones responsible for appetite. Complex carbohydrates and healthy fats work together to sustain the release of energy, thereby preventing you from excessive snacking.
In addition, burrawang nuts are low in caloric density, which helps to support portion control. They are great for snacking or as an addition to salads and yogurts.
2. Supports the health of the cardiovascular system
Burrawang nuts contain healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, that can help maintain the functions of the heart. These healthy fats are known to help elevate the levels of beneficial cholesterol by decreasing the harmful cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, burrawang nuts contain a blend of heart-friendly nutrients like dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium that can work together to aid the strengthening of the cardiovascular system, thereby aiding the regulation of blood pressure and improving the health of the arteries.
3. Can boost bone health
Support of the skeletal system is one notable burrawang nut health benefit. Burrawang nuts contain magnesium and zinc, essential nutrients for boosting bone health. Both magnesium and zinc can work together to boost bone formation and bone density. This unique duo can help strengthen the teeth and bones.
Moreover, both nutrients are also crucial for overall well-being. Zinc supports the immune system and can speed up the process of wound healing. In addition, zinc can help boost the function of the thyroid. Zinc deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, which has been associated with diffuse hair loss. Magnesium is required by the nerves and muscles to make protein and process DNA.
4. Abundant in antioxidants
Looking for another reason to consume burrawang nuts? Here's one – they are loaded with incredible and powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are potent substances that can be found in many foods and can aid in the prevention and elimination of damaging cells. Burrawang nuts contain potent phytonutrients and vitamins that can help shield the cells from harmful radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are a notable culprit behind many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Burrawang nuts contain antioxidants like beta-carotene that can help in improving skin health and boost immune system function, flavonoids that can alleviate symptoms of inflammation, lignans that can help reduce the chances of developing chronic illnesses, and phenolic acids that can possess both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, burrawang nuts contain vitamins like vitamins E and C that can aid the production of collagen and foster better immune function.
5. Boosts cognitive function
Helping to maintain cognitive functions is one of the fantastic health benefits that burrawang nuts have to offer. The nuts contain niacin and thiamin, which are incredibly beneficial for cognitive function. A study suggested that the intake of niacin could help prevent the risk of cognitive decline in later years. Moreover, niacin contributes to the development of neurotransmitters that help to maintain good cognitive function.
Thiamin, which is referred to as the 'nerve vitamin,' can boost communication between nerve cells, thereby promoting mental clarity and sharpness. When consumed together in foods like burrawang nuts, both niacin and thiamin can help reduce the risk of diseases like dementia.
Conclusion
Burrawang nuts boast a plethora of beneficial nutrients that provide diverse vital advantages. These nutrients include protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. From the protection it offers to the heart to the support of weight management and prevention of cognitive decline, burrawang nuts' health benefits are incredible. However, it is essential to remember that before you consume them, they must be processed correctly. The indigenous process of making them edible includes soaking and roasting.
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