Edible Seeds and Nuts Grown in Brazil as Sources of Protein for Human Nutrition

Jullyana B Freitas,Ludmila P Czeder,Jean Carlos R Lima,Daniela C Fernandes,Maria Margareth V Naves,Amanda G O Sousa

doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36114

Abstract

Edible seeds and nuts can contribute to an adequate intake of protein, particularly in vegetable-based diets. However, there are relatively few reports with insufficient data regarding the protein quality of these foods, especially of edible seeds and nuts from Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and in vivo protein quality of two edible seeds (baru almond and peanut) and two nuts (Brazil nut and cashew nut) grown in Brazil. The proximate composition and the amino acid profile were analyzed. The true protein digestibility and the protein quality of these foods were evaluated by bioassay with male weanling Wistar rats over a period of 14 days, and the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) was estimated. Edible seeds and nuts presented high contents of proteins (16.3 to 32.3 g/100g), lipids (42.7 to 57.9 g/100g) and dietary fibers (6.5 to 14.3 g/100g). Lysine was found to be the limiting amino acid in baru almond, peanut and Brazil nut, which had amino acid scores ranging from 71% to 76%. Cashew nut had no limiting amino acid. These foods showed high protein digestibility (around 90%) except for baru almond (75%), and their PDCAAS values varied significantly (57%, for baru almond, and 90%, for cashew nut). The edible seeds and nuts grown in Brazil provide a high density of energy and nutrients and they can be used as complementary sources of proteins.

Highlights

Traditional nuts are thick dried fruits known across the world as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts and walnuts [1,2]
Relatively few studies have investigated the protein quality of these foods, especially the edible seeds and nuts from Brazil. These oleaginous could be important sources of protein and bioactive compounds for vegetable-based diets as well as in an ordinary healthy diet since their intake is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases [6,7]. Considering their nutritional potential, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and in vivo protein quality of the following edible seeds and nuts grown in Brazil: a native edible seed from the Brazilian Savanna-baru almond; an edible seed with worldwide consumption-peanut; and two traditional nuts from BrazilBrazil nut and cashew nut
The edible seeds and nuts studied were found to contain high amounts of proteins, lipids and dietary fiber, and they are excellent sources of energy (Table 2), in line with the values reported in the literature [2,5]

Summary

Introduction

Traditional nuts are thick dried fruits known across the world as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts and walnuts [1,2]. The Midwest region of Brazil produces the baru almond (Dipteryx alata Vog.), an edible seed from the fruit of the baru tree, which belongs to the legume species (Fabaceae family) and is native of the Brazilian Savanna [4]. Relatively few studies have investigated the protein quality of these foods, especially the edible seeds and nuts from Brazil. These oleaginous could be important sources of protein and bioactive compounds for vegetable-based diets as well as in an ordinary healthy diet since their intake is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases [6,7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion