Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To assess and compare the fatty acid composition of edible seeds and a nut native to the Cerrado (Brazilian savannah) to that of traditional oilseeds. Methods: Baru almonds, Cerrado cashew nuts, and pequi almonds were extracted from the fruits using appropriate equipment. All edible seeds and nuts were roasted, except for the Brazil nut. The sample lipids were extracted via cold pressing. The fatty acids were esterified, and the fatty acid esters were analyzed by gas chromatography. Results: The native and traditional edible seeds and nuts contain mostly monounsaturated fatty acids (42.72 g to 63.44 g/100 g), except for the Brazil nut, which showed predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (45.48 g/100 g). Pequi almond had the highest saturated fatty acid content (36.14 g/100 g). The fatty acids with the highest concentration were oleic and linoleic acids, and palmitic acid was also found in considerable concentration in the oilseeds studied. The Cerrado cashew nut and the traditional cashew nut have similar fatty acid profiles. As for the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3, the baru almond showed the highest ratio, 9:1, which was the closest to the recommended intake of these fatty acids. Conclusion: The fatty acid profile of the edible seeds and nuts native to the cerrado is similar to those of traditional oilseeds. We suggest the inclusion of native oilseeds in the diet aiming at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially the baru almond and the cerrado cashew nut, due to the fact they have high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.
Highlights
Nuts are dried fruits widely consumed worldwide and high valued for their sensory and nutritional attributes and health benefits
We suggest the inclusion of native oilseeds in the diet aiming at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially the baru almond and the cerrado cashew nut, due to the fact they have high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids
Cerrado cashew nut is the fruit of the cerrado cashew tree (Anacardium othonianum Rizz.) that belongs to the group of nuts but is still narrowly consumed, and its nutritional value is not well known
Summary
Nuts are dried fruits widely consumed worldwide and high valued for their sensory and nutritional attributes and health benefits. Cerrado cashew nut is the fruit of the cerrado cashew tree (Anacardium othonianum Rizz.) that belongs to the group of nuts but is still narrowly consumed, and its nutritional value is not well known. Edible seeds are not nuts in a botanical sense, they have nutritional characteristics similar to those of the nuts. An example is the peanut, an edible seed of a legume which have a thick and dry pericarp. Other examples of edible seeds are the baru almond and the pequi almond, seeds of the fruits of baru tree (Dipteryx alata Vog.) and pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) and native species of the Cerrado with great commercial and technological potential[1,2]
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