A monguba also called manguba, munguba, mamorana, wild cacao, and maranhão nut, is a common plant in Brazil and is also found in other parts of South America.

Its edible part is the seeds, called chestnuts Due to the large size of the fruit, the nuts are also large and can weigh up to 800 grams.

Read also: Murici: Meet the Brazilian fruit and its properties

Benefits of monguba

You can substitute coffee and chocolate

The monguba nut, also known as the Guiana nut, is much appreciated by the people of the Amazon region, especially for its flavor, which is similar to chocolate. That's why the nut is also called the cocoa nut. Not only that, when roasted, they come close to the flavor of coffee. It can also be used in the form of flour.

Read more: Cocoa: Benefits and properties beyond chocolate

Promotes immunity

The compound most commonly found in the composition of the monguba nut is palmitic acid It is a strong antioxidant and a great source of vitamin A, so it is used as a fortifying food additive or as a supplement, because it favors immunity.

It is also found in palm oil, palm kernel oil, kokum butter, as well as in milk and its derivatives and in meat.

Read more: Medium Chain Triglycerides: Know what they are

It is a source of protein

Not only that, nuts are a good source of protein and contain high levels of tryptophan an amino acid that stimulates the release of serotonin Therefore, its properties not only benefit muscular health due to the proteins, but also mental health, thus combating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Read also: Foods that increase anxiety and depression

How to use monguba

• Its seeds (raw, cooked or fried) can be included in the diet in several ways: preparation of flour, candy recipes, and more
• In addition, its flowers can be used for home decoration and, according to the feng shui attract prosperity and money and is therefore also called the money tree

Monguba flowers