Bioactive Compounds in Baru Almond (Dipteryx alata Vogel): Nutritional Composition and Health Effects

Abstract

The Dipteryx alata Vogel is a native plant from the Cerrado biome found in Brazil known as baru almond and representative of edible seeds and similar to those of true nuts. This almond is a source of minerals and also rich in protein and lipid content. Vitamin E and phenolic compounds present in D. alata almond are associated with their high antioxidant activity. The inclusion of 20 g of D. alata in diet has shown positive effects on the lipid profile (↓LDL-c and ↓TC) in humans. This species is economically devalued mainly by the characteristic of sustainable exploitation and dependence on its seasonal production.