Potential of Oilseeds Native to Amazon and Brazilian Cerrado Biomes: Benefits, Chemical and Functional Properties, and Extraction Methods

The primary objective of this study was to shed greater light on the characteristics and multifaceted potential of oil extracts from kernels of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut), seeds of the Plukenetia species and Caryocar species. These are but a few of the multitude of the plant species found in the Amazon and Brazil's Cerrado biomes. They have many substantial organoleptic, nutritional, and functional properties that are comparable or exceed better known oils, and they manifest health benefits and prospective economic opportunities as an oil source for foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It is also hoped that this study gives rise to further research that may be beneficial to the industry and improve the local economies where these raw materials are found. (AU)