April 24, 2018 · Written by Foodtolive Team
7 Surprising Facts about Brazil Nuts
Nuts are a favorite snack whether you want to munch it for health reason or you just simply cannot resist it. They are easy to nibble when you are-on-the go and will help you curb your cravings. They’re delicious and jampacked with essential nutrients. Although it has been proven to be beneficial in many ways, not all of them are created equal. Some of them will give you a good healthy treat while others you may want to avoid altogether on consideration on how they are prepared and processed. One nut that stands out from all the rest because of its superb nutritional value are the Brazil nuts.
Brazil nuts are a nutrient-dense type of nuts that grow in the Amazon. It is commonly called as nuts but they are actually seeds from the Brazil nut tree. It is one of the largest trees that are native to South American countries such as Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. So, what makes this nut beneficial to our health? It’s the fact that it contains an enormous amount of mineral called selenium. Selenium is very crucial in one’s bodily function from mood to inflammation. It is not often that we get a full amount of selenium in our diet so if you’re struggling to get this mineral, this nut is for you. Aside from selenium, this nut also comprises a high amount of fiber, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc.
Let’s look in to the 7 surprising facts about Brazil nuts that gives the reason for such high demands for this delicious nut.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Brazil nuts are a great food that contains anti-inflammatory properties. Its high amount of selenium combats inflammation of the body. It takes part in antioxidant activity that defends from free radicals and inflammation. It also has ellagic acid that releases anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in the body. Zinc in Brazil nuts help reduce inflammation and flushes out toxins.
2. Mood lifter
Low level of selenium affects our mood and is linked in anxiety, depression, tiredness and stress. High level of selenium in Brazil nuts has scientifically proven to lift moods and prevent depression. Regular intake of Brazil nuts and adding it to your diet helps improve moods and well-being.
3. Thyroid control
The selenium in Brazil nut is a vital nutrient that plays a role in proper functioning of the thyroid. It is a major key component to be able to create and use hormones produced by the thyroid. The thyroid is responsible in controlling our body’s metabolism, heart rate and temperature. It is in thyroid that selenium has a higher amount concentrated than any other tissue in the body.
4. Skincare
The impressive profile of Brazil nuts which includes vitamins and minerals helps in improving healthy skin. Selenium, omega fatty acid and vitamin C keeps the skin elasticity and glow preventing premature aging. Selenium in Brazil nuts helps in activating glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free radicals that caused wrinkles and skin cancer. Add to that also the Brazil nut oil that prevents skin from dryness, eczema and psoriasis.
5. Heart health boost
Brazil nuts are naturally high in fat but mostly the unsaturated kind. Unsaturated fat helps in increasing the HDL level or good cholesterol in the blood. A good level of this can help in preventing stroke, heart attack and heart disease. The selenium, potassium, calcium and magnesium aids to boost heart health by regulating a healthy blood pressure.
6. Anticancer
Due to its high ellagic and selenium content, Brazil nut is considered to be a cancer-fighting food. Ellagic acid is known to be antimutagenic and anticancer while selenium is an essential mineral trace element that is shown to reduce and prevent incidence of cancer.
7. Promotes growth and repair
The protein in these nuts are necessary for cellular growth, repair and healing of wounds. Vitamin C that are found in these nuts are also an essential component of collagen which plays a part to human growth, repair of tissues, cell and blood vessels.
You only need a small amount of Brazil nuts to be able to enjoy and bask in its health benefits and it even works better than a supplement. You may eat it in the whole form raw or blanched. Its essential oil can be extracted to be used for direct remedies. Try it and see significant improvements in your health.
