Brazil nuts are edible seeds from the Brazil nut tree, that can be eaten blanched or raw. The nuts grow inside a round, and coconut-like shell, in orange-like segments which, when crack open, reveals around 12-20 Brazil nuts.
Brazil nuts are a leading source of selenium, which is important for proper health. It helps fight cancer, helps in proper functioning of hormones and enhances your immunity.
Brazil nut is loaded with many nutrients and contains various health benefits which will be discuss below.
Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts:
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Brazil nuts contain ellagic acid that contains high anti-inflammatory properties in the body and can even be neuro-protective. Also, an important anti-inflammatory agent in Brazil nuts is selenium, which is very essential when combating inflammation in the body. Selenium takes part in antioxidant activity that defends against both free radical damage and inflammation.
2. Boost Testosterone
Brazil nuts, due to its high selenium content, are most often called a testosterone superfood. Dietary selenium can help in improving sperm quality, volume and motility, as per a research study that was published in the Journal of Urology.
This, in turn, is associated with testosterone levels in men, as the higher the testosterone, the higher the sperm count. Also, the L-arginine in Brazil nuts is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
3. Heart Health
According to a study conducted by Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, renowned author of health books and distinguished professor at Pennsylvania State University, US, showed that eating nuts helps to lower cholesterol by more than 25% due to their nutrient profiles.
Brazil nuts have high content of healthy unsaturated fats, that are commonly known as HDL or omega-3 fatty acids, or good forms of cholesterol. This includes palmitoleic acid and oleic acid. These varieties of magnesium, unsaturated fats, selenium and vitamin E content in Brazil nuts are, thus, associated with improving heart health and balancing the cholesterol profile of the body.
4. Lower Your Cholesterol
The fiber content in Brazil nuts can help in lowering your cholesterol. This is very important, since high cholesterol is linked with heart disease and other heart problems. Mayo Clinic notes that various studies reported a cholesterol-lowering effect from consuming nuts regularly.
5. Prevents Cancer
Brazil nuts are included on the list of cancer-fighting foods, due to their high selenium levels and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is also anticancer and antimutagenic.
Meanwhile, selenium, which is an important biological trace element, has been reported to help prevent and reduce the incidence of cancer.
A 5-year, randomized nutritional intervention study that was done in China, where selenium intake is low and esophageal cancer rates are extremely high. The results, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reported highly significant inverse associations of serum selenium levels with the incidence of esophageal cancer.
Some studies have shown a possible linked between having toxic levels of mercury in the body and in cancer incidence. Some animal studies showed that selenium can help in reducing toxic mercury levels, which can help to fight cancer.
Sources:
Dr. Axe
Healthline
Organic Facts
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