13 Surprising Benefits Of Brazil Nuts

I have posted about this before, but this is more current. I eat a nut or 2 a day. I have Hashimotos Thyroid disease and do not take any meds for it. Antibodies have gone down and thyroid is more regulated. Not are these helping? Maybe, but I tell ya they are getting the blood pumping:) and are supposed to be beneficial for the man hormone,lol. :bikini:


Brazil Nuts benefits includes regulating the thyroid hormone, treating acne, promoting healthy digestion, supporting bone density, supporting weight loss, promoting nutrient absorption, preventing osteoporosis and boosting immunity. Other benefits includes supporting mental health, reducing the risk of cancer, helping the body regenerate muscle and tissue, supplying zinc to the body and supporting cardiovascular health.

A healthy balanced diet containing good fats is necessary for the growth and development of the body and mind. Brazil nuts are delicious and healthy, containing nutrients that help the body contain a balanced metabolic rate and perform muscle regeneration.

History

Brazil nuts are not nuts; they fit the description of seeds far more than the donuts. This is mainly because they come in large pods which contain a large quantity of Brazil seeds. These nuts are more closely related to Persimmons and blueberries than they are to walnuts or pecans.

Brazil nuts have been a part of Human diet since the Paleolithic Era, but, the first mention of these nuts in western literature dates back to 1569.Although they became popular among the Spanish people, they were introduced to Europe by the Dutch traders around the 1600s. Later they arrived at the Americas around the 1800s. Todays nearly half of these nuts are imported from Bolivia to the United States.

What Are Brazil Nuts?

They are seeds encased in a hard pod, which can only be broken with the help of an ax or a machete. Even in the animal kingdom, there are only two animals that can now the hard shell open to indulge in the nuts within.

The nuts are delicious and are an excellent source of a variety of minerals and vitamins. They are considered to be the number one source for the biochemical selenium which has enormous benefits for the body and mind.

The pod from which Brazil nuts are extracted resembles a coconut and may weigh around 5pounds each. These pods contain from 12 to 20 seeds each in segments, which are later harvested during the season. They are mostly cultivated in the wild in Northern Brazil between December and March.

Nutritional Benefits

The following amounts are based on 100-gram serving size.

• Protein 14.32 g
• Dietary Fiber 7.5 g
• Carbohydrates 12.27 g
• Folates 22 mcg
• Niacin 0.295 mg
• Pinto then acid 0.184 mg
• Pyridoxine 0.101 mg
• Riboflavin 0.035 mg
• Thiamin 0.617 mg
• Vitamin E gamma 7.87 mg
• Potassium 597 mg
• Calcium 160 mg
• Copper 1.743 mg
• Iron 2.43 mg
• Magnesium 376 mg
• Manganese 1.223 mg
• Phosphorus 725 mg
• Selenium 1917 mcg
• Zinc 4.06 mg

Brazil nuts further contain biochemical’s that are essential for many functions in the human body.

13 Surprising Health Benefits Of Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are famous for the amount of selenium that they contain, but, this is not it. They contain a wide array of nutrients that combine to provide the body with multiple hair skins and health benefits.

1. Helps Regulate the Thyroid Hormone

Brazil nuts contain an enzyme; triiodothyronine which helps the body produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. This keeps the activity of the thyroid gland in check and prevents any hyperactivity.

2. Acne Treatment

Brazil nuts are a good source of zinc which acts as a hormone balancing mineral in the body. Acne is most commonly the result of a hormone imbalance in the body. Zinc along with vitamin E help reduce the scarring and prevent the formation of acne from within. Brazil nut oil is also a good remedy for acne scars.

3. Healthy Digestion

The digestive system is responsible for the overall health of the body and mind. A healthy gut equals a healthy body. As a good source of dietary fiber and minerals such as phosphorus, Brazil nuts provide a perfect combination of nutrients to keep the digestive system in working order. The dietary fiber helps regulate bowel movements whereas; the phosphorus content helps keep the lining of the stomach in good health.

4. Bone Density

Brazil nuts are the ideal food for people suffering from weak bones. The calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus combine to retain bone density. This combination helps reduce the risk of fractures to a great deal and strengthens the bone structure.

5. Weight Loss

With chronic obesity taking over a quarter of the world’s population it is necessary to make smart food choices. Brazil nuts are the ideal snack for anyone who wants to drop a few pounds. They contain carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. This combination provides the body adequate fuel to stay energized and also stay fuller for longer. You will note a reduction in your cravings once you add Brazil nuts to your diet plan. A few nuts taken in between meals are a good way of reducing the chances of binging or eating unhealthy snacks.

6. Nutrient Absorption

Brazil nuts help keep the stomach lining and the health of the intestines intact. This is essential for effective nutrient absorption through the bloodstream. The combination of copper, iron and other trace minerals helps the digestive system to function properly and absorb nutrients better.

7. Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is prevalent among females who suffer from menopause. This is related to a severe hormone imbalance. The amount of zinc and antioxidants in Brazil nuts helps balance the hormonal activity in the body. Potassium, phosphorus, and calcium combine with other nutrients to maintain bone structure and integrity.

8. Boost Immunity

Brazil nuts are rich in vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants that are essential for internal healing and also prevent infections. Thiamin and Riboflavin are antibiotics that reduce the effects of inflammation and infections in the body. The body is stronger from within which strengthens the immunity to prevent chronic illnesses.

9. Mental Health

Brazil nuts are a good source of antioxidants and good fats that are necessary for the brain to grow. This helps in breaking down the amino acids to promote a healthy brain function and improve cognition. People who have a diet rich in healthy fats have lesser chances of being affected by memory-related diseases.

10. Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Brazil nuts contain some of the most powerful fighters against free radicals. Selenium combined with other biochemical’s present in Brazil nuts makes it a powerful antioxidant.

11. Muscle Regeneration

Brazil nuts are tremendous in helping the body regenerate muscle and tissue. This is because it provides the body with protein and energy to keep up the metabolic process needed to regenerate tissues and muscle. This also makes Brazil nuts the best snack post workout as it will help restore the muscles.

12. Zinc Deficiency

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a disease which is the result of inadequate consumption of zinc. Brazil nuts provide a good amount of zinc that can help combat this disease and reduce its symptoms.

13. Cardiovascular Health

Brazil nuts are excellent for heart health. They contain dietary fiber, good fats, and potassium which act as a vasodilator. This helps clean out the arteries of excess fat, while the good fat helps the heart to function at its full capacity.



Bottom Line

Brazil nuts are delicious and healthy at the same time. However, everything should be consumed in moderation. More than a handful of these nuts each day can be the cause of severe fatigue and stomach issues.