BENEFITS OF BRAZIL NUTS

Brazil nuts are excellent for constipation.

They are also a good substitute for suet in puddings. Use 5 oz. nuts to 1 lb. flour. They should be grated in a nut mill or finely chopped.

Brazil nuts, just like majority of other kinds of nuts, have healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart by controlling cholesterol levels. What separates Brazil nuts, however, is its high selenium content. Selenium, per se, is not in itself an antioxidant but it is a chief component of two antioxidant enzymes namely glutathione and glutathione peroxidise. In addition, selenium also works with vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Consumption of Brazil nuts will help give you protection from cancer, heart diseases, and even problems with the thyroid gland.

Selenium

One essential trace element that is known to help against cancer, premature aging, and cardiovascular diseases is selenium. Selenium is not naturally produced in the body so it can be obtained through food and water. Aside from Brazil nuts, other good sources of selenium are onions, garlic, red grapes, wheat germ, egg yolks, and broccoli. This element is good for the health when taken in appropriate amounts but too much intake can also be toxic.

Selenium and Heart Disease

Studies conducted regarding selenium shows that people living in areas where there is high selenium concentrations in the soil have less incidence of heart diseases. Selenium plays an important role by activating antioxidant enzymes that detoxify bad fat present in cell membranes. It is also thoughts to prevent formation of blood clots as human platelets actually contain more selenium as compared to other body tissues. One of the best sources of selenium is Brazil nuts which contain 544 mcg of selenium per ounce.

Selenium and Cancer

There have been studies showing the strong connection between high incidence of cancer in the lungs, prostate, colon, and skin and low levels of selenium, although it is improbable that this is due entirely to selenium alone. As part of the network of antioxidants in the body, selenium is responsible for the production of glutathione. Glutathione in turn reprocesses vitamin C to boost vitamin E levels. Selenium boosts the entire network of antioxidants making it very useful in fighting different diseases. Consumption of Brazil nuts plus antioxidant supplements will help ensure that you get the selenium you need to keep you healthy.

Healthy Thyroid

Another benefit of eating Brazil nuts is it helps keep your thyroid gland healthy. The thyroid is dependent on selenium for proper functioning. Selenium is part of the enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine, which is the active form of the thyroid hormone. Brazil nuts can help with this conversion and is of value for those taking the usual medications for thyroid problems.