Brazilian nuts are the tree nuts, and like how it is called, the Brazil Nuts can be found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.
It has a buttery texture, smooth texture, and hints of nutty flavor which you can enjoy its raw or blanched version.
Although it is the tree nuts, Brazilian Nuts appear more like large seeds which are covered in a hard shell than nuts.
It has a bunch of good sources for selenium, fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.
This offers health benefits including reducing inflammation, maintain heart health, improve the immune system, and has more benefits.
Benefits of Brazil Nuts
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Improve the immune system and cell growth
The rich amount of selenium in Brazil nuts makes them an agent for promoting immune systems and cell growth.
These lead to making your vital organs function properly and function better to fight infections, heart disease, cancer, mood disorders, and support health during pregnancy.
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Supports the function of the thyroid.
The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped in your throat.
A nutrient that supports thyroid health is selenium and Brazil nuts contain high selenium.
It uses selenium to activate thyroxine hormone into triiodothyronine hormone
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Promotes bone health
The brazil nuts have high calcium and manganese to promote bone health.
An ounce of brazil nuts has around 25% of your daily dose recommendation to take magnesium intake which is a role for higher bone density
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Lower the blood sugar level
The studies about Brazil nut also turns out that it is good to lower down your blood sugar level.
Some studies show up that eating 1 piece of Brazil nut every day for 8 weeks can lower down the total cholesterol level and blood sugar level for adults.
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High in Antioxidant
The Brazil nuts contain selenium which is the best antioxidant booster.
By releasing and boosting the antioxidant into the body, the liver will break selenium into selenoprotein P which withdraws free radicals.
So it prevents our body to have oxidative stress, which triggers other diseases such as chronic health problems for example cancer.
The high antioxidant level also allows Brazil nut to increase the antioxidant enzyme named GPx3 that is able to oxidize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) which also called as bad cholesterol.
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Great agent as an anti-inflammatory
Consuming meals that contain high antioxidants such as this Brazil Nuts, will help our body to reduce the inflammation in our body.
If we don’t consume enough anti-inflammatory, it will easily make our body to have some chronic health conditions.
A study had conducted to observe the health effects of eating a piece of Brazil nuts every day for people who are suffering from chronic kidney diseases. The result of the study shown that the inflammation which worsens the kidney had reduced.
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Improve brain health and function
There are some plant-based ingredients that are good to support your brain health including these Brazil nuts.
It contains high antioxidants which can boost brain health and function.
It is because the experts have linked the low antioxidant will link to the decreased brain function and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Brazil Nuts Nutrition list
Brazil nuts are packed with nutrient and is energy-dense.
In 28gr or one serving of Brazil nuts nutrition is stated as follow:
- Calories: 187
- Carbs: 3.3gr
- Protein: 4.1gr
- Fiber: 2.1gr
- Sodium: 0mg
- Iron: 0,36mg
- Selenium: 988% based on the suggestion from Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Fat: 19gr or 37% of RDI
- Phosphorus: 30% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 33% of the RDI
- Copper: 55% of the RDI
- Manganese: 33% of the RDI
- Zinc: 10.5% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 11% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 16% of the RDI
As it contains quite a big amount of selenium, it contains more minerals compared to other nuts in averagely same servings.
By consuming enough selenium, our vital organs will function properly and healthily.
It also contains high concentrations of copper, zinc, and magnesium than other nuts.
However, there is barely exact same amount of those nutrients as it depends on the climate and soil condition.
Although it contains quite high of fats, it only contains healthy fats such as polyunsaturated fatty acids which only brings benefits for the body.
calories and Cholesterol Level
One serving of Brazil nuts (28gr), has 187 calories and contains quite an amount of fats, and the brazil nut cholesterol level is 100gr.
However, it only contains healthy fats that are good for the body, specifically, it is great to maintain heart health.
Potential of Brazil Nuts Allergy
As a family of tree nuts, some of you might question whether there is a potential allergy in Brazil nuts.
The answer is it might have potential as it is associated with other tree nut allergies but it depends on how each individual reacts to the nuts.
When your body reacts badly or you are someone who already has other tree nut allergy it is suggested to avoid consuming these Brazil nuts.
Some allergy potential in Brazil nuts including rash, asthma, and rhinitis.
If it is ignored, the allergy might become life-threatening.
If you suspect that your child or other family members have an allergy to tree nuts or specifically Brazil nuts, Go with him to a doctor who will check if he is allergic.
Prevention is always better than giving medication.
Are Brazil Nuts Radioactive and Toxic?
If you are asking are brazil nuts toxic and contain radioactive, here is the explanation.
Based on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, half of the radiation that we get is from any radiation background that reaches everyone or any plants and animal on the Earth.
No, you don’t even need to live close to the nuclear plant of getting X-ray radiation.
These radiations encounter our life from some household things such as smoke detectors, granites, even nuts.
Brazil nut has deep and strong roots that reach the soil containing natural radium, known as a source of radiation.
This is why they have a high chance of getting radiation.
Fortunately, the EPA has made food radiation regulation that keeps It safe when it reaches you in the markets.
So you are in to get a safe Brazil nut snack.
Who is Good For?
Knowing the nutrition values, health benefits, calories, and risks above, these Brazil nuts which are grown from big trees in the Amazon are also the best salty and tasty snacks.
It even starts its fame as there are some foods and drinks which use Brazil nuts as the main ingredients.
But who Brazil Nuts are good for?
Literally, all people can consume it as it is a safe and healthy snack.
However, don’t consume more than handfuls, it will lead to some chronic symptoms such as skin rashes, diarrhea, fatigue, and other health implications
Conclusion
Brazil nut is a yummy vegan snack packed with rich nutrients, that is the best answer if you are wondering why are brazil nuts good for vegans.
You may not get enough of it, but remember to not overeat it as it may lead to other serious diseases. However, eating a good portion serving (28gr) can provide you many health benefits. So, mind your portion to eat this irresistible delicious snack.
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