Brazil Nuts Health Benefits
Heart Disease and Cancer Protection, Antioxidant, High in Selenium,
Oct 11, 2009
Like most other nuts, Brazil nuts contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats that can benefit cholesterol levels. However, what really makes them special is their high selenium content. Although not strictly speaking an antioxidant, selenium is an essential component of two important antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidise and glutathione. Selenium also works together with vitamin E, one of the important network antioxidants. Brazil nuts' health benefits include helping to protect against heart disease, cancer and thyroid problems.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace element that has been show to help protect against cancer, heart disease and premature aging. Although beneficial in small amounts, too much can be toxic. Selenium is not produced by the body so must be obtained through food and water. Along with the antioxidant health benefits of Brazil nuts, other good foods sources include garlic and onions, wheat germ, red grapes, broccoli and egg yolks.
Selenium and Heart Disease
Studies have shown that those who live in areas with high concentrations of selenium in the soil suffer less heart disease. Selenium plays an important antioxidant role in activating the enzymes that detoxify rancid fat in membranes. Secondly, human platelets contain more selenium than any other tissues which suggest that high concentrations of selenium in platelets may help prevent blood clots. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium, with one ounce containing a whopping 544mcg.
Selenium and Cancer
Although numerous studies link low selenium levels with higher cancer rates, including skin cancer, lung, prostrate and colon cancer, it is unlikely that selenium on its own is responsible. As part of the network antioxidant group, selenium is necessary for the body to make glutathione, which in turn, recycles vitamin C which then recharges vitamin E. By boosting the entire network, selenium gives the body the ammunition it needs to fight disease. Eating a few Brazil nuts a day and taking a good antioxidant supplement will ensure maximum health benefits.
Healthy Thyroid
Other health benefits of Brazil nuts include a healthy thyroid. The thyroid depends on selenium to function properly. Selenium is an component of the enzyme that helps convert thyroxine, the less active thyroid hormone, to the active one, triiodothyronine. Eating Brazil nuts will help convert this and may be helpful for anyone taking conventional thyroid medication.
The recommended daily allowance for selenium is 75 micrograms for men and 55 micrograms for women. Most Western diets contain nowhere near this amount of selenium. Both low consumption of selenium-rich foods and low blood levels of selenium have been strongly linked with an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and many cancers.
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