Brazil nuts are among the unusual-looking nuts that can actually live up to 800 years. They come from the Bertholletia excelsa tree. As it grows in the Amazon rainforest. The Brazil nuts tree can be as tall as 200 feet. They contain the richest dietary sources of selenium. This chemical plays an important role in metabolism, immune health as well as reproduction.
Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts
1. Improve heart health
Brazil nuts contain healthy fats called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are healthy fats. Consuming this fat can improve cholesterol levels. The dietary fiber in Brazil nuts can offer lower blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Antioxidant effects
Brazil nuts contain selenium which boosts the body’s antioxidant system and prevents oxidative stress. The liver is the body breaks selenium down into a type of protein called selenoprotein P. That effectively removes excess free radicals. These radicals cause oxidative stress and also it is been connected to many chronic health conditions.
3. Thyroid health
Selenium deficiency can lead to hormonal imbalances that can actually affect many things like mood, metabolism, concentration, and even sleep. Consuming enough selenium from dietary sources can help regulate thyroid problems like thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s disease, and Graves’ disease.
4. Prevents hair loss
If an individual has selenium deficiency will lead to heavy hair loss. Consuming Brazil nuts regularly makes sure that your hair does not only stops shedding. It also helps hair grows beautifully and denser than before. Brazil nuts offer nourishment to the hair follicles and roots.
5. Anti-inflammatory effects
Brazil nuts contain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that offer fight inflammation. Lowering inflammation can help to reduce your risk of various health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
The Best Way to Eat Brazil Nuts
You can roast Brazil nuts and eat them. Or crush them to use as a topping for salads or desserts. And the best way to eat Brazil nuts is raw as it contains all the nutritional value.
Side Effects Of Brazil Nuts
This amazing and unusual-looking nut also has some side effects, which you can know below.
- Allergies
Brazil nuts may cause allergies in individuals with nut allergies. The symptoms of this include vomiting and swelling.
- Selenium Toxicity
Brazil nut is a nut that is loaded or rich in selenium. Excessive consumption of the nuts can cause selenium toxicity. The symptoms of this toxicity are brittle nails, coughing, diarrhea, hair loss, and a metallic taste in the mouth.