Benefits of brazil nuts, let's find out!

Brazil nuts, or often called brazil nuts, are energy-dense nuts that are rich in nutrients with a myriad of benefits. These large beans can provide your body with protein, fat, carbohydrates, and even meet certain mineral needs for a full day.

Brazil nuts may not be as popular as their relatives like walnuts or pistachio nuts, especially considering their higher prices. In fact, peanuts come from plants Bertholletia excelsa This has the taste and properties that are not inferior to the two. What are some examples?

Benefits of brazil nuts for health

Consuming brazil nuts is believed to provide health benefits in several ways, including:

1. Maintain the function of the thyroid gland

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the esophagus. This gland regulates the function of hormones essential for growth, energy formation, and body temperature regulation.

The thyroid gland requires the mineral selenium to function normally. Selenium deficiency is rare, but this condition can cause damage to thyroid cells, enlarge the glands, and lead to diseases related to thyroid dysfunction.

Brazil nuts are very rich in selenium. Just by consuming one grain, you can meet 175% of your daily selenium needs. Apart from selenium, the protein content in these nuts can also maintain the function of your thyroid gland.

2. Help treat thyroid disease

Apart from maintaining thyroid function, selenium in brazil nuts also provides benefits for people with thyroid dysfunction. Several previous studies have mentioned its potential in Hashimoto's disease and Grave's disease.

Hashimoto's disease causes thyroid damage so that sufferers experience lethargy, disorders mood, as well as weight gain. Meanwhile, Graves' disease triggers the production of excess thyroid hormones, causing sleep problems, weight loss, and bulging eyes.

Based on these studies, selenium supplements can improve mood sufferers of Hashimoto's disease and inhibit symptoms in Graves' disease. This finding still needs to be studied further, but there's nothing wrong with meeting your selenium needs by consuming brazil nuts.

3. Reducing the risk of heart disease

Brazil nuts contain lots of unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and selenium which are beneficial for heart health. Consumption of brazil nuts can also affect the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

In one 2013 study, consumption of 20-50 grams of brazil nuts per day was shown to increase HDL levels and lower LDL. In another study, consumption of 15-25 grams of brazil nuts was found to improve blood vessel function.

Cholesterol levels in the body and blood vessel function are important factors in maintaining heart health. By keeping them both normal, you can reduce the risk of diseases of the heart and blood circulation.

4. Brazil nuts are good for diabetics

Brazil nuts also provide benefits for diabetics who need to be careful in choosing snacks. Launch of deep research European Journal of Nutrition, consuming just one grain of brazil nuts for eight weeks can reduce levels of total cholesterol and fasting blood sugar.

Other research also states that the intake of 200 micrograms of selenium supplements can improve the function of the hormone insulin and increase its sensitivity. Low insulin sensitivity is a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.

5. Improve immune function

Brazil nuts can improve immune function through the zinc content in them. Without adequate zinc intake, your immune system is unable to activate T-lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection directly.

A handful of brazil nuts contains about one milligram of zinc, or roughly the equivalent of 10% of the daily requirement of an adult. This amount is sufficient to help maintain your immune function.

6. Prevent inflammation and ward off free radicals

Brazil nuts contain antioxidants in the form of selenium, vitamin E, and several types of phenolic compounds. All of these ingredients help protect your body's cells from free radical damage.

In addition, the high selenium content also adds to the antioxidant benefits of brazil nuts. Selenium enhances the function of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme functions to relieve inflammation in the body and ward off free radical attacks.

Brazil nuts are one of the many nuts that are beneficial for health. These fiber-dense foods are beneficial for heart health, the immune system, and are even able to maintain the function of the thyroid gland.

However, make sure you eat them in moderation. Selenium is good for health, but excessive intake can actually cause other disorders. So, limit consumption so as not to exceed a few grains a day.