Brazil Nuts

Brazil Nuts: The Healthy Nuts that Aren't Nuts

Nuts are nutrient-dense superfoods that can meet everyday nutrition requirements. These contain an abundant amount of mineral, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and saturated fat. Starting your day with some nuts and fresh juices is the best way to keep the energy flowing your body and for daily routine work. These nuts have a positive effect on heart health and help to maintain healthy blood pressure. The most prominent mineral present in nuts is selenium that plays a significant role in bodily function and controlling inflammation.

Background

The origin of these nuts is linked to the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. Botanically, most of the nuts we eat are not nuts but fruit seeds. The edible fruit seeds can be eaten raw or after roasting, while a Brazil nut is enclosed in a big hard shell that requires to be open. The original Brazil nuts include hazelnut, acorn, kola, and chestnut. While the rest are just fruit seeds surrounded by a pit or just naked. Some plant seeds include almonds, cashew, pistachio, macadamia, and peanuts. But all the plant seeds and nuts are high nutrient-dense, full of flavors, and concentrated source of many essential compounds.

Health benefits of Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts have substantial health benefits and play a significant role in

• Supporting brain and heart health
• Regulation of thyroid gland
• Maintenance of the immune system
• Stimulating the digestive system
• Supporting thyroid function

The following are some of the most common health benefits of Brazil nuts.

Packed with nutrients

These nuts are often regarded as superfoods as they are packed full of nutrients. They have a smooth buttery taste and are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fatty acids, and protein. One of the primary minerals found in them is selenium, which plays an essential role in maintaining the body's basic functions, regulating cell growth, and boosting the immune system.

Anti-oxidant properties

Being rich in anti-oxidants, Brazil nuts keep the body cells healthy. They fight with free radicals and protect the body from the damage caused by them. They also help prevent the process of oxidation. The anti-oxidants present in Brazil nuts include vitamin E, gallic acid, phenols, and ellagic acid.

Promotes heart health

Brazil nuts contain high levels of heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, omega-3, and other minerals and fibers that help to prevent the risk of heart disease. They reduce LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and enhance HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

Brain health

Brazil nuts have shown to help in maintaining brain health. Ellagic acid is a polyphenol present in them which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the brain from antidepressant effects and offers many neuroprotective benefits.

Boost immune system

Brazil nuts contain a super combination of vitamin C and the mineral zinc. The deficiency of zinc can cause immune system impairments. Eating just a handful of nuts accomplishes zinc requirement of the body and increases the immunity of the body.

Overall, these nuts carry miraculous properties, help stimulate the digestive system, maintain a good mood, and repair and replenish muscles and cells.