Written By Sam Henselijn
The internet is going crazy about Brazil nuts – but are they really that good for you? Here is everything you need to know about them. Let’s take a closer look into the background of this so-called superfood. Want to learn more about Brazil nuts? Just keep reading!
What are brazil nuts?
Brazil nuts are tree nuts native to the Amazon rainforest in
Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. As is the case with many other “nuts”, they are not considered true nuts from a botanical point of view, but are in fact seeds from the Brazil nut tree. They are typically eaten raw or blanched and are high in protein, dietary fiber, thiamin, copper, magnesium, and selenium in particular.
How do Brazil nuts grow?
Brazil nuts are the fruit of a tree species found in higher elevations of the Amazon rainforest. These massive trees can grow up to 50 meters, and are some of the tallest tree species in the forest. These trees are essential to the conservation of Amazon rainforests since they can only thrive in an unexploited jungle ecosystem.
The nuts are harvested during the wet season, when the fruits are cut open and the seeds removed. The nuts are then set out to dry in a three-stage process before being sterilized. Once that is done, the nuts are cracked to reveal the shelled kernels which will eventually be packed and shipped all over the world.
What is selenium?
Selenium is a trace element found in the soil. It is naturally present in water and some foods. Selenium is essential for humans. It plays a part in more than two dozen selenoproteins that help support reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection.
Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and protects your body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease. Higher blood levels of selenium may also protect against certain cancers, prevent mental decline, and boost your immune system.
How much selenium is in Brazil nuts?
Brazil nuts contain very high amounts of selenium, with a single nut containing around 96 mcg, or 175% of the RDI. For reference, most other nuts provide less than 1mcg of the mineral.
Higher levels of selenium have been linked to enhanced general health and immune function and better protection against cancer, infections, heart disease, and mood disorders. So naturally, Brazil nuts would be a highly effective way to easily increase your selenium intake. However, they can cause you to go over the upper limit if you eat too many.
An excess of selenium can lead to toxicity. This condition is known as selenosis and can cause breathing problems, heart attack, and kidney failure. While rare, it’s still best to limit your daily intake of Brazil nuts to no more than 2 or 3 nuts a day.
Are brazil nuts good for diabetics?
Nuts in general are a super nutritious snack, packed full of fiber, healthy fats, protein, and important nutrients. Brazil Nuts in particular are a healthy and delicious snack choice for those with diabetes since they are loaded with nutrients but low in fat. They also have antioxidants, which help prevent some diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage and kidney disease. What’s more, they can help slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and improve blood cholesterol levels.
Recent studies suggest that the selenium present in these nuts could lower insulin levels and boost insulin sensitivity, improving blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, as with most foods, it is important to control your portion sizes so you don’t overdo it.
Buy fresh Brazil nuts online
If you’re here to learn more about Brazil nuts, you’re probably interested in getting in on the health train, right? Or maybe you just enjoy their taste… In any case, you want to make sure you’re getting good quality nuts from trustworthy suppliers. Our Natural Brazil Nuts are meticulously sourced and carefully selected, shipped directly from our distribution center located in San Antonio, Texas.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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