Anti-cancer Foods, Articles, Cancer Related

Anticancer Foods: Brazil Nuts Uses & Benefits

11 months ago

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brazil nuts on wooden surface

Do you ever crave a crunchy, delicious yet healthy snack? Try Brazil nuts! They are a natural wonder of the rainforest. Their smooth buttery texture and delicious nutty flavor are enough to make you fall in love with them, but what makes them so special is their amazing nutritional profile.

What Are Brazil Nuts?

Brazil nuts are the seeds of a tropical tree enclosed in a large hard shell. They are rich in protein, fiber, niacin, vitamin B₆ and other minerals. Brazil nuts are enriched with Selenium and by eating only one, you can meet your daily need for selenium. Brazil nuts are a complete package that makes your body strong and your taste buds happy.

How Are Brazil Nuts Used?

For centuries the tribes of the Amazon have used Brazil nuts as a staple in their diet. Traditionally the nuts were eaten raw, grated, or added to cassava flour. Its oil was used for cooking, beauty, and medicinal purposes. Today the Brazil nuts industry is a million-dollar business.

The nuts are popular because of their rich nutritional content and delicious taste. They can be eaten whole as a snack, roasted, or used in baking. They add an excellent taste and texture to cookies, brownies, and other baked items.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Brazil Nuts?

Brazil nuts are full of essential nutrients, but how does it benefit you?

According to research, brazil nuts have improved levels of cholesterol, serum lipid profile, and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. They are an excellent source of selenium and can be even used in place of selenium supplements. You just have to eat one or two Brazil nuts daily to supply the selenium your body needs.

They can boost your immunity, improve thyroid function, and protect your brain.

They can even improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression, so now you know what to eat when you are feeling low. And the best thing is you can eat them without worrying about weight gain. Brazil nuts are full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which improve your metabolism. Plus, Brazil nuts are very filling. They promote satiety, and your desire to eat unhealthy snacks between meals. Brazil nuts also play an essential role in the synthesis of important hormones and enzymes in the body.

What Makes Brazil Nuts An Anti-cancer Food?

Brazil nuts also have scientifically supported anti-cancer properties. Selenium is a vital mineral and antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that protect our cellular DNA from free radical damage. There is growing evidence that higher Selenium intakes are associated with reduced cancer risk.

Brazil nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are healthy kind of f that helps reduces inflammation. Inflammation is often associated with the development and progression of cancer.

According to one study, “Inflammations can result in immunosuppression, thereby providing a preferred background for tumor development.”

The combination of selenium and omega-3 fats, makes brazil nuts an anticancer food worthy of our consideration, while we await further clinical trials to validate their power.