Technically, Brazil nuts are seeds, and not nuts. However, their brown-like casings have led many people to call them nuts. They are produced a South American tree that have a tendency to grow in virgin rain forests. They are a very popular source of food in many Latin American nations, as well as the rest of the world. The nuts have a rich and creamy flavor that works well with a number of dishes besides being tasty on its own. Here are 3 benefits of Brazil nuts:
1. Prevents Cancer
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium - one ounce of the nuts contains 544 micrograms of selenium, and is beyond a doubt the top food source for this vital mineral. Selenium is an essential antioxidant that helps protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. These free radicals are very reactive particles which can oxidize and thus damage the body cells and tissues. Selenium can help neutralize these free radicals and in the process, provide protection against numerous diseases including cancer.
Certain studies show that individuals with a high selenium intake have reduced death rates from cancer, including the cancer of the rectum, colon, prostrate and lung. These nuts also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are needed for the growth of cancer cells.
2. Reduces the Danger of Heart-Related Diseases
Brazil nuts, just like most of the other nuts, lessen the dangers of heart attack, heart disease as well as sudden cardiac deaths. As small as one ounce of these nuts several times a week can provide this benefit.
Brazil nuts contain the monounsaturated fats which increase the levels good cholesterol while reducing the levels of the bad cholesterol.
Brazil nuts also contain amino acid, arginine that eases the flow of blood by relaxing your blood vessels. They also contain other nutrients well-known to be helpful for the heart, including vitamin E, folic acid and fiber.
3. Boosts the Immune System
The most ideal way to keep your immune system functioning at optimum is by giving it a regular supply of a balanced nutrition. The immune system is so complex that it requires energy, probiotics, protein and eleven different vitamins and minerals to perform its task. Brazil nuts contain several nutrients which are essential for the immune system including copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine and iron.
Selenium helps boost the immune system and promote the synthesis of glutathione that plays a vital role in reducing the damage caused by free radicals.
Copper is a component of the enzymes that produce energy and help metabolize iron. The white blood cells that attack the bacteria cannot work well when you have copper deficiency.
Since zinc helps form protein, it is very essential for the normal growth of the new cells. Your immune system depends on zinc to produce the proteins which are first responders to the invading pathogens.
It's evident that there are numerous benefits associated with the consumption of moderate amounts of these nuts, and the above listed 3 benefits of Brazil nuts are just but examples.
A Word of Caution
However, excess intake must be avoided because the nuts contain high levels of selenium. The presence of excess amounts of selenium in your body can cause fatigue, stomach upset and irritability. Therefore, it is important to maintain moderation in case of any food or dietary supplement. Furthermore, it is advisable to use the lightly salted or unsalted nuts, since salted ones means high levels of sodium, which in turn is associated with hypertension.
Another superfood that you should eat is chia seeds. Go to www.superfoodstoeat.com to discover 3 amazing chia benefits for better health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Holmes_Moore
Technically, Brazil nuts are seeds, and not nuts. However, their brown-like casings have led many people to call them nuts. They are produced a South American tree that have a tendency to grow in virgin rain forests. They are a very popular source of food in many Latin American nations, as well as the rest of the world. The nuts have a rich and creamy flavor that works well with a number of dishes besides being tasty on its own. Here are 3 benefits of Brazil nuts:
1. Prevents Cancer
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium - one ounce of the nuts contains 544 micrograms of selenium, and is beyond a doubt the top food source for this vital mineral. Selenium is an essential antioxidant that helps protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. These free radicals are very reactive particles which can oxidize and thus damage the body cells and tissues. Selenium can help neutralize these free radicals and in the process, provide protection against numerous diseases including cancer.
Certain studies show that individuals with a high selenium intake have reduced death rates from cancer, including the cancer of the rectum, colon, prostrate and lung. These nuts also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are needed for the growth of cancer cells.
2. Reduces the Danger of Heart-Related Diseases
Brazil nuts, just like most of the other nuts, lessen the dangers of heart attack, heart disease as well as sudden cardiac deaths. As small as one ounce of these nuts several times a week can provide this benefit.
Brazil nuts contain the monounsaturated fats which increase the levels good cholesterol while reducing the levels of the bad cholesterol.
Brazil nuts also contain amino acid, arginine that eases the flow of blood by relaxing your blood vessels. They also contain other nutrients well-known to be helpful for the heart, including vitamin E, folic acid and fiber.
3. Boosts the Immune System
The most ideal way to keep your immune system functioning at optimum is by giving it a regular supply of a balanced nutrition. The immune system is so complex that it requires energy, probiotics, protein and eleven different vitamins and minerals to perform its task. Brazil nuts contain several nutrients which are essential for the immune system including copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine and iron.
Selenium helps boost the immune system and promote the synthesis of glutathione that plays a vital role in reducing the damage caused by free radicals.
Copper is a component of the enzymes that produce energy and help metabolize iron. The white blood cells that attack the bacteria cannot work well when you have copper deficiency.
Since zinc helps form protein, it is very essential for the normal growth of the new cells. Your immune system depends on zinc to produce the proteins which are first responders to the invading pathogens.
It's evident that there are numerous benefits associated with the consumption of moderate amounts of these nuts, and the above listed 3 benefits of Brazil nuts are just but examples.
A Word of Caution
However, excess intake must be avoided because the nuts contain high levels of selenium. The presence of excess amounts of selenium in your body can cause fatigue, stomach upset and irritability. Therefore, it is important to maintain moderation in case of any food or dietary supplement. Furthermore, it is advisable to use the lightly salted or unsalted nuts, since salted ones means high levels of sodium, which in turn is associated with hypertension.
Another superfood that you should eat is chia seeds. Go to www.superfoodstoeat.com to discover 3 amazing chia benefits for better health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Holmes_Moore
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