Although Brazil nuts are fairly high in calories, they do provide a great, tasty way to get many of the essential nutrients that your body needs to keep you healthy and to fight off disease. In fact, the nuts are so nutritious that they actually form a part of the staple diet of some people in the Amazon region, where the nuts grow. So, assuming that you can actually crack these tough little nuts, here are ten of the health benefits that Brazil nuts will provide you with:
1. They provide you with almost 100% of your daily requirement for magnesium
Health benefits of Brazil nuts are very numerous. An average serving of Brazil nuts will provide your body with almost 100% of the magnesium that it needs to maintain a healthy heart and good muscle function.
2. They help prevent prostate cancer in men
Brazil nuts contain magnesium and selenium, which are believed to be effective in promoting the good health of the prostate gland. Eating just a couple of Brazil nuts a day will already ensure adequate selenium levels in the body. Experts say that a healthy dose of selenium a day can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men by a half.
3. Brazil nuts can lower cholesterol levels
Another one of great health benefits of Brazil nuts is that eating these nuts can reduce the bad LDL cholesterol in the blood, which, in turn, reduces the risk of blood clots, heart disease and heart attacks.
4. They contain healthy fats
Yes, Brazil nuts do contain fats, but they are the primary the healthy Omega 6 fatty acids and other healthy fats that your body needs. These fats are needed to transport fat soluble vitamins through the body and for the production of various hormones and enzymes.
5. They are a great source of Thiamine
The vitamin B1, or thiamine, that Brazil nuts contain, is needed by the body to ensure healthy mental functions and to help with overall health including maintaining healthy eyes and avoiding cardiovascular disorders.
6. Helps to prevent cancer
7. They can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood pressure
As well as the monounsaturated fats, that increase the protective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body, Brazil nuts contain an amino acid called L-arginine, that eases blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, which can help to prevent cardiovascular problems and heart disease. Brazil nuts contain 0.6 grams of L-arginine per 28 gram serving.
8. Brazil nuts activate the thyroid gland
Brazil nuts are also known to help with the treatment of people who are suffering with low thyroid function. The antioxidants found in the nuts act within the body to produce an enzyme called triiodothyronine, which supports the healthy functioning of the thyroid.
9. Boosts the immune system
Health benefits of Brazil nuts also include stronger immune system. Eating Brazil nuts can help you to fight off coughs, colds and other infections. They are a good source of Vitamins B, C, D, zinc and selenium all of which help to give the immune system a boost.
10. They provide essential vitamins and minerals
Just one handful of Brazil nuts (about 100 grams) provides the body with approximately: 100 percent of the daily value of magnesium, 100 percent of the daily value of phosphorus, 16 percent of calcium, 14 percent of potassium, 20 percent of iron, 60 percent of manganese and 50 percent of thiamine (B1), as well as protein and dietary fiber too.
Health benefits of Brazil nuts don’t stop here. Do you know some other reasons why we should include Brazil nuts in our healthy diet?
Feel free to share your thoughts and healthy eating tips in the comment section below.
Stay happy and healthy!
