Brazil Nuts – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Russel Davis

Brazil nuts are healthy tree nuts and are regarded as superfoods due to their high nutritional value. The trees, which bear the same name, are native to South American countries including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.

List of known nutrients

Like other tree nuts, Brazil nuts are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that provide a plethora of health benefits. Nutrients found in Brazil nuts include:

Biotin
Calcium
Cellulose
Choline
Chromium
Copper
Folate
Iodine
Iron
Lignin
Magnesium
Manganese
Omega-6 fatty acids
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Thiamine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc

Medicinal uses for Brazil nuts

Just like other healthy tree nuts, Brazil nuts are known to promote a healthy cardiovascular profile. Brazil nuts are packed with calcium, magnesium, and potassium –nutrients that regulate blood pressure levels. The tree nut is also rich in selenium, which eliminates fat deposits in cardiovascular membranes and prevents the onset of blood clots. Brazil nuts are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Brazil nuts are also loaded with potent antioxidants that stave off diseases. In addition, the tree nuts contain high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that reduce the risk of heart disease.

Brazil nuts’ rich selenium content is also associated with lower odds of developing certain types of cancers such as prostate, colon, stomach, lung, and breast cancers. The high selenium content in Brazil nuts are also known to improve male fertility. In addition, Brazil nuts’ rich selenium levels stimulate the production of active thyroid hormones that are beneficial for people with low thyroid function.

Brazil nuts are also packed with powerful antioxidants that promote skin elasticity and prevent drying. Brazil nuts’ high zinc contain is also touted for preventing certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Brazil nuts are known to ease cracked feet and heals, and ease painful tightness and itching. While Brazil nuts are high in fat, their healthy fat content are shown to prevent the onset of excessive weight gain. Brazil nuts are also found to stave off hunger pangs. The tree nut’s high copper content is also found to accelerate tissue build up and cell energy generation.

The tree nut is also high in thiamine, which are essential in maintaining brain health. Thiamine is proven to keep cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease at bay. This makes Brazil nut consumption essential for brain health.

Body systems supported by Brazil nuts

With their numerous health benefits, Brazil nuts are perhaps among the world’s best superfoods. The tree nut is especially beneficial for the heart due to its cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering properties. The tree nuts are also touted for its positive effects on the thyroid glands. Brazil nuts also benefit the digestive system by preventing potential weight gain. Brazil nuts are also known to benefit the skin, the brain, and the male reproductive system.

Ways to use Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts produce essential oils that can be used as an emollient and massage oil. Brazil nuts can be consumed alone of roasted, sweetened or salted. The tree nuts are also a staple in making baked goods and desserts. Brazil nuts can be added to salads, soups, and even in pasta as a pesto substitute.