Brazil nut is a tree that is abundantly found in the large forests of South America. It is found on the banks of river Amazon, Orinoco and Rio Negro. The Brazil nut tree is a very high tree and is native to Brazil, Guiana, Venezuela, Eastern Peru Eastern, Eastern Columbia, and Eastern Bolivia. The area produces about 20,000 tons of Brazil nuts every year. The nuts contain rich amounts of monounsaturated fats and are highly nutritious. It is not only beneficial for health but is also used in a number of other industries, like paints, lubricants, cosmetics, timber, etc. The various benefits of Brazil nuts include:
1.Rich in monounsaturated fats.
Brazil nuts contain monounsaturated fats that make it a healthy food for the heart. These fats help to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2.Provides antioxidants to the body.
Brazil nuts contain good quantities of Selenium- an important antioxidant. It plays a vital role in activating those enzymes that detoxify rancid fat usually found in membranes. It thus plays an important role in the detoxification of body. Secondly, sufficient amount of Selenium in the blood platelets prevents clotting of blood.
3.Helps in the prevention of cancer.
Numerous studies have shown that selenium as a group mineral contributes to prevent the occurrence of many kinds of cancers. These include skin cancer, prostrate, lung, and colon cancer.
4.Improves the functioning of thyroid gland.
Selenium is a vital component of enzyme that converts thyroxin, into triiodothyronine. The former is inactive hormone and the latter is the active thyroid hormone. Intake of Brazil nuts will speed up this conversion process and is helpful for people on conventional thyroid medication.
5.Boosts up the immunity.
Selenium is vital for the formation of glutathione that is responsible for recycling of Vitamin C, which in turn recharges Vitamin E. Thus selenium helps in boosting the entire network and boosts up the immunity of the body to fight many diseases.
The recommended dose of selenium for males is 75 micrograms and for females it is 55 micrograms. Shelled Brazil nuts can be consumed wholly as a snack. They can also be covered in chocolate and sold as a confection. The Brazil nuts can be chopped, sliced, or ground and consumed in sweet and salty dishes like cakes, cookies, salads and stuffing. They have a good shelf life and should be stored in a cool and dry place for a few months. When refrigerated in air tight containers the nuts last for one or more years.
With so many benefits of selenium to human health these deserve to be part of our diets regularly.