Brazil Nuts May Prevent Cancer
Helping to prevent certain cancers is an extremely compelling reason to eat a few Brazil nuts daily.
In a 2000 Canadian study performed by scientists from the University of Montreal, researchers found that heightened levels of selenium—a key component of Brazil nuts—was associated with a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. (28) Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States and you must be aware of its 10 warning signs.
Another study found that consuming Brazil nuts along with other natural ingredients could help to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The study into the effects of Brazil nuts and green tea extract found that these ingredients can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in humans. (14)
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that “Brazil nuts are a convenient source of selenium and were shown to prevent mammary cancer in rats.”
In 2018, researchers discovered that supplementing your diet with Brazil nuts to prevent cancer is better than taking inorganic selenium supplements (sodium selenite). Research uncovered the fact that organic sources of selenium (i.e., Brazil nuts) are more effectively absorbed in your small intestine. (12)
Studies into the bioavailability (the amount the body can absorb) of selenium in Brazil nuts have found that a couple of Brazil nuts are just as good as selenium supplements. Researchers found that the levels of selenium in the body were directly linked to the number of Brazil nuts consumed. Researchers report that Brazil nuts can be just as effective as taking selenium supplements for cancer prevention. (13)
As well as consuming a couple of Brazil nuts daily to help reduce your risk of cancer, you should also learn about other foods that can help prevent cancer development.
Brazil Nuts May Help Reduce Inflammation
Another health problem that Brazil nuts are good for treating is to reduce inflammation in your body.
Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic say that that chronic inflammation is connected with almost every chronic disease. This includes cancer, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Controlling inflammation can help to reduce your risk of these chronic health conditions. (15)
A study into the nutritional benefits of consuming Brazil nuts found that even a single dose of these tasty nuts reduces inflammatory markers. Consuming between 4 and 10 Brazil nuts was effective in decreasing inflammation in the body. Researchers concluded that eating a few Brazil nuts daily could have the potential to reduce chronic inflammation. (16)
To help reduce your risk of developing chronic disease, please read my article on the best foods to lower inflammation.
Brazil Nuts Can Improve Thyroid Function
The selenium in Brazil nuts can also help to maintain your thyroid health and prevent the complications of thyroid disease.
Thyroid function plays a crucial role in many bodily processes, including effective metabolism and emotional regulation (mood and mental changes are one of the signs of a thyroid disorder).
A selenium-containing enzyme is responsible for transforming a less active thyroid hormone called T4 into the more active T3. In addition, selenium and iodine work together to keep thyroid function strong and consistent.
If you have thyroid disease, there is a high probability that you have lower than normal levels of selenium. Doctors agree that organic-based selenium supplements are necessary to help prevent thyroid disease. (17)
Scientific research has shown that eating just one Brazil nut per day is enough to raise T3 hormone levels naturally. In one study, patients with poor thyroid function were given one Brazil nut daily for 3 months. At the end of the 3 months, thyroid hormone levels were significantly increased and levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) reduced. (18)
Brazil Nuts Can Increase Testosterone Levels in Men
Brazil nuts are healthy for men because they can increase testosterone levels and improve the quality of semen.
Low levels of selenium in men have been linked to low testosterone which can impact on male fertility. Researchers have discovered that the testicles contain high levels of selenium. Therefore, the quality of sperm is greatly affected by selenium levels in men. (19)
