Healthy Snacking – The Brazil Nut Story

Brazil Nuts – where do they come from?

Before we can discuss this wonderful nuts’ health benefits, lets first talk about what they are. Brazil Nuts, or as some people call them, Bertholletia Excelsa, are the harvested seeds of this South American tree. The tree grows primarily, as you may have guessed, in South America, and is one of the largest trees in the Amazon. In fact, it is illegal to cut down this wondrous tree in Brazil. The fruit of the tree is a capsule that can weigh almost 5 pounds and sort of looks like a coconut. Inside that shell is a number of triangular seeds, which are the shells containing the familiar looking nut we all love. The truth is, they are not a nut at all but a seed, and they make a very healthy snack.

The Health Report – What are the benefits of Brazil Nuts?

The Brazil Nut is a popular food for improving health and living longer, and the reason can be traced to one nutrient: Selenium. Brazil nuts are the densest food source of bioavailable selenium.

Selenium is an antioxidant that plays many important roles in our body. Reports have shown that selenium assists thyroid function by converting the inactive T4 (thyroid hormone) into the active T3 form. It’s antioxidant properties improve the function of vitamins E and C, which help to decrease the aging of skin. Selenium can boosts testosterone levels and improves sperm production and motility. Test have shown that it can even help protect against breast cancer. You can also fortify your immune system while raising HDL and lower LDL.

One of the most impressive benefits of selenium is from a five-year study conducted at the University of Arizona and Cornell University. This data showed that “patients receiving selenium had a 63% decrease in cancer of the prostate, a 58% decrease in the colon or rectal cancer and a 46% decrease in lung cancer.”

Nutrients

Brazil Nuts contain Vitamin E, which maintain cell membranes and protect the health of the skin. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of several B-vitamins. They range in functions from improving brain health to boosting the metabolism. You’ll also find nice amounts of copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc in Brazil nuts too. Many raw nuts have great health properties, but Brazil Nuts are definitely at the very top of the list.

Fresh Factor

It’s important to have a good source for your brazil nuts, to ensure your nuts are fresh and delicious. Be on the lookout for a buttery texture and are firm to hold. If they feel rubbery, you may want to switch to Farm Fresh Nuts for your selection.

What is your favorite way to enjoy the Brazil Nut? Please let us know your favorite one!!

Farm Fresh Nuts offers Brazil Nuts in the following options:

Raw, Dry Roasted Unsalted, Dry Roasted Salted, Dry Roasted with Himalayan Salt and, Dry Roasted with Artisanal Truffle Salt