Brazilian nuts: antioxidant properties and health benefits

Brazilian nuts are fruits rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant: just eat two a day to take advantage of its beneficial properties. But let's find out more about Brazilian nuts.

Brazil (or Brazilian) nuts come mainly from the Amazonia: in nature they are the food with the highest content of selenium, a trace element with antioxidant properties. In fact, it is enough to eat two Brazilian nuts a day to fight oxidative stress and the damaging effects of free radicals refueling with selenium. Like all oil seeds they contain many calories, about 600 per 100 grams, but they are also an excellent source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and are cholesterol-free, they also help prevent colon and prostate cancer. Brazilian nuts are also rich in mineral salts and vitamins and have a low glycemic index: they help to maintain constant blood glucose levels also increasing the sense of satiety. But let's find out more about Brazilian nuts.

Properties and benefits of Brazilian nuts

Brazilian nuts are also rich in protein and provide a lot of energy. But here are all their properties.

Brazilian nuts are powerful antioxidants: as we have already said, the antioxidant properties are mainly given by selenium, of which Brazilian nuts are rich, but also by vitamins E, vitamin C and zinc, fundamental elements not only to fight the harmful effects of free radicals, but also to prevent some types of cancer (colon and prostate) and heart disease: just take 200 grams of Brazilian nuts a day, which corresponds to two nuts, to take advantage of all the beneficial properties of this food.
Vitamin E and vitamin C present in Brazilian nuts would also bring benefits to male fertility, protecting sperm from free radicals damage, increasing fertility capacity in humans.

Brazilian nuts lower cholesterol: Brazilian nuts contain Omega 3, palmitoleic acid and oleic acid, important elements that help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and to increase the good one (HDL) thus preventing also strokes and heart attacks .

Brazilian nuts promote digestion and are also excellent in case of constipation: the food fibers contained in Brazilian nuts help both to promote digestion and intestinal motility, helping in case of constipation. They also prevent abdominal swelling and gastric ulcers.

Brazilian nuts help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar under control: although it may seem a contradiction, because they are very caloric, Brazilian nuts can contribute to weight loss thanks to the fibers and proteins they contain and which help to increase the sense of satiety: this way you take less food during the day. The best dose is two or three walnuts a day as a snack. They also have a low glycemic index so, consumed with other foods, they slow down the digestion avoiding the glycemic peaks.

Brazilian nuts are good for muscles and bones: Brazilian nuts contain magnesium, an important element for the muscles because it helps to prevent the formation of lactic acid and therefore muscle pains. Moreover, the copper present in these oil seeds is excellent for strengthening the bones, as well as promoting the absorption of iron by the body.

Brazilian nuts are good for skin and hair: the zinc and other antioxidants contained in Brazilian nuts protect the skin from acne: in addition to eating them you can spread their oil directly on the face. In addition, the selenium content is excellent for hair health and to prevent it from falling.