7 Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts: Why They’re Good For You

You’ve probably seen them in bags of gourmet mixed nuts but don’t know their name. Their large, elongated shape makes them stand out from other nuts in the mix. Brazil nuts are still not very popular in the United States. But research findings are revealing the significant health benefits of Brazil nuts, making these seeds (yes, it’s actually a seed) the next big superfood trend to have on your grocery list.

Brazil nuts grow in the Amazon rainforest. They have a smooth, buttery texture, and delicious nutty flavor. Not only are they tasty, but they’re packed with nutrients that make them beneficial for your health and beauty. Here are seven beauty and health benefits of Brazil nuts:

Loaded With Nutrients

Brazil nuts are a superfood. A small serving is enough to satisfy your recommended dietary intake (RDI) for many essential nutrients. Having a one ounce serving, which is about six nuts, will supply your body with the following amount of nutrients:

• Selenium - 988% of the RDI
• Copper - 55% of the RDI
• Magnesium - 33% of the RDI
• Phosphorus - 30% of the RDI
• Zinc - 10.5% of the RDI
• Vitamin E - 11 % of the RDI

Brazil nuts are good for you. The health benefits of Brazil nuts can help you avoid common nutritional deficiencies.

Good for Your Hair

Want longer, stronger, shinier hair? A few Brazil nuts a day is all you need to get a luscious mane! Brazil nuts’ benefits for hair are plenty. The nuts are packed with selenium and essential fatty acids, important nutrients needed to support hair health and growth. 

Selenium is a mineral that is required for hair production and growth. Research has found that your body needs selenium to produce new hair cells. A single Brazil nut contains 96 mcg of selenium, which is 175% of the RDI. 

Brazil nuts are also rich in healthy fats. More than 36% of the fats in Brazil nuts are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A French study has found that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce hair loss and increase hair density.

The nutritional and health benefits of Brazil nuts can give you the hair of your dreams!

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Brazil nuts are good for your mood! The nuts contain ellagic acid and selenium, both of which have a mood-enhancing effect on your brain. Studies have found that ellagic acid produces an antidepressant-like effect on the brain via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A lack of selenium has also been found to cause anxiety and depression. Eating just one Brazil nut a day can provide all the selenium you need to help keep depression at bay.

Decreases Risk of Heart Disease

The healthy fat benefits of Brazil nuts for hair also extend to your heart. The polyunsaturated fats in Brazil nuts can help lower total and bad cholesterol and improve your lipid profile. In one study, ten volunteers were enrolled to examine the health benefits of Brazil nuts. After eating a small serving — six to ten nuts — the volunteers had higher good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol levels within nine hours of consuming Brazil nuts!

Improves Thyroid Function

The thyroid is a small gland in your throat that produces hormones needed for cellular growth, metabolism, and regulating important bodily functions. Your thyroid needs selenium to produce essential hormones and protect itself from damage. 

Insufficient selenium intake has been linked with cellular damage, thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, and even thyroid cancer. Eating one Brazil nut a day can help your thyroid gland function at optimal levels. Brazil nuts are good for your thyroid which is essential for good health.

Supports Brain Health

The health benefits of Brazil nuts also support brain function. Brazil nuts are a rich source of antioxidants and selenium which are essential for mental function and neurological health. In one study that saw older adults with cognitive impairment ingest one Brazil nut a day, the research participants showed improved mental performance after six months of daily nut consumption. 

Low selenium levels also increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease. Taking one Brazil nut a day will supply your body with all the antioxidants and selenium it needs to promote cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Lowers Blood Sugar

The health benefits of Brazil nuts may also improve your blood sugar levels. Brazil nuts’ high fiber and selenium content can keep diabetes away or help you manage the disorder. Eating only six Brazil nuts can satisfy 10% of your daily fiber needs. Studies have found that consuming sufficient amounts of fiber can reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. 

Along with fiber, the selenium in Brazil nuts also helps improve insulin sensitivity. Taking 200 mcg of selenium ⎼ which is equivalent to eating two to three nuts a day ⎼ is enough to improve insulin sensitivity in people with type-2 diabetes. Brazil nuts are good for you as they help control your blood sugar levels.

Shop Premium Brazil Nuts From Wildly Organic

We can go on for days about the health benefits of Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts’ benefits for hair and health are too many to mention. If you’re convinced of Brazil nuts’ greatness, there is no better place to shop for this superfood than at Wildly Organic. 

Wildly Organic’s USDA-certified Brazil nuts are raw, minimally processed, and responsibly sourced from the most pristine forests of South America. Contact us to learn more about our Brazil nuts or shop now and get free US shipping on orders over $49.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.