Brazil Nuts & Nutrition

Brazil Nuts & Nutrition
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Brazil nuts are a heart-healthy snack. Eating them can decrease your risk of having a heart attack. They also help you maintain good health by adding natural vitamins to your diet. And, they're easy to carry to work or school as a snack. While Brazil nuts are healthy, they are not a substitute for medication prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about whether they have a place in your daily diet.

Healthy Unsaturated Fat

Raw Brazil nuts have 12.6 g of unsaturated fat in a 1-oz. serving. These unsaturated fatty acids can help lower your blood cholesterol level. Eating just one or two Brazil nuts a day will have an impact on your ability to maintain a healthy blood cholesterol level. However, nuts are not a replacement for any medications prescribed by your doctor.

Vitamin E

The vitamin E in Brazil nuts will help you lower risk of heart disease. A total of just 2 oz. of Brazil nuts a week will help limit your risk of cardiovascular disease. Brazil nuts also contain arginine, an amino acid that works to help keep blood vessels functioning optimally, which boosts heart health.

Fiber

Brazil nuts contain fiber that helps you feel satiated after you eat them. A 1-oz. serving of Brazil nuts has 2.1 g of fiber, which also works to keep your cholesterol level low.

Selenium

Selenium, abundant in Brazil nuts, is an antioxidant that helps protect you from developing cancer. Eating just one Brazil nut a day will help your body maintain a high level of selenium.

Eat Nuts Raw

Brazil nuts are very healthy when you eat them raw. Avoid salted nuts or those covered in chocolate or candy as the added fats, artificial ingredients and calories could limit the health benefits of the nuts.

References

Article reviewed by New One Last updated on: Feb 26, 2011

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