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Brazil Nuts and Prostate Health

Nutritious Nuggets that Contribute to Male Wellness

© Melody Rhodes

Brazil Nuts, Sabine, Purcell Mountain Farms
Brazil nuts contain high amounts of selenium, which makes them an excellent choice to protect prostate health.

Brazil nuts are large and crescent-shaped, with a pleasing coconut flavor. Their appeal doesn’t end there, however. The nuts are an exceptional dietary source of selenium, critical for prostate health.

According to a study conducted at Harvard Medical School in Boston, one in four men has an inherited genetic vulnerability, which may be a factor in development of prostate cancer. When levels of certain antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin E, and lycopene are low, oxidative stress can lead to disease.

Brazil Nuts: Selenium and Other Antioxidants

  • Brazil nuts are high in selenium
  • Brazil nuts contain vitamin E
  • Brazil nuts are a source of lycopene

Brazil nuts contain all three of these antioxidants making them one of the best nuts you can eat for prostate health.

  • Dr. Michael Janson M.D. offers these insights: “The prostate is also subject to cellular changes that lead to cancer. The most common cancer in men.” October 2000, Nutrition and Alternative Medicine, "Prostate Problems" newsletter.
  • Dr. Janson recommends a diet for prostate health that is low in saturated fat and high in carotenoids, antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins and minerals (October 2000, Nutrition and Alternative Medicine, "Diet for Prostate Health" newletter).

Brazil Nuts, Selenium, and Prostate Cancer

Selenium levels decrease with age. To counter this, scientists suggest taking selenium to prevent prostate cancer.

  • According to the Moss Reports, a correlation is seen between low selenium and prostate cancer risk. Conversely, high blood levels of selenium are associated with a four to fivefold decrease in risk of prostate cancer (December 10, 2001, 166: 2034-8, The Journal of Urology, CancerDecisions Newsletter Archives).
  • Two freshly hulled Brazil nuts each day provide the recommended daily requirement of 200 micrograms. If you purchase the nuts already shelled, consume 8-16 nuts to obtain the same benefit.

Selenium in Brazil Nuts

The high amount of selenium found in Brazil nuts compliments an amino acid profile that makes their protein complete. If you are a male and a vegetarian, eating Brazil nuts can help you to meet your body’s protein needs as well as protecting your prostate health.

Did you Know?

  • Brazil nuts contain over 2500 times as much selenium as other nuts
  • Brazil nuts contain flavonoids, compounds that protect against cancer

Eating Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts make a tasty snack when eaten whole. You can add sliced or chopped Brazil nuts to stuffings or salads. Ground or grated Brazil nuts are a nutritious addition to rice, bread dough, or cereals. Brazil nuts can also be used instead of coconut to flavor dishes.

Brazil Nut Tips

  • Unshelled Brazil nuts are safer to eat, free from chemicals or contamination
  • Organic Brazil nuts have a high oil content. Keep nuts in refrigerator to avoid rancidity.
  • Frozen nuts yield their nutmeats more readily

Brazil nuts are a nutritional powerhouse, full of protective compounds that protect prostate health.

Additional Reading:

Eating Tree Nuts for Health

Walnuts and Omega-3s


The copyright of the article Brazil Nuts and Prostate Health in Natural Medicine is owned by Melody Rhodes. Permission to republish Brazil Nuts and Prostate Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


 Brazil Nuts, Sabine, Purcell Mountain Farms
       



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