Brazil nuts are very rich in selenium, a trace element that for a long time was not considered an essential trace element. For a long time, selenium did not receive much attention, but it is important for numerous functions in our body.
Benefits of Selenium
Selenium is important for a strong immune system, for the functioning of the thyroid, it is a cofactor of iodine, but it is also important in the fight against free radicals and inflammation as it can have an antioxidant effect. Selenium may also bind to heavy metals, reduce cancer risk, and protect against autoimmune diseases. A selenium deficiency should not be underestimated, but be careful: even too much selenium is not good for the body. It can therefore have a toxic effect. But as with everything, it’s the dose that makes the poison. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at common sources of selenium.
Advertising
Brazil Nuts: The #1 Natural Source of Selenium
Because Brazil nuts are considered very high in selenium when grown on selenium-rich soil, they are especially popular with vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians to cover their selenium levels. Mixed diets have fewer selenium problems because selenium is added to animal feed and some selenium is absorbed through meat. But if you don’t eat meat, you need alternatives like Brazil nuts or porcini mushrooms. The problem with Brazil nuts, however, is that not all Brazil nuts are created equal. The origin of the walnut is relevant and, of course, how rich in selenium the soil in which it grew was. In Finland, for example, plants are grown with fertilizers containing selenium, so even people who follow a purely plant-based diet do not have as big a selenium problem as here. Some of our local soils are heavily leached and contain almost none of the important trace elements.
How Many Brazil Nuts Should You Eat?
It is important to purchase organic quality Brazil nuts. Unfortunately there are almost no shells left. Based on my childhood memories, I knew Brazil nuts were available in the shell, but not anymore, so I set out to find them. The problem of fungal infestation has meant that they can only be imported into the EU in shelled form, which is why Brazil nuts have not been available in their shells for several years. We still managed to get some for our photo and the taste is much better than the peeled ones. Somehow this was to be expected.
There are different recommendations for the amount consumed. Of course this makes things more difficult. Basically you shouldn’t eat endless amounts of Brazil nuts because you could quickly accumulate too much selenium. 2-4 are recommended (depending on size). Approximately 60 µg per day is needed. Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly how much is in a nut and that’s why you should definitely get regular blood tests if you’re looking to cover your selenium needs through Brazil nuts alone. You can have your doctor do a selenium check using a regular blood test. The laboratory result costs around 25 euros.
It doesn’t matter whether you try to cover your selenium needs through Brazil nuts or other plant-based foods, the problem is still the same. It is not known how much selenium is ultimately contained and the plants can be contaminated (for example the problem of radioactive contamination can also occur with porcini mushrooms).
Different selenium compounds
If you want to be on the safe side, you should cover your selenium needs with supplements, since you can always consume the same amount and know exactly how much you are consuming. However, you need to be careful about which compound you consume. Sodium selenite has a very high bioavailability, selenomethynine is linked to an amino acid (methionine) and therefore remains in the body longer. A combination of both makes sense to ensure the best possible recording. This is why you should not buy a selenium monopreparation, but rather pay attention to bioavailability and choose a complex if you want to take a supplement in capsule form instead of the natural source, such as Brazil nut. Lebenskraft pur has produced a selenium complex with sodium selenite and selenomethynine, which is highly bioavailable. You can get to the Selenium Complex here.
Brazil nuts are quite expensive compared to other nuts. But since you shouldn’t eat them in large quantities anyway, you shouldn’t skimp on quality either. For some time we have only had organic dried fruit at home because it is not contaminated by pesticides. You can find out more about plant-based nutrition in my book “The Modern Herbal Witch”. You can find a free reading sample of the first chapter in our store.
latest posts published
Elegance and versatility for your table
Plant shelf: transform your interior!
creative tips for your stay
Comfort and style at home
mix styles and dishes!
Transform your interiors with elegant pastel colors
Give a unique Boncoeurs gift
Olfactory elegance: reinvent your interiors
Brighten up your windowless space: effective tips
