According to a new study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Brazil nuts are among the richest sources of selenium – a mineral essential for antioxidant defense that helps improve intestinal and stomach health. Research conducted by the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil looked at the effects of eating these nuts – improving leaky gut and inflammation – both symptoms of biological stress.

Low levels of selenium in the bloodstream are also linked to several other inflammatory conditions. Experts say leaky gut develops when the tight junctions between fat in the body and the cells lining the intestines begin to loosen.

“Regular consumption of Brazil nuts has a promising effect on controlling low-grade inflammation and improving intestinal permeability in overweight/obese women undergoing energy-restricted treatment,” the researchers write in their published paper. “Supplemental feeding may be a strategy.”

How was the study conducted?

According to experts, 46 female volunteers with body mass index in the obese range were enlisted for the study – which divided them into two groups. For eight weeks, both groups followed a calorie-controlled diet – one group snacked on two Brazil nuts per day, and the other group did not eat any of these nuts.

The findings said there was significant evidence of less inflammation in the group that ate nuts compared to the control group. There were also indications that the group that had Brazil nuts had improved intestinal permeability compared to the control group, although the difference was only slight.

How do Brazil nuts benefit you?,

The researchers said nuts contain the antioxidant-rich selenium, which significantly contributes to good health in many areas — including warding off free radicals, which lead to infection. “Our findings highlight the selenium-dependent effects of Brazil nut consumption and its positive effects on inflammation control and intestinal health,” the researchers wrote.

Selenium is a trace element that is important for the proper functioning of your body, as it increases better results for:

• cancer
• infections
• infertility
• pregnancy
• heart disease
• mood disorders

According to experts, even though selenium deficiency is rare, some people around the world have inadequate intake for optimal functioning. For example, people throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East continue to have suboptimal selenium status.

Brazil nuts are a highly effective way to maintain or increase your selenium intake. In addition to selenium, vitamin E, and phenols such as gallic acid and ellagic acid are common antioxidants in Brazil nuts. Selenium increases the levels of an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase.

What are the dangers of too many Brazil nuts?

Experts say that even though Brazil nuts offer impressive health benefits, eating too much at one time can be harmful. Ingestion of 5,000 mcg of selenium, which is the amount present in approximately 50 average-sized Brazil nuts, can result in toxicity.

It can cause breathing problems, heart disease, kidney failure and may also be linked to diabetes and prostate cancer.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world on diet, health and more.