Brazilian nut consumption improves selenium status and glutathione peroxidase activity and reduces atherogenic risk in obese women

Effects of Brazil nut consumption on selenium status and cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled pilot trial

“…Although some in vitro and in vivo studies have clearly shown that selenium plays an important role in brain, Loef et al [43] emphasized that more randomized studies with long-term supplementation are necessary to consolidate the knowledge about the impact of selenium on prevention of dementia. In our study, one Brazil nut daily for 6 months was enough to restore selenium deficiency, confirming other studies [12,44]. Only one nut of this richest food source of selenium contributed with 288.75 µg of selenium daily, increasing selenium intake to more than the recommended levels (55 µg/day), but not exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (400 µg/day) [45].…”

“…The selenium content in food is highly variable, and subclinical deficiencies may be common in some regions and subgroups, such as older adults [10]. The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is the richest dietary source of selenium, and its intake has been proved to be an effective way to improve selenium status [11,12].…”

Oilseeds native to the Cerrado have fatty acid profile beneficial for cardiovascular health

“…In another study with rats, it was also observed that the regular intake of the baru almond can protect tissues against iron-induced oxidative stress 24 . In obese individuals, it was found that daily consumption of Brazil nut improves selenium status and serum lipid profile, especially that of the high density lipoprotein, reducing the cardiovascular risk 9 . Moreover, in a study with mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals, Bento et al 11 showed that the daily supplementation of the baru almond improves serum lipid parameters and suggested that it can be included in the diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…Studies have confirmed the positive effects of edible seeds and nuts consumption on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress [8][9][10] . It has been found that the daily intake of 20 g of baru almond for 45 days, reduced serum concentrations of total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoproteincholesterol ( LDL-c), and non-High Density Lipoproteincholesterol (non-HDL-c) in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults 11 .…”

Brazil nut allergy: A review

“…Their nutritional composition seems to have beneficial effects due to their antioxidant properties that are associated with a reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis and cancer. Still regarding their influence on human metabolism, Cominetti et al (2012) demonstrated that obese people who consume Brazil nut daily could improve Se status and lipid profile, especially highdensity lipoprotein and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. The consumption of 3 to 5 nuts a day for 16 weeks, improved the lipid profile and microvascular function in obese adolescents, possibly due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive substances (Maranhão et al, 2011).…”