Effects of Regular Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption on Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Abstract

The Brazil nut (BN) is a promising food due to its numerous health benefits, but it is still necessary to systematically review the scientific evidence on these benefits. Thus, we examined the effects of regular BN consumption on health markers in humans according to the health state (with specific diseases or not) of the subjects. PubMed, Embase®, and Scielo databases were used to search for clinical trials. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the review, and the risk of bias for all studies was assessed. Twenty-four studies were included in the present review, of which fifteen were non-randomized. BNs were consumed in the context of a habitual free-living diet in all studies. Improvement in antioxidant status through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes was observed in all studies that evaluated antioxidant status, regardless of the health state of the sample. In addition, healthy subjects improved lipid markers and fasting glucose. Subjects with obesity had improvement in markers of lipid metabolism. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia improved oxidative stress or DNA damage. Subjects undergoing hemodialysis benefited greatly from BN consumption, as they improved lipid profile markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid function. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment improved verbal fluency and constructional praxis, and controversial results regarding the change in a marker of lipid peroxidation were observed in subjects with coronary artery disease. In conclusion, the benefits of BN consumption were found in different pathways of action and study populations.

Naturally Occurring Antioxidants in Seven Well-Known Fruits from the Republic of Suriname (South America): Part 1

“…& Bonpl. (Lecythidaceae) [200][201][202] might be due to the combined actions of selenium with phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids [203][204][205][206].…”

Naturally Occurring Antioxidants in Seven Well-Known Fruits from the Republic of Suriname (South America): Part 2

“…For instance, the antioxidant activity of A. vulgare mesocarp [83,84] may be partly ascribed to phytosterols and vitamin E derivatives in addition to its high content of carotenoids [83,84]. And those of B. excelsa seed preparations [204][205][206] might be due to the combined actions of selenium with phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids [181,[198][199][200]. And as mentioned in part 1 of this chapter, the antioxidant activities of products from the fruit pulp of the açai or podosiri Euterpe oleracea Mart.…”

“…Not surprisingly, many of the positive effects of B. excelsa fruit preparations have been attributed to its high selenium content and antioxiodant activity. Indeed, the consumption of B. excelsa fruit would improve antioxidant status in humans through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes [204] and would decrease the risk of overweight/obesity and various degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular, neoplastic, and cognitive Naturally Occurring Antioxidants in Seven Well-Known Fruits from the Republic of Suriname… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110079 disorders [205,206]. However, several studies with the whole fruit of B. excelsa, parts of the fruit, and products derived from the fruit such as "Brazil nut milk," a cake fraction, and a fat fraction, showed appreciable antioxidant activity in various in vitro assays, as well as the presence of phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and a high level of selenium [200,207].…”

Association between nut consumption and frailty in the elderly: a large sample cross‐sectional study

“…49,50 Moreover, nut intake has been linked to improved comorbidities, such as better lipid profiles, enhanced endothelial function, reduced DNA damage and enhanced language function in individuals with conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, CVD and mild cognitive impairment. 51 Regarding physical performance, nut consumption has been associated with improved agility, mobility and reduced risk of overall bodily impairment. 52 Positive effects have also been observed in laboratory indicators, such as blood glucose levels, particularly when combined with a lowcarbohydrate diet.…”