31 Days of Raw: Day #29 – Brazil Nuts

31 Days of Raw: Day #29 
Brazil Nuts

I don't use Brazil Nuts very often. First, the are rather expensive where I live...and second, it's possible to overdose, so I keep my intake rather limited. It is one of my favorite pie crusts, however, and the best nut butter I've ever tasted...far better than peanut butter. In fact, that's the recipe I'll share with you. Enjoy making your own Brazil Nut Butter. :)

Brazil Nuts

Selenium and Heart Disease
Studies have shown that those who live in areas with high concentrations of selenium in the soil suffer less heart disease. Selenium plays an important antioxidant role in activating the enzymes that detoxify rancid fat in membranes. Secondly, human platelets contain more selenium than any other tissues which suggest that high concentrations of selenium in platelets may help prevent blood clots. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium, with one ounce containing a whopping 544mcg.

Selenium and Cancer
Although numerous studies link low selenium levels with higher cancer rates, including skin cancer, lung, prostrate and colon cancer, it is unlikely that selenium on its own is responsible. As part of the network antioxidant group, selenium is necessary for the body to make glutathione, which in turn, recycles vitamin C which then recharges vitamin E. By boosting the entire network, selenium gives the body the ammunition it needs to fight disease. Eating a few Brazil nuts a day and taking a good antioxidant supplement will ensure maximum health benefits.

Healthy Thyroid
Other health benefits of Brazil nuts include a healthy thyroid. The thyroid depends on selenium to function properly. Selenium is an component of the enzyme that helps convert thyroxine, the less active thyroid hormone, to the active one, triiodothyronine. Eating Brazil nuts will help convert this and may be helpful for anyone taking conventional thyroid medication.

The recommended daily allowance for selenium is 75 micrograms for men and 55 micrograms for women. Most Western diets contain nowhere near this amount of selenium. Both low consumption of selenium-rich foods and low blood levels of selenium have been strongly linked with an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and many cancers.

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Brazil Nut Butter

• 1 cup Brazil Nuts
• 1/2 cup dates
• pinch of salt
• water for consistency
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Blend or process till smooth (or chunky...your choice)

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