Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatment options available, prevention is always the best course of action.
Recently, researchers have discovered that something as simple as eating a handful of trail mix could help prevent breast cancer. But what about other types of cancer?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of Brazil nuts for cancer patients. Could this nutrient-dense food be the key to reducing cancer risk and improving survival rates?
Let’s find out.
Are Brazil Nuts Good For Cancer Patients
Brazil nuts are a type of nut that are known for their high levels of natural selenium. This nutrient is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
While there are no available epidemiological studies that isolate the possible impact of Brazil nut consumption on breast cancer risk for U.S. or European populations, animal studies have shown promising results. In one study, rats that were fed a diet supplemented with Brazil nuts had a lower incidence of mammary tumors compared to rats that were not given the supplement.
Additionally, Brazil nuts contain ellagitannins, which are polyphenol compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. When consumed, these compounds are converted to ellagic acid and then to compounds called urolithins, which can help decrease the growth of cancer cells and stimulate their self-destruction.
Furthermore, Brazil nuts are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer development.
The Nutritional Value Of Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a highly nutritious food that contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. One of the most notable nutrients found in Brazil nuts is selenium, which is vital for proper body function. Selenium helps to ensure a healthy thyroid and keeps the immune system functioning at its best. Research has shown that higher levels of selenium can help strengthen the immune system and improve outcomes with various health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, infections, and infertility.
Brazil nuts are also high in monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats that can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The dietary fiber in Brazil nuts can also help to lower blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition to selenium, Brazil nuts contain calcium and magnesium, both of which are necessary for bone health. A 1-ounce serving of Brazil nuts has about 25% to 33% of your recommended daily dose of magnesium, which plays an important role in bone density. More magnesium can lead to higher bone density.
Brazil nuts also contain several antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenols. Antioxidants can help fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in your body. Lowering inflammation can help reduce your risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Selenium: The Key Nutrient In Brazil Nuts
Selenium is a trace mineral that is found in high concentrations in Brazil nuts. This nutrient is essential for proper body function, including maintaining a healthy thyroid and supporting the immune system. Studies have shown that higher levels of selenium can help to strengthen the immune system and improve outcomes for various health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, infections, and infertility.
In fact, Brazil nuts are one of the richest dietary sources of selenium, with just one nut containing 68 to 91 micrograms (mcg) of the nutrient. This means that eating just two Brazil nuts a day can help to maintain or increase your selenium intake as effectively as a supplement.
Selenium also plays an important role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These factors are linked to an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By incorporating Brazil nuts into your diet, you can help to reduce your risk of these conditions.
One study even found that dietary selenium supplementation, starting after detection of palpable lesions in mice, reduced tumor volume in mice. While more research is needed to determine the exact impact of Brazil nut consumption on cancer risk in humans, the high levels of natural selenium and anti-cancer compounds in these nuts make them a promising addition to any cancer patient’s diet.
Selenium And Cancer: What The Research Says
Selenium is a micronutrient that plays an important role in the antioxidant system and has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. Brazil nuts contain the highest natural source of selenium, and research has shown that selenium supplementation can have a positive effect on cancer prevention.
In one study, researchers investigated the effects of dietary selenium supplementation on mice with mammary tumors. The mice were divided into three groups: a control group receiving a diet with adequate selenium, a group receiving a diet supplemented with selenomethionine, and a group receiving a diet supplemented with Brazil nuts. Both supplemented diets showed a reduction in tumor volume compared to the control group.
Another study found that selenium supplementation was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. The study showed that men who consumed two Brazil nuts per day had higher levels of selenium in their blood and a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who did not consume Brazil nuts.
While the research on the impact of Brazil nuts on cancer prevention is still limited, the high levels of natural selenium and other beneficial compounds make them a promising food for cancer patients. However, it is important to note that consuming too much selenium can be harmful to one’s health, so it is recommended to consume Brazil nuts in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional before adding them to your diet.
How Many Brazil Nuts Should You Eat?
While Brazil nuts are a great source of nutrients, it is important to consume them in moderation. This is because Brazil nuts contain high levels of selenium, and excessive consumption can lead to selenium toxicity. The recommended daily intake of selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults, and one Brazil nut contains approximately 96 mcg of selenium. Therefore, consuming two Brazil nuts per day can provide more than the required daily intake of selenium.
It is important to note that some Brazil nuts may contain as much as 400 mcg of selenium per nut, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your intake and not exceed two Brazil nuts per day.
In addition to selenium, Brazil nuts also contain high levels of copper. While copper is a vital nutrient, excessive consumption can contribute to the development of breast cancer, especially in women with inflammatory breast cancer or triple negative disease. Therefore, women with breast cancer should not exceed the recommended dietary allowance of approximately 0.9 mg of copper.
Other Health Benefits Of Brazil Nuts
In addition to their potential anti-cancer properties, Brazil nuts offer several other health benefits. They are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The dietary fiber in Brazil nuts can also help lower blood cholesterol levels, further reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Brazil nuts are also high in magnesium, which is important for bone health. Consuming magnesium-rich foods like Brazil nuts can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
The selenium in Brazil nuts has also been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the antioxidants in Brazil nuts, including vitamin E and phenols, can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Precautions And Risks Of Eating Brazil Nuts
While Brazil nuts have many health benefits, it is important to consume them in moderation. Brazil nuts are high in calories and eating too many can cause selenium toxicity, which can lead to symptoms such as bad breath, diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes/lesions, nerve pain, and fatigue. In rare cases, very high levels of selenium can cause kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and even death.
Consuming too many Brazil nuts can also lead to unwanted weight gain due to their high calorie content. Additionally, Brazil nuts are a member of the tree nut family and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Brazil nuts have been found to consist of high amounts of aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic, and small amounts of radioactive radium because of its vast root system. Excessive consumption of Brazil nuts can cause a condition known as selenosis, which can result in brittle nails and hair.
The recommended daily intake of selenium is 55 micrograms for adults. Eating just two Brazil nuts a day can help to maintain or increase your selenium intake as effectively as a supplement. However, it is important not to exceed the maximum amount of selenium intake per day, which is 400 micrograms for adult men and women. Eating more than this amount can cause selenium toxicity.
In conclusion, while Brazil nuts have many health benefits including their anti-cancer properties, it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid negative side effects. It is recommended to eat no more than two Brazil nuts a day to stay within the safe limits while reaping the benefits of selenium.