Brazil nuts are among the richest sources of selenium - a mineral essential for an antioxidant defence that helps improve intestinal and gut health, according to a new study, published in The Journal of Nutrition. The research, conducted by the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil looked at the effects of eating these nuts – which improve leaky gut and inflammation – both signs of biological stress. Low selenium levels in the bloodstream are associated with several other inflammatory conditions as well.
Experts say leaky gut develops as body fat and tight junctions in the cells lining the intestines begin to loosen. "Regular intake of Brazil nuts can be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving intestinal permeability in women with overweight/obesity undergoing energy-restricted treatment," the researchers wrote in their published paper. How was the study conducted? According to experts, 46 female volunteers with a body mass index of the obese category were enlisted for the study – which split them into two groups.
For eight weeks, both groups followed a calorie-controlled diet – with one group snacking on two Brazil nuts a day, and the other group not having any of these nuts. The findings say there is significant evidence of lower inflammation for the group eating nuts was found, as compared to the control group. There were also signs that the group which had Brazil nuts had improved intestinal permeability, .