New research shows that adding selenium-rich Brazil nuts to energy-restricted diets significantly reduces inflammation and enhances gut health in women, offering a promising dietary strategy for managing obesity-related conditions. Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.
K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). Image Credit: Igor Dutina / Shutterstock In a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition , researchers evaluated the effects of daily selenium-rich Brazil nut (BN) consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and intestinal permeability (IP) in overweight/obese women following an energy-restricted diet.
Background Obesity is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased body fat, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation, which contribute to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This inflammatory state also promotes disruptions in intestinal permeability, further exacerbating inflammation. Managing obesity typically involves energy restriction and adopting a healthy diet.
Certain foods, like BNs, are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties due to their high selenium (Se) content, which plays a crucial role in antioxidant defenses and inflammation control. However, the full impact of BNs on intestinal health remains unclear and requires further exploration. About the study .
