In honor of the Olympic Games in Brazil we present this delicious Brazil Nut Chocolate Smoothie. You have time to go out and buy some Brazil nuts if you do not already have any and still be on time to salute the start of the Games.
And yes, Brazil nuts are native to Brazil as well as to several other northern South American countries. Brazil is also number 6 in the top twenty Cacao-producing countries, and is the largest producer in the Americas.
Wikipedia reports it is illegal in Brazil to cut down a Brazil nut tree. This means that the fruit of those that grow in backyards or near roads can be a hazard to vehicles and people. Fortunately, it would appear that the trees prefer the pristine conditions in the forests, as do the bees that pollinate them, so ‘urban’ trees are less productive.
Brazil nuts are high in fiber, protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins B1 (thiamine) and E and dietary minerals including selenium. They are the number 1 source of selenium and just one to two nuts a day can provide all our bodies need, which is good to know as they can be expensive.
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5 Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain ellagic acid and selenium, both of which play key roles in our health.
Health Benefit no. 1
Brazil nuts have anti-inflammatory properties and may be neuroprotective. A neuroprotective agent is something that protects the brain from secondary injury caused by stroke, according to the Free Dictionary.
Health Benefit no. 2
They are on the list of cancer-fighting foods.
Health Benefit no. 3
“Selenium has been scientifically proven to lift mood and prevent depression.”
Health Benefit no. 4
They boost heart health.
Health Benefit no. 5
Dr Axe says Brazil nuts are excellent for thyroid control …
Your thyroid helps control your metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. The thyroid gland has more selenium content per gram of tissue than any other organ in your body. Selenium is a key component of the molecules that are necessary for your body to be able to create and use thyroid hormones. The selenium in Brazil nuts can help to keep your thyroid in proper working order and in overall good health .
Research now shows, through numerous studies, that there is a link between thyroid metabolism and selenium deficiency. Selenium acts as a catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormones. (12) A 2015 Brazilian study found that people with reduced levels of the thyroid hormone T3 were able to increase their selenium levels via Brazil nut supplementation, which was associated with improvement in thyroid hormone levels in the patients with reduced T3 levels. (13)
Overall, selenium from Brazil nuts acts as a powerful protector of the thyroid and regulates the production of reactive oxygen within the gland, and it protects the body from antibodies that can create thyroid disease. (14) Thus, the Brazil nut can act as a natural remedy for thyroid health, thanks mostly to its selenium content.
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Recipe: Brazil Nut Chocolate Smoothie to Salute the Olympic Games
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 3-5 Brazil nuts, soak for 10 mins, if you wish, while you prepare everything else
- 2 cups Almond Milk, or Water for a darker result
- 1-2 tbsps Cacao powder
- 2 Banana
Optional:
- 1/2 Cup Oats
- 2 tbsp Sultanas, soak for 5 mins in hot water
or 2 large Dates, or 4 small ones - 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
- 1 tsp Cinnamon, ground
- tiny pinch Salt
- Ice cubes
Blend and enjoy.
We added the optional ingredients this morning and it was great! We also used all water as we like a dark chocolate smoothie.
Source: DrAxe
Recipe Source: SunFood
Photo: Pinterest
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