#18: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth

00Angela00

This is day eighteen of our education of the 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. Woo Hoo! Some of these you won't be surprised by, some you will. I'll take one out of each food group each day to mix it up a bit.

All information is from the book by jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth".

Day 18: Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts have the highest selenium content of any food I know of, and for this reason alone belong among the world's healthiest foods. Selenium is an essential trace element that, in tons of research, has been shown to have a protective effect against cancer. According to the Physicians' Desk Reference, it's "antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, and anti-atherogenic," which, translated into English, means that it protects the cells, boosts the immune system, helps fight cancer, and helps prevent heart disease. Not exactly an undistinguished resume.

* In countries with selenium-poor soil--and consequently low selenium intake--all kinds of health problems have been noted, including higher rates of cancer.

* Low intakes of selenium are associeated with increased incidence of prostate, lung, colorectal, gastric, and skin cancers.

*Selenium is essential for healthy immune function

* seems to be responsible for maintaining the structure of sperm (at least for mice), however Infertile men have low selenium levels

*Selenium also helps antagonize the effects of a number of toxic metals. Some of these toxic metals, like cadmium, are found in cigarette smoke and other places, and are carcinogenic. Others, like mercury, are just plain bad news. Selecium seems to bind with some of these bad guys, creating inactive complexes and helping to rid the system of them

*Thyroid is dependent on selenium to function properly

* Without a doubt, Brazil nuts are the best source of selenium. One ounce (6-8 kernels) has a whopping 544 mcg (next best are clams, oysters, tuna, turkey, and beef)

*They also have protein, calcium and 2g of fiber per ounce, and are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

For previous posts:
ARTICHOKES: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57017--1-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
OATMEAL: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57180--2-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
BEANS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57278--3-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
APPLES: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57482--4-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
ALMONDS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57516--5-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
EDAMAME: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57602--6-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
BUTTER/GHEE http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57689--7-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
EGGS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57791--8-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
CRUSTACEA: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/57940--9-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
BEE POLLEN: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58069--10-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
ACAI JUICE: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58196--11-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
CARDAMOM: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58290--12-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
ALMOND OIL: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58381--13-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
ARUGULA: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58426--14-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
QUINOA: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58555--15-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
GARBANZO BEANS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58671--16-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth
APRICOTS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/58800--17-the-150-healthiest-foods-on-earth

JoyousMaximus

Sweet! I already eat 2-3 servings a week. They are delicious. Just make sure you only eat 1 serving at a time. One ounce (about 6 nuts) has 190 calories.

00Angela00

Sweet! I already eat 2-3 servings a week. They are delicious. Just make sure you only eat 1 serving at a time. One ounce (about 6 nuts) has 190 calories.

I don't know if I've ever even had them. Do you cook with them or just eat them as a snack usually? hmmm, do they sell them in bags?

JoyousMaximus

Sweet! I already eat 2-3 servings a week. They are delicious. Just make sure you only eat 1 serving at a time. One ounce (about 6 nuts) has 190 calories.

I don't know if I've ever even had them. Do you cook with them or just eat them as a snack usually? hmmm, do they sell them in bags?

I buy then bulk at Henry's or Wild Oat's but I think that store is only in Cali. I think they probably sell them at Whole Foods.

I've never had them in any thing, always plain. They are really big (about an inch long and 1/2 in in diameter) and they have rather rich flavor because they are pretty high in fat.They actually make a really good rushed snack because you can just count out 6 plus they leave you feel satisfied for awhile because they are just protein and fat.

LeanLioness

Brazil nuts come in a close #2 to my favorite the macadamia nut............ooooo, and I love pistashios too........

A couple is all it takes to make a satisfying snack............I like to nosh on nuts in the mid afternoon to get me over the hump til I get home to cook supper...........

I get mine from my local co-op.

JoyousMaximus

Brazil nuts come in a close #2 to my favorite the macadamia nut............ooooo, and I love pistashios too........

A couple is all it takes to make a satisfying snack............I like to nosh on nuts in the mid afternoon to get me over the hump til I get home to cook supper...........

I get mine from my local co-op.

I love pistachios too but I can never find them unsalted so I rarely eat them. I generally eat brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, and occasionally cashews.