Bertholetta excelsia

Latin name: Bertholetta excelsia

Common name: Brazil nut

Cultural significance/history: Previously a staple of the diets of the local and indigenous indian tribes, brazil nuts were so important that they have been used as a trade commodity- like money. Brazil nuts have the highest content of magnesium of any nut and raw brazil nuts are cholesterol-free and gluten free. Brazil nut trees are one of the largest and longest living trees in the Amazon Rainforest. A 1oz portion of brazil nuts contains nearly 1000% of your recommended dose of selenium, which is why only 5 brazil nuts are recommended per day so that selenium toxicity does not occur

Active ingredient: selenium, B6,B1, Vitamin E, calcium, copper, zinc

Where it is found naturally: the Amazon Rainforest, in moist lowland areas, often with 50 or more similar trees in “strands”

Uses and indications of brazil nuts: reduction of VLDL and LDL cholesterol, improves cognitive function and mood, improves thyroid function, and lowers blood pressure.

Mechanism of action: selemium acts through incorporation into selenoproteins, it is a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes like glutothione peroxidases and thioredoxin reducatases which protects cells from oxidative damage, reduces inflammation and supports detoxification. Selenium dependant idothyronine deiodinases regulate thyroid hormone activation and deactivation, which supports proper thyroid function, and balances immune responses and resistance to infections.

Pharmacokinetics: oral absorbtion high (80-90%), incorporated into selenoproteins in the liver and then distributed to various tissues, metabolised via the methionine cycle or transselenation pathway, excreted primarily via urine as methylated metabolites, minor amounts excreted via sweat and breath 

Side effects: nausea, brittle nails, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, metallic taste, joint pain

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