Brazil Nuts
Amazon Rainforest
This South American import boasts subtle piquant notes, and also provides an excellent source of protein and fiber
Brazil Nuts are the most abundant known source of Selenium, a necessary but rare mineral involved in many body processes. Each bag of Frühling Original contains two brazil nuts—designed to deliver 100% of your daily recommended dose. And, consuming Brazil nuts supports the stability of the Amazon Rainforest.
Rich in Selenium and Micronutrients
Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in foods and in soil. It plays a key role in many body processes such as: DNA production, protection against cell damage, thyroid function, and reproduction. (Harvard School of Health)
“Brazil nuts are among the richest selenium food sources, and studies have considered this Amazonian nut as an effective alternative for selenium supplementation.
Besides selenium, Brazil nuts present relevant content of other micronutrients such as magnesium, copper, and zinc.” “This nut is considered the main selenium food source and has been used as a strategy to supply this micronutrient in a selenium deficient diet” (Thomson, Chisholm, McLachlan, & Campbell, 2008.)
+ The recommended daily intake of selenium varies from 60 μg/day for women, to 70 μg/day for men, approximately 2 Brazil nuts per day. Deficiency may cause reproductive disorders in humans and animals.
+ Selenoproteins play an important role in the formation of thyroid hormones, may offer cancer prevention, and support the immune system. They stimulate antibody formation and the activity of helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Thomson CD, Chisholm A, McLachlan SK, Campbell JM. Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):379-84. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.2.379. PMID: 18258628.
Bárbara R. Cardoso, Graziela B. Silva Duarte, Bruna Z. Reis, Silvia M.F. Cozzolino, Brazil nuts: Nutritional composition, health benefits and safety aspects, Food Research International, Volume 100, Part 2, 2017.
Brazil Nuts play an important role in preserving the health of the Amazon Rainforest and promoting rainforest conservation.
Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa) are giants of the Amazon Rainforest, towering up to 160 feet tall.
These trees are essential to the rainforest ecosystem, providing shelter and sustenance for numerous plant and animal species. They are considered a keystone species, meaning their presence is vital for maintaining the ecological balance of the forest - as well as the economy of neighboring communities.
“By providing a valuable non-timber forest product, Brazil nuts offer an economic incentive for communities to work in tandem with the rainforest, rather than engaging in deforestation activities. This "conservation-through-use" approach has supported the preservation of millions of hectares of rainforest.” (Kainer, K. A., Wadt, L. H., & Staudhammer, C. L. (2018.)
“Brazil nut trees have a long history of human interaction, dating back at least 11,000 years. Their current distribution in the Amazon is closely linked to pre-Columbian human settlement patterns, as evidenced by their association with terra preta soils and geoglyphs. This historical relationship highlights the potential for sustainable human-forest interactions.” (Caetano Andrade VL, Flores BM, Levis C, Clement CR, Roberts P, Schöngart J. PMID: 30943230)
By consuming Brazil Nuts, you are supporting farmers’ ethical and responsible sourcing practices, and helping to ensure that the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants continue to thrive for generations to come.
(Did you know that each bag of our Original Superfood Snack contains two brazil nuts, designed to deliver your daily dose of Selenium?)