Your thyroid is hugely important in all aspects of your health, from sleeping to digestion to hair and nail growth. And every day this little powerhouse of an organ gets pummeled, so treating it to support, like from two daily Brazil nuts, can do wonders.
Small daily habits can help support your thyroid, whether you have Hashimoto’s or not, and one of our favorites is eating two Brazil nuts a day. However, there’s a right way to eat these beneficial nuts, so make sure you take the extra step to soak and dehydrate for maximum absorption and to actually reap the rewards!
Let’s begin by briefly understanding the importance of the thyroid gland in our bodies.
Understanding the Thyroid and Its Role in the Body
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate various functions in the body, including metabolism, heart rate, and energy production. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in overall health, so maintaining proper functioning of the gland is essential.
Brazil Nuts: An Excellent Natural Source of Selenium for Thyroid Help
One of the keys to a healthy thyroid is selenium, a trace mineral that is crucial for hormone regulation. Brazil nuts are an excellent natural source of selenium, with just 2-3 nuts per day providing the recommended daily intake. Some benefits of consuming brazil nuts rich in selenium are:
– Supports thyroid hormone production
– Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage
– Enhances immune system functioning
Importance of Soaking and Dehydrating Brazil Nuts for Improved Nutrient Absorption
Although brazil nuts are nutritious, they also contain phytic acid, which is known as an anti-nutrient. Phytic acid impairs the absorption of minerals, binding with them and making them unavailable for the body to use. To overcome this issue, proper preparation through soaking and dehydrating brazil nuts is essential, as it neutralizes phytic acid and increases their nutritional value.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Soak and Dehydrate Brazil Nuts
Here’s a quick and straightforward guide to prepare your brazil nuts:
- Place the brazil nuts in a large bowl and cover with filtered water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix well.
- Allow nuts to soak overnight (minimum of 8 hours, up to 12 hours).
- Drain the nuts and rinse them thoroughly.
- Preheat your dehydrator (or oven) to its lowest temperature setting (ideally around 115 to 125°F).
- Spread the nuts evenly on a dehydrator tray or lined baking sheet.
- Dehydrate the nuts in the dehydrator or oven for about 12-24 hours or until they are dry and crunchy.
- Store your dehydrated brazil nuts in an airtight container.
- Eat two a day!
Numerous studies highlight the benefits of selenium in Brazil nuts for thyroid function:
A study published in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* found that selenium supplementation effectively improves thyroid function in individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid.
Another study in the *European Journal of Endocrinology* concluded that selenium supplementation reduces thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Sprouted nuts provide increased nutrient absorption and overall health benefits:
According to the *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry*, soaking and sprouting nuts increases their nutritional value, such as vitamin E, folate, and antioxidants.
