Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Those who ate Brazil nuts for 16 weeks, significantly increased their selenium blood levels and decreased their LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to those who ate no Brazil nuts.
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years (1). In adolescents, aged 12-19 years, the obesity rate increased from 5% to 18.1% (1980-2008) (1). This drastic increase has become a public health concern. Seventy percent of obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (1). Recently published research investigated if adding Brazil nuts to the diet of obese children would reduce any of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (2). The research showed 3-5 nuts per day improved cholesterol levels in adolescents (2).
The research included 17 female adolescents (13.4 to 17.4 years of age with a BMI in the obese range (32.3 to 38.9 kg/m2) (2). The participants were randomized into two groups, one receiving Brazil nuts (15-25 g per day, about 3-5 nuts per day, 93 to 155 kcal; n=8) or a placebo pill (1 capsule per day; n=9) for 16 weeks (2). The placebo group was told they would be taking a vitamin supplement with the same constituents as Brazil nuts, but they were actually taking a sugar placebo pill (2).
After 16-weeks, the group eating the Brazil nuts had a significant increase in selenium blood levels (110.5 vs. 133; p=0.02), compared to the placebo group. There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol only in the group eating Brazil nuts (average 152.0 vs.136.0; p<0.05). There was also a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in the Brazil nut group (average 86.5 vs. 72.5; p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant decrease in triglyceride levels in the Brazil nut group (average 72.5 vs. 69.0; p<0.05). There was no significant change in HDL levels in either group (2).
Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) are high in selenium, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), folate and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2). Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for atherosclerosis (clogging or hardening of the arteries from cholesterol fat deposits). By reducing the oxidation with Brazil nuts, the risk factor for atherosclerosis is also reduced (2).
In conclusion, intake of Brazil nuts in obese adolescents improved cholesterol levels. This was the first study of its kind to investigate the effects of eating Brazil nuts on cholesterol levels in adolescents. Further research with more participants need to be conducted to confirm results. It is important to note treatment strategies for obese children and adolescents should focus on lifestyle interventions and weight reduction, with beneficial supplements added to a healthy diet (2).
Source: Maranhão, Priscila A., et al. “Brazil nuts intake improves lipid profile, oxidative stress and microvascular function in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.” Nutrition & metabolism 8.1 (2011): 32.
© 2011 Maranhão et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0
Posted August 4, 2011.
References:
- Childhood Obesity. CDC.
- Maranhao PA, et al. Brazil nuts intake improves lipid profile, oxidative stress and microvascular function in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial. 2011. Nutr & Metab 8:32 doi:10.1186/1743-7075-8-32.
