A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition has found that eating Brazil nuts daily can lower inflammation and improve intestinal health in overweight and obese women on a restricted diet.
Background
Obesity is a serious health issue characterized by excess body fat, which can lead to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. It also triggers low-grade inflammation and disrupts intestinal permeability, worsening health outcomes. Traditional obesity management often includes calorie restriction and a healthy diet. Brazil nuts are high in selenium, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation. However, the full impact of Brazil nuts on gut health is still being researched.
About the Study
The study was a controlled, 8-week dietary intervention involving overweight and obese women. Conducted at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Brazil between June 2019 and September 2021, it aimed to assess the effects of Brazil nut consumption on inflammation and intestinal permeability.
Participants were women aged 20 to 55 with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 30, along with increased body fat and waist measurements. Excluded were those who were pregnant, menopausal, seriously ill, taking specific medications, or consuming nuts regularly.
The participants were split into two groups: a control group on a nut-free diet and a Brazil nut group that consumed 8 grams of Brazil nuts daily. Both groups were placed on a calorie-restricted diet aiming for at least 4 kg of weight loss. Researchers collected data on body measurements, diet, body composition, and blood samples before and after the study. They also assessed intestinal permeability through the lactulose/mannitol test and measured inflammatory markers in the blood.
Study Results
Of the 56 women who began the study, 49 completed it, with 46 included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 34 years, with 82.6% classified as obese. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding body measurements or selenium levels at the start.
Initially, the control group had a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the Brazil nut group. Throughout the study, the control group reduced their intake of saturated fats, while the Brazil nut group increased their fiber and polyunsaturated fat consumption, particularly selenium.
Both groups achieved similar energy restrictions and weight loss. The control group lost an average of 2.4 kg, while the Brazil nut group lost about 3.2 kg. However, the Brazil nut group showed a significant increase in serum selenium levels.
At the end of the intervention, the Brazil nut group reported notable reductions in inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and various cytokines. The percentage of women in this group with normal C-reactive protein levels increased from 24% to 36%. Even participants who did not meet the weight loss target showed lower inflammatory levels compared to the control group.
The Brazil nut group also exhibited improvements in intestinal permeability, although changes were similar between both groups. There were modest correlations between increased selenium levels and reduced inflammatory markers.
Conclusions
This study concludes that daily consumption of Brazil nuts significantly reduces inflammatory markers and improves intestinal health in overweight women. The increase in selenium levels among Brazil nut consumers correlated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of Brazil nuts, suggesting they may help manage inflammation and support gut health.
Related topics:
- Overthinking Can Lead to Mental Discomfort, Study Finds
- UK Scientists Explore Brain Wave Manipulation During Sleep
- Experts Recommend New Approach to Choking Emergencies
