Brazilian Nut Skin Care Information

Brazil nuts are a natural way to treat and maintain healthy-looking skin. The nut is teeming with nutrients, including selenium, a mineral crucial to immune system function that helps speed cell turn over and leaves the complexion with a boosting glow. The minerals and vitamins in a Brazil nut can help reduce acne, wrinkles and dry skin.

Selenium

• Brazil nuts are known indisputably for their high levels of selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral that is paramount for healthy immune function. The natural function of selenium in the human body is in the facilitation of glutatione, an enzyme that fights cancer causing free radicals. Aside from boosting the immune system, selenium helps promote skin health by improving elasticity of the skin as glutathione also combats free radicals that can deteriorate skin collagen.

Acne

• For the millions of teens (and adults) who suffer from acne, Brazil nuts can sometimes be used as alternative natural medicine for both the selenium and zinc benefits. Zinc is a mineral that naturally reduces inflammation of the skin (redness) and helps build collagen. Selenium is believed to aide the pains of acne as an anti-bacterial agent.

Wrinkles

• Many adults are plagued by wrinkles. Exposure to the sun and advancement of age are both common causes of wrinkles. Brazil nuts can help decrease the look of wrinkles as they are full of antioxidants. Vitamin A and E help to increase skin collagen, which allows for a smoother complexion.

Dry Skin

• Zinc is a major mineral for the promotion of skin cell growth; faster skin-cell turnover helps decrease painful dryness and diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

Brazil Nut Oil

• Brazil nuts contain nearly 70 percent fat, so extraction of their oil is fairly common, allowing the Brazil nut to be used as a topical treatment. Rubbing a hard nut over your skin may cause further irritation, therefore the wiser choice would be the application of the oil extract. Applied directly to the skin one to two times a day will significantly help smooth over minor wrinkles, and will add a healthy shine (though not greasy) to the complexion. Aside from the face, oil applied to dried or cracked feet and heals can help relieve painful tightness and itch.

Products

• There are many commercial products available for purchase made from Brazil nut extract including pills, oils, body creams and shampoos. The popular brand, The Body Shop, carries a complete line of skin soothing creams made from Brazil nut oil.

Dosage

• The human body only needs about 400 micrograms of selenium per day, as such very few Brazil nuts are needed. Moderation of Brazil nut consumption is crucial; two to three nuts per day should not be exceeded. The symptoms of selenium poisoning are commonly loss of hair and brittleness of the finger and toe nails. Eating the proper amount can be both beneficial to skin health and pleasing to the palate.