Brazil Nuts Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Brazil nuts are the large seeds of the Brazil nut tree, which grows in the Amazon rainforest.They have a brown, hard shell and a creamy, nutty flavor.
Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, a trace mineral that supports thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune system.
They also contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.
They may help prevent cancer, improve mood, and protect brain health.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil Nuts | 539mg | 2386mg | 0.226 |
Brazil Nuts contains 539mg of Lysine and 2386mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Brazil Nuts has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.226.
Because Brazil Nuts contains much higher levels of arginine than lysine, limiting its consumption is recommended by people who suffer from herpes, as it may trigger outbreaks.
Lysine Considerations
Brazil nuts are a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that plays a role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.
It is one of the nine amino acids that your body cannot make by itself, so it has to come from the food we eat.
Lysine has a variety of functions in the body, such as helping with growth, healing, energy, immunity, and collagen production.
Lysine may also have some effects on the herpes virus, which causes cold sores and genital sores.
Studies have suggested that taking lysine supplements or applying lysine cream may help prevent or treat these infections by blocking the amino acid arginine, which the virus needs to grow.
Arginine Considerations
Brazil nuts are a very high source of arginine, another essential amino acid that is involved in nitric oxide production, blood vessel dilation, and muscle growth.
Arginine can contribute to cold sore outbreaks, which are blisters caused by the HSV-1 virus, also known as herpes.
Arginine aids in the growth of HSV-1, which needs this particular amino acid to multiply and infect cells.
Arginine can be obtained through our diet, and is found in multiple high-protein foods such as nuts, seeds, and chocolate.
Regrettably, the herpes virus is known to "feed" on arginine, and a diet rich in arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Brazil nuts have a low lysine-arginine ratio, which means they have more arginine than lysine.
This may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or erectile dysfunction, but it may be harmful for people with herpes virus infections, as arginine can trigger or worsen outbreaks.
The herpes simplex virus, which causes oral and genital herpes, needs arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine, on the other hand, can interfere with the absorption of arginine in the intestine, and thus limit the availability of arginine for the virus.
By eating a diet higher in lysine than arginine, one may be able to prevent or treat herpes symptoms.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing flare ups.
Dietary Considerations
Nuts are generally abundant in arginine and poor in lysine, which makes them unfavorable for people with herpes.
Arginine can stimulate the replication of the herpes virus, while lysine can inhibit it.
Nuts that have the highest arginine to lysine ratio include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
These nuts should be avoided or consumed in moderation by people with herpes.
For instance:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
L-lysine supplementscan help you prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it develops by depriving the virus of arginine, which it needs to form a cold sore.
Taking other food supplements that can improve your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants.
Avoiding foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
These foods can trigger inflammation and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to outbreaks.
Pain, swelling, and itching can be reduced by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, such as honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
These foods can also help you heal faster by promoting tissue repair.
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