Brazil Nut Milk 2 Ways

FOOD AS MEDICINE

Selenium is essential for the conversion of T4 (inactive) to T3 (active) thyroid hormone and can have anti-inflammatory activity in thyroid-specific autoimmune disease. Selenium-containing enzymes function in a protective “detox” capacity, preserving the integrity of the thyroid gland when we’re under all kinds of stress — oxidative, chemical, even social stress! Selenium also helps the body to more efficiently recycle its iodine stores and function as an antioxidant preserving function of the organ. Best sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, tuna, organ meats, mushrooms and sunflower seeds! A prescription of just 1-2 Brazil nuts daily will provide ample selenium to protect thyroid function. This nut milk can be used as a base for smoothies, splashed in coffee to tea, or sipped on its own as a way to incorporate brazil nuts into your diet.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups brazil nuts

5 cups water

1 tsp vanilla extract

generous pinch sea salt

optional: 1 Tbsp honey to sweeten

Choose your flavor option:

Cinnamon Almond: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp almond extract

Maca Cacao: 1 Tbsp cacao powder, 2 tsp maca powder

DIRECTIONS

Soak the brazil nuts by covering with filtered water and leaving in the fridge 8 hours or overnight. Strain off the water and place in the blender. Add 5 cups of new filtered water, vanilla extract, sea salt and honey if using. Blend on medium speed until incorporated, then turn up to high and continue blending 1-2 minutes until fully combined. Strain in a nut milk bag or through a fine strainer. Return the strained nut milk to the blender and add your flavor enhancers of choice. Blend until just incorporated. Store in glass jars in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Makes 6 servings