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Brazil nuts come from the South American Bertholletia excelsa, or Brazil nut, tree. They are a good source of healthful fats, protein, fiber, and selenium.
Despite its name, the Brazil nut is technically a seed rather than a nut. By definition, nuts are hard-shelled fruits that contain a single, large seed. Walnuts and pistachios are good examples.
Brazil nuts may offer surprising and powerful nutritional benefits, including boosting heart health, providing antioxidants, and improving brain function.
In this article, we discuss the health benefits of Brazil nuts, their risks, and how to add them to the diet.
Brazil nuts are among the richest dietary sources of selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties. Selenium plays an important role in reproduction, metabolism, and immune health.
A single Brazil nut contains
In addition to selenium, Brazil nuts contain plenty of protein, essential minerals, and healthful fats.
According to the
Given their impressive nutritional profile, it is no surprise that Brazil nuts have become so popular.
Brazil nuts contain healthful fats called polyunsaturated and
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), consuming monounsaturated fats and
Brazil nuts also provide dietary fiber. The AHA report that eating fiber-rich foods
The findings of a
Selenium deficiency can cause hormonal imbalances that can negatively affect sleep, mood, concentration, and metabolism.
Selenium plays an essential role in hormone production. The thyroid gland uses selenium to convert thyroxine hormone (T4) into its active form, triiodothyronine hormone (T3).
Obtaining enough selenium from dietary sources may prevent or help regulate thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism.
The selenium in Brazil nuts may boost the body’s antioxidant system and prevent oxidative stress.
The liver breaks selenium down into a type of protein called selenoprotein P, which effectively removes excess free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, and research has linked them to many chronic health conditions, including cancer.
A
The participants in the Brazil nut group had higher selenium levels and increased activity of an antioxidant enzyme called GPx3. They also had lower levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which people sometimes refer to as “bad cholesterol.”
The antioxidant properties of Brazil nuts may help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation has an association with many chronic health conditions.
A small-scale 2014 study looked at the health effects of eating one Brazil nut per day in people with chronic kidney disease. After 3 months, the researchers noticed a reduction in inflammation and markers of oxidative stress.
Foods rich in selenium may help improve people’s blood sugar levels.
A study in the European Journal of Nutrition reported that eating one Brazil nut per day for 8 weeks lowered total cholesterol and fasting glucose levels in healthy adults.
The findings of another 8-week-long study showed that taking a 200-mcg selenium supplement reduced insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The researchers also reported increased antioxidant capacity in the body.
Antioxidants help keep the brain healthy. Brazil nuts have powerful antioxidant effects, which may boost brain functioning.
Scientists have linked decreases in antioxidant function to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings of a 2014 study suggested that people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower selenium levels than those without the condition.
However, a
People can eat whole Brazil nuts as a snack or add them to other foods. Brazil nuts are fine to eat raw or roasted.
To cook Brazil nuts on the stovetop:
To roast Brazil nuts in the oven:
People can try adding Brazil nuts to pad Thai dishes, trail mixes, or pesto. Alternatively, they can use chopped Brazil nuts as a nutritious topping for oatmeal, salads, or even brownies.
Brazil nuts are available in most supermarkets, or people can choose between brands online.
When it comes to Brazil nuts, more is not necessarily better. People should limit their intake of Brazil nuts to a few per day to avoid negative side effects. Brazil nuts are high in calories, and eating too many can cause selenium toxicity.
Like most nuts, Brazil nuts are very calorie-dense. People who eat too many Brazil nuts run the risk of exceeding their daily recommended calorie intake. Consuming too many calories can cause unwanted weight gain.
As a member of the tree nut family, Brazil nuts may cause allergic reactions in some people. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, an estimated 25 to 40 percent of people who have a peanut allergy react to at least one type of tree nut.
Many of the health benefits of Brazil nuts come from their high selenium content. Although beneficial in small quantities, Brazil nuts could cause selenium toxicity if a person regularly eats them in large numbers.
According to the
It can sometimes also cause severe symptoms, which may include:
In rare cases, selenium toxicity can be fatal.
The selenium concentration in Brazil nuts varies depending on the amount present in the soil so each nut may contain a different amount.
Brazil nuts may provide some impressive health benefits, but it is best to eat them in moderation.
According to the findings of scientific studies, certain compounds in Brazil nuts may benefit health in a range of ways, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, regulating blood sugar levels, and boosting the body’s antioxidant system.
Brazil nuts are among the best sources of natural selenium, an essential mineral known for its antioxidant properties. Although selenium can promote health, too much can result in selenium toxicity.
Last medically reviewed on April 17, 2019
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