12 Best Benefits Of Brazil Nuts, How To Eat, & Side Effects

Add Brazil nuts as salad toppings or eat them raw, blanched, or roasted.

Medically reviewed by Laine Greenawalt, MS, RD, LDN
Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Aparna Mallampalli, BEd, MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition  • 

The benefits of Brazil nuts may sway you to choose it over your regular nuts. These nuts contain selenium, a trace mineral needed for several bodily functions. These nuts are obtained from the Brazil nut tree, which grows in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. They are also called castanhas-do-pará (Chestnuts of Para). Brazilian nuts can help boost immunity, regulate thyroid health, and promote health in various other ways. This article discusses the benefits of Brazil nuts, their nutritional profile, and their side effects. Read on.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Brazil Nut

What Is It?
A nut from the Brazil nut tree that is rich in selenium, magnesium, and thiamine and is native to South America.

What Are Its Benefits?
It promotes thyroid, heart, and brain health and also boosts immunity, weight loss, and digestion.

Who Can Consume It?
Anybody except for people with nut allergies.

How Often?
It can be consumed daily in moderation.

Caution
It may lead to selenium toxicity and allergic symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, dizziness, skin rashes or lesions.

How Do Brazil Nuts Play A Beneficial Role?

The most important characteristic of Brazil nuts is their selenium content. One ounce of Brazil nuts (about six nuts) contains 544 micrograms of selenium, which is almost 10 times the RDA (55 micrograms). Selenium interacts with proteins in your body to form selenoproteins, which are known to play a role in thyroid function and can enhance immunityRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist and Founder of the Plant Centered Dietitian Community, Kathryn Bonilla Strickland says, “Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant. Brazil nuts are good for the liver due to their antioxidant effect. People only need to eat 1-2 Brazil nuts per day to meet selenium needs.”

Brazil nuts are also beneficial for people with diabetes. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Arika Hoscheit says, “Brazil nuts are a nutrient-dense food with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat, which makes them a great choice for maintaining stable blood sugars. Studies have been able to show that eating Brazil nuts regularly can result in a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels. Brazil nuts are very high in selenium which helps to reduce oxidative stress. This likely contributes to overall health improvements related to diabetes.”

protip_icon Trivia
Brazil nuts are one of the most sustainable nuts. They are not farmed but collected from the forest by workers who are known as castañeros.

Selenium also fights inflammation in the body. It takes part in the antioxidant activity and helps prevent free radical damage. Well, we have got more.

What Are The Benefits Of Brazil Nuts?

1. Brazil Nuts Support Thyroid Health

Brazil nuts benefit thyroid health
Image: Shutterstock

The thyroid gland has the highest selenium content than any other organ in the body. Selenium binds with other molecules in the gland, and helps your body create and use thyroid hormones. Research has linked thyroid issues with selenium deficiency (1). Studies have also found that individuals with thyroid irregularities could increase their selenium intake through Brazil nut supplementation. This improves thyroid functioning (2).

The selenium in Brazil nuts may also protect the body from antibodies that cause thyroid disease, but more research is required to establish this (3).

2. Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Brazil nuts contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These three minerals help regulate blood pressure. In addition, the soluble fiber in the nuts can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. The antioxidants in Brazil nuts reduce free radical damage and lower the risk of heart disease (4).

Another study talks about how a single serving of Brazil nuts can acutely improve lipid profiles in healthy volunteers (5).

3. Fight Inflammation

Like most other nuts, Brazil nuts contain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that help fight inflammation (6).

The selenium in the nuts also helps combat inflammation. Studies have found that eating just one Brazil nut a day can have anti-inflammatory benefits. Even a single serving of Brazil nuts was found to decrease long-term inflammation (7).

Did You Know?

It’s illegal in Brazil to cut down a Brazil nut tree.

4. Brazil Nuts May Aid Cancer Treatment

The selenium in Brazil nuts can be used to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes of treatment (8).

The ellagic acid in the nuts has been found to exhibit anticancer and antimutagenici  XA substance that can negate the effects of mutagens. For instance, UV blockers and micronutrients. properties (9).

Some types of cancer can also be caused by toxic levels of mercury or other heavy metals in the body.

Even the National Foundation for Cancer Research states that selenium in Brazil nuts can help treat the disease (10).

5. Aid Weight Loss

Brazil nuts aid weight loss
Image: Shutterstock

Brazil nuts are rich in fiber, which can make you feel full and discourage overeating. The nuts are also rich in arginine, an amino acid that can aid weight loss by promoting increased energy expenditure and fat burning.

The selenium in Brazil nuts is involved in many metabolic processes. It keeps your metabolism working efficiently, and this helps burn maximum calories, which in return supports weight management.

6. Boost Immunity

Selenium in the nuts carries messages from different immune cells that ultimately coordinate the right immune response (11). Without selenium, this may not happen as effectively.

Another mineral in Brazil nuts, zinc, also boosts immunity and destroys pathogens (12).

7. Brazil Nuts Support Brain Health

One study found that older individuals who consumed  just one Brazil nut daily for six months saw better verbal abilities and spatial skills. The selenium in the nuts boosts antioxidant activity and protects the brain from damage. The ellagic acid in the nuts has anti-inflammatory effects that can protect the brain (13).

Selenium can also elevate mood and help prevent depression. The mineral has been shown to  increase serotonini  XA substance that functions as a neurotransmitter and is mostly found in the central nervous system, platelets, and the digestive tract. levels, resulting in a better mood (14).

8. Help In Digestion

Brazil nuts are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber attracts water, turning to gel and slowing digestion. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food pass through the stomach and intestines.

9. Boost Testosterone Levels

Studies have confirmed a correlation between selenium, zinc, and testosterone. It was also found that men who were infertile were found to have low levels of selenium (15).

10. Brazil Nuts Improve Sexual Health

Brazil nuts benefit sexual health
Image: Shutterstock

The nuts play a role in hormonal health. Selenium supplementation was found to improve sperm count and sperm motility. These nuts can also help treat erectile dysfunction (16).

Did You Know?

A Brazil nut tree can grow up to 200 feet, making it one of the largest trees in the world. It can also live up to 800 years.

11. Help Treat Acne

The selenium in the nuts improves skin elasticity and relieves redness and inflammation. The mineral also helps in the formation of glutathionei  XA strong antioxidant that the liver produces to shield the body from oxidative stress, treat psoriasis and reduce liver cell damage. , which neutralizes the free radicals that cause acne (17).

12. Contribute To Hair Growth

A deficiency of selenium can lead to hair loss. This is because the mineral helps your body process the proteins required for hair growth.

That’s about the benefits of Brazil nuts. There are several other nutrients in the nuts that make them what they are. Let’s take a look at Brazil nuts’ nutrition now.

The Nutritional Profile Of Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are among the richest sources of selenium. Just one nut contains 96 mcg of the nutrient, meeting 175% of the RDA. The nuts are also a good source of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated fats that are known to promote heart health.

Brazilnuts, raw,Nutritional value per 100 g.(Source: USDA)
PrincipleNutrient ValuePercentage of RDA
Energy656 Kcal33%
Carbohydrates12 g10%
Protein14 g26%
Fat64 g221%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber7.5 g20%
Vitamins
Folates22 mcg5.5%
Niacin0.295 mg2%
Pantothenic acid0.184 mg3.5%
Pyridoxine0.101 mg8%
Riboflavin0.035 mg3%
Thiamin0.617 mg51%
Vitamin A0 IU0%
Vitamin C0.7 mg7%
Vitamin E-gamma7.87 mg52%
Electrolytes
Sodium2 mg0%
Potassium597 mg13%
Minerals
Calcium160 mg16%
Copper1.743 mg194%
Iron2.43 mg30%
Magnesium376 mg94%
Manganese1.223 mg53%
Phosphorus725 mg103%
Selenium1917 mcg3485%
Zinc4.06 mcg36%
Phyto-nutrients
Crypto-xanthin-ß0 mcg
Crypto-xanthin-ß0 mcg
Lutein-zeaxanthin0 mcg

All good. But can you eat Brazil nuts raw? Or is there a way to eat them?

The Best Way To Eat Brazil Nuts

The best way to eat Brazil nuts is raw or blanched, as it preserves their nutritional value. However, you can also roast and salt them like most nuts. You can include them as a convenient snack or crush them to use as a topping for salads or desserts.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can incorporate Brazil nuts into your pesto or alfredo pasta sauce. If you are looking for vegan options, you can also use them to make Brazil nut butter or cheese.

But before you go ahead with a handful of them, you must also know the possible risks associated with Brazil nuts.

Possible Side Effects Of Brazil Nuts

What Are The Side Effects Of Brazil Nuts?

  • Selenium Toxicity

Brazil nuts are so rich in selenium that having them in excess can cause selenium toxicity or selenosis. The symptoms of this toxicity include diarrhea, brittle nails, a metallic taste in the mouth, hair loss, and coughing. An intake of 5,000 mcg of selenium (about 50 average-sized Brazil nuts) can lead to toxicity and cause breathing problems, heart attack, and kidney failure. The recommended upper intake of selenium for adults is 400 mcg per day.

  • Allergies

Brazil nuts can cause allergies in people with nut allergies. Symptoms include vomiting and swelling.

Diana, a lifestyle blogger, shared her Brazil nut overdose experience in her blog. She said, “I was leaning over the toilet waiting to throw up. My stomach felt like it was full of rocks and was making some rather angry noises ().”

protip_icon Fun Fact
Although they have “nut” in their name, Brazil nuts are botanically classified as seeds.

Infographic: Everything To Know About Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are delicious to munch on when you are hungry. They have a rich nutritional profile and are excellent sources of healthy fats and antioxidants. These nuts also benefit your health by maintaining vital body functions. Take a look at the infographic below to learn some interesting facts about Brazil nuts, their popular alternatives, and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

everything to know about brazil nuts (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Brazil nuts, native to the Amazonian rainforest, are one of the richest sources of the trace mineral selenium. However, Brazil nuts’ benefits are not just limited to that. Along with balancing any nutritional selenium deficiency, Brazil nuts help boost your thyroid, cardiovascular, and brain health. They also improve your skin health and hair health. With their mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids content, Brazil nuts are known to help fight long-term inflammation as well. While you can have them raw or blanched to reap most of its benefits, you should not have more than 3 nuts per day to avoid the possible side-effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Brazil nuts should you eat in a day?

One nut provides the sufficient amount of selenium. But have no more than three nuts a day.

Where to buy Brazil nuts?

You can get them from your nearest supermarket or even online from Amazon.

Do Brazil nuts help you sleep?

Yes. Brazil nuts have selenium, an essential nutrient that may help promote better sleep.

Are Brazil nuts healthier than walnuts?

Yes. Brazil nuts have more selenium and potassium than walnuts, so they are considered more healthy.

Are Brazil nuts good for males?

Yes. The high concentration of selenium in Brazil nuts may help boost testosterone levels and fertility in men.

Key Takeaways

  • Selenium in Brazil nuts may help with inflammation, and oxidative stress.
  • They may improve digestion, boost immunity, and increase energy production in the body, thus helping with weight loss as well.
  • It may aid in cancer prevention and tackle heart issues.
  • Brazil nuts may support brain function, bone health, muscle function, and the immune system.
  • Consuming more than 50 Brazil nuts per day may lead to selenium toxicity.
  • You can eat Brazil nuts raw or blanched, or you can roast and salt them like other nuts.
Brazil nuts benefits_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Watch this video and discover the amazing health benefits of eating just one Brazil nut each day! Learn how this simple snack can help you stay healthy and energized!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. The importance of selenium to human health”. Lancet, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  2. Effect of selenium supplementation…”. Nutricion Hospitalaria, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  3. Selenium and the thyroid gland…”. Clinical Endocrinology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  4. Antioxidants & heart health”. Cleveland Clinic. to “Effect of Brazil Nuts on Selenium..”. Antioxidants, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  5. A single consumption of high amounts...”. Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  6. Health benefits of nut consumption”. Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  7. Brazilian nut consumption by healthy…”. ScienceDirect.
  8. Bioactivity of selenium from Brazil nut...”. Nutrition and Cancer, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  9. Punicalagin and ellagic acid…”. Biomed Research Central.
  10. Taste the cancer-fighting power of Brazil…”. National Foundation for Cancer Research.
  11. The influence of selenium on immune responses” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  12. Zinc and immune function: the biological…” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  13. The effects of ellagic acid upon brain cells...”. Neurochemical Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  14. Nutrition for your Noggin: Foods and Brain Health ” Western Michigan University.
  15. Relationship between serum levels of testosterone…” African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  16. Erectile Dysfunction” University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  17. Acne vulgaris, mental health…” Lipids in Health and Disease, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles