Brazil Nuts: Selenium-Rich Nut for Immune Support

Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties. They can help support the immune system and promote heart health.
Category
Nut
Where to get
Available in grocery stores and health food shops
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Selenium-rich Brazil nuts FAQ


Image credit: foodminerals.org

How much selenium is in a Brazil nut?

Each Brazil nut contains up to 91 mcg selenium per nut. Regularly consuming more than 400 mcg selenium a day could cause you to show signs of selenosis. ( 6) This means that regularly eating more than 6 or 7 Brazil nuts daily could put you at risk of selenium poisoning.

Can you eat Brazil nuts if you have a high selenium level?

With such a high level of selenium in each nut kernel, research suggests that a healthy adult may be able to achieve the benefits of eating Brazil nuts by consuming a serving of just four kernels. The risks of selenium overdose are minimal for most people. The average American diet provides about 100 mcg per day of selenium.

Why do Brazil nut trees have high selenium concentrations?

A plausible reason why Brazil nuts have high concentrations of selenium has to do with Brazil’s soil properties. A 2017 study examined the soil near Brazil nut trees in the Amazon rainforest and revealed that the trees were surrounded by soil with high selenium concentrations 7 .

Are Brazil nuts healthy?

Brazil nuts contain the highest concentration of selenium of any food consumed by humans. Since high selenium levels can pose health risks, Brazil nuts should be eaten with care. Research shows that you can enjoy the health benefits of Brazil nuts by eating just four kernels at one time.

Selenium-rich Brazil nuts References

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