Brazil nuts can be said to be healthier than walnuts, but only in small quantities. They have a poor proportion of omega fats, plus a very high amount of selenium, which means they are not healthy in large doses. It's also easy to see that there is less protein in Brazil nuts than in walnuts. Brazil nuts come from the South American tree Bertholletia excelsa, or Brazil nut.
They are a good source of healthy fat, protein, fiber and selenium. Known for their high selenium content, Brazil nuts are actually the richest known food source of this vital nutrient. Selenium is an essential mineral and antioxidant needed daily to maintain a healthy immune system. In fact, a single Brazil nut can contain 68-91mcg of selenium, easily reaching the recommended daily allowance of 60-75 mcg.
When it comes to Brazil nuts, less is more. They are high in calories and fat, which can lead to unwanted weight gain if you eat too much. Scientists said that all nuts have good nutritional qualities, but walnuts are healthier than peanuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios. Given their impressive nutritional profile, it's no surprise that Brazil nuts have become so popular.
If this wasn't enough reason to eat nuts, Harvard researchers conducted a 30-year study in which they found that nuts reduce mortality by 15 percent when eaten five to six times a week, and by 20 percent when eaten more than seven times a week. Here's what you need to know about nutrition, benefits, risks, and how to properly prepare and store them. In addition to healthy fats, nuts also contain fiber, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Previous research has shown that regular consumption of small amounts of nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
It's important to note that nut allergies and other food allergies can develop later in life. 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. Walnuts are the healthiest of all nuts and should be consumed more as part of a healthy diet, say US scientists. Consuming a large amount of Brazil nuts or supplements with too much selenium can have serious health implications.
Not only are almonds one of the most readily available nuts to snack on, but those with dairy sensitivities also tend to turn to almond milk. Like other tree nuts, due to their healthy composition of fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber content, Brazil nuts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol. Alternatively, they can use chopped Brazil nuts as a nutritious dressing for oatmeal, salads, or even brownies. A 1-ounce serving of Brazil nuts contains 25-33% of the RDA of magnesium, which plays an important role in bone density.
While little research has been done to analyze the direct effect of Brazil nut on specific thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves disease, some evidence has shown improvements in mood and immune function after selenium supplementation. If you're inclined to buy Brazil nuts in shell, keep in mind that some shells can find a poisonous toxin called aflatoxin, says Dandrea-Russert. Trees produce fairly large, hard-shelled fruits that resemble coconuts, containing 10 to 24 edible seeds. .