They are high in calories and fat, which can lead to unwanted weight gain if you eat too much. Eating too many Brazil nuts can also cause selenium toxicity. When it comes to Brazil nuts, more isn't necessarily better. People should limit their consumption of Brazil nuts to a few a day to avoid negative side effects.
Brazil nuts are high in calories and eating too much can cause selenium toxicity. Shall we start with the usual shocking thing? Brazil nuts can kill you. Just one Brazil nut contains twice the recommended daily allowance of selenium that our body requires and an overdose of selenium can have some very unpleasant side effects. Brazil nuts are also good for you.
When eating Brazil nuts, consider the other dietary sources of selenium you eat, such as fish, ham, beef, turkey, and eggs. In the case of Brazil nuts and their selenium content, it is recommended that adults consume no more than 5 nuts at a time, as this will bring them to the maximum amount of selenium they should consume. Researchers reported that the level of radioactivity of radium and barium in the fruit of the Brazil nut tree was two to four times higher than in other foods in the same region. The recommendation of two Brazil nuts a day is a healthy amount for most adults to help maintain a happy thyroid and boost immune functions.
There is speculation that the shortage of Brazil nuts may cause the prices of these nutritious nuts to increase considerably in the coming years. Alternatively, they can use chopped Brazil nuts as a nutritious dressing for oatmeal, salads, or even brownies. Brazil nuts contain 2 percent folate DV in six walnuts, especially important for pregnant women to prevent low birth weight and ensure the proper development of their baby. In recent years, large and bulky Brazil nuts have been slowly but surely making their way into the American palette.
A single Brazil nut contains 68 to 91 micrograms (mcg) of selenium, which means that just one nut per day can provide the recommended adult daily allowance of 55 mcg. Not only are they delicious and satiating, but Brazil nuts also have a long list of health benefits. Although beneficial in small amounts, Brazil nuts could cause selenium toxicity if a person regularly ingests them in large quantities. If you are allergic to nuts, avoid Brazil nut toxicity and do not consume any products that contain Brazil nuts, including oil and butter.
So how many nuts are too many? According to Healthline, although selenium in small amounts is beneficial, too much selenium can become toxic and begin to have adverse effects on the human body. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition reported that eating one Brazil nut a day for 8 weeks reduced total cholesterol and fasting glucose levels in healthy adults.