The scientific name of the Brazil nut is Bertholletia excelsa. These nuts are unique in several respects. It is one of the longest and largest trees in the Amazon rainforest. The Brazil nut is a South American tree in the family Lecythidaceae. These nuts are not the most widely consumed of all nuts. Brazil nuts are also known as Amazon nuts.
Color: Brazil nut is a clay beige with a khaki undertone and a mid-tone. It is the best paint color for interior walls anywhere.
Shape: Brazil nuts are semi-circular and bulbous in shape. These nuts are covered with an extremely thin rust-brown colored skin. The textured shells are deep brown and have three ridged edges. The nut has typically large patches of thin, reddish brown skin which is perfectly edible.
Size: Brazil nut is a hard-woody shell about 8-12 mm thick, which contains 8 to 24 wedge-shaped seeds of 4-5 cm long. Brazil nuts are relatively large, possibly weighing as much as 2 kg in total weight.
Flavor: Brazil nuts have dense oily meat with a sturdy crunch. Their flavor is buttery and somewhat similar to coconut. Brazil nuts take on a warm, toasty aroma when roasted. This nut has a mild flavor.
Nutrients
Brazil nuts are incredibly nutritious and easy to enjoy in several recipes. These are perfectly edible. 100 grams of Brazil nuts contain
- Calories 656
- Total fat 66 g
- Total carbohydrate 12 g
- Potassium 659 mg
- Protein 14 g
- Dietary fiber 8 g
- Sugar 2.3 g
- Vitamin D 0%
- Sodium 3 mg
- Magnesium 94%
- Vitamin D 0%
- Vitamin B6 5%
- Iron 13%
| How to grow Brazil nuts? |
Healthy Benefits of Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain an incredible amount of nutrients and minerals including selenium. They may also support your thyroid functioning and overall health.
Rich in selenium
Additionally, they have higher concentrations of magnesium, copper, and zinc although the climate and soil are two major factors upon which the exact amount of nutrients is dependent. They contain more of this mineral than any other nut with an average of 96 mcg per nut. The daily value of selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults. This average Brazil nut contains 175% of the required amount of this mineral. Selenium is a trace element that is vital for proper body functioning. Selenium has been linked to enhanced immune function and better outcomes for cancer, infertility, pregnancy infection, and heart disease.
Aids with thyroid disorders
Selenium may improve symptoms in people who have thyroid disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which thyroid tissue is gradually destroyed leading to hyperthyroidism. Its symptoms are fatigue weight gain and feeling, weight gain, and feeling cold. Moreover, grave disease is a thyroid disorder in which too much thyroid hormone is produced. Its symptoms are weakness, sleep problems, and bulging eyes.
Supplementing with selenium may improve thyroid functions and delay the progression of some symptoms.
Reduce inflammation
There are certain substances in brazil nuts that are called antioxidants that help your body’s cells be healthy. They do this by combating damage caused by reactive molecules called free radicals. Brazil nut contains several antioxidants including vitamin E, selenium, and phenols like Gallic acid and ellagic acid.
Selenium increases the level of an enzyme known as glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) which helps your body from oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.
Good for your heart
Brazil nuts contain heart-healthy fatty acids such as polyunsaturated fats and are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibers all of which may help lower your risk of heart disease.
Good for your brain
Brazil nuts contain ellagic acid and selenium. Ellagic acid is a type of polyphenol in Brazil nuts. It may have protective and antidepressant effects on your brain because it has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium may also play an important role in brain health. Low selenium levels are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Boost your testosterone levels
Brazil nuts can boost your testosterone levels. Boosted testosterone will improve sperm production.
Side effects of Brazil Nuts
Eating too many Brazil nuts may lead to toxic levels of selenium in the body which is extremely harmful and may cause such symptoms:
- Nerve pain
- Skin rashes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Bad breath
FAQ
What are the benefits of Brazil nuts?
Brazil nuts contain heart-healthy fatty acids such as polyunsaturated fats and are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibers, including vitamin E and phenols. Antioxidants can fight free radicals, which help your body experience less oxidative stress and inflammation. Reducing inflammation can help lower your chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
How many Brazil nuts should I eat per day?
One Brazil nut a day may be added to your diet with any meal of your choice, but no more than three should be consumed daily. Brazil nuts contain 70–100 mcg of selenium per nut, so remember moderation is the key.
