Why Brazil Nuts Are So Nutrient-Rich
Brazil nuts are particularly well known for their high selenium content.
Selenium is a trace mineral that the body needs for normal thyroid function, immune system activity, and protection of cells from oxidative damage.
One of the unusual features of Brazil nuts is how much selenium they can contain compared with many other foods. The amount can vary considerably depending on growing conditions, soil composition, and other factors, but even a small serving can provide a substantial amount of
the mineral.
Because Brazil nuts can be very high in selenium, eating large quantities regularly is not recommended. More is not necessarily better when it comes to this nutrient.
That unusually high selenium content is one reason a few Brazil nuts can be enough—so the next question is how much is reasonable to eat.
