Due to its excellent taste and rich nutritional value, the Brazil nut is known as the "King of Nuts." It contains 14% protein, 11% carbohydrates, and 67% fat. Among nut foods, the Brazil nut has the highest saturated fat content, with even more saturated fat than the macadamia nut.
In addition, Brazil nuts are also rich in selenium, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin E, carotene, and more. Their calcium, phosphorus, and iron content are also higher than other nuts. The Brazil nut is the plant with the highest known content of organic selenium, containing 1917 micrograms of selenium per 100g.
The recommended daily selenium intake for Chinese people is 60 micrograms, and the daily intake should not exceed 400 micrograms. Eating 1-2 Brazil nuts per day is sufficient to supplement selenium, and you don't have to worry about the effects of radioactive substances at all. Moreover, it has multiple effects such as enhancing brain memory, promoting glutathione synthesis, and protecting the liver from alcohol damage.
If you eat a large number of Brazil nuts at once, excessive selenium intake can lead to selenium poisoning. Symptoms of acute selenium poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, garlic breath, hair and nail loss, rashes, and peripheral neuritis. In severe cases, respiratory disorders and respiratory failure can occur.
According to the acute toxicity classification, selenium is classified as highly toxic. Therefore, even though Brazil nuts are rich in nutrients, they should be eaten in moderation.