Many of the health benefits of Brazil nuts come from their high selenium content. Although beneficial in small amounts, Brazil nuts can cause selenium toxicity if a person eats them regularly in large quantities.
Eating just one nut from Brazil will put you above the recommended daily value and contribute 137 percent. Brazil nuts have been found to contain barium in varying concentrations, depending on geographical location. Due to soil and other factors, the amount of selenium in Brazil nuts varies slightly depending on where they were grown. More than 1 billion people worldwide may be deficient in selenium (Se), and supplementing with SE-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency.
P-values for positive (+) and negative (−) correlations between nutrient concentrations in batches of Brazil nuts. This study analyzed the variation in Se concentration, the location of Se tissue and chemical speciation, and the relationship between Se and other nutrients in 26 seeds in two batches of Brazil nuts available on the market, 13 seeds per batch. Brazil nuts also provide the 20 percent DV phosphorous needed for healthy skin, hair, bones, and teeth. The world's largest commercial nut producer in Brazil, comprising more than 1.2 million trees, is located in the Manaus region of the state of Amazonas. Variations in Se concentration and correlations of this element with other nutrients were found in two batches of nuts on the market.
In addition, it would be useful to include the geographical origin of the Brazilian nut in the package and, ideally, the Se concentration of the specific batch, with an indication of the% recommended daily dose of Se. Brazil nuts, also an important source of copper, providing 25 percent of daily vitamins for every six kernels, can protect the brain, support the immune system and contribute to bone density. Therefore, the amount of Se provided by the recommended serving of 30 g of these two batches of Brazil nuts analyzed is 2 to 3.5 times greater than the maximum allowable daily intake of Se, and the Se of the portion size of batch A even exceeds the intake of Se associated with toxicity. Brazil nuts (especially those grown in Brazil) grow on trees with deep roots, which reach the ground to produce large amounts of natural radium, a radiation source.
According to the NIH, USDA, and bag labels for lots A and B, the commonly recommended serving size for Brazil nuts is ~ 30 g (which corresponds to 6 seeds). Alternatively, chopped Brazil nuts can be used as a nutritious topping for oatmeal, salads, or brownies. These findings are important for consumers and sellers because the products sold do not usually specify the Brazilian region of origin.
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