Brazil nuts Benefits, Side-effects, and Uses

Have you heard about the Brazil nut before? Due to amazing health benefits and the ability to boost overall physical and cognitive wellness, individuals from all over the world are adding these wonderful delights, Brazil nuts, to their routine diet.

The blog provides a brief about what are Brazil nuts benefits, precautions, and side effects in the most understandable and easy manner. So, without any further ado, let’s start !!

What are Brazil Nuts?

Brazil nuts are the edible seeds of one of the largest trees of the Amazon forest. The scientific name of it is Bertholletia excelsa. But commonly, we call it a Brazil nut.

In India, Brazil nuts in Hindi are known as Trikonphal. Unlike others, these seeds are not grown; they are imported from other countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. One can easily find these readily available in markets. Often referred to as nuts due to the name, but in reality, Brazil nuts are actually seeds found in a woody fruit.

What do Brazil nuts taste like?

When it comes to taste, Brazil nuts are a bliss for the tongue. The admirers say that Brazil nuts have a rich, buttery flavor. On the opposite side, some people say they taste earthy or woody. However, if we talk about the texture, then they bit firm, crunchy, and creamy. In addition to being highly delicious, Brazil nuts are also a good source of several minerals and nutrients.

Brazil nuts price in India

Well, the price of Brazil nuts can be different, depending on the quality, quantity, and vendor you are opting for. However, one can easily get 100 grams of Brazil nuts for within 1,000 rupees in India. Although in big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, these seeds can be purchased via outlets or markets. However, if these seeds are not available in your nearby markets, then you can also purchase Brazil nuts online.

Brazil nuts nutrition

Don’t underestimate Brazil nuts by their tiny size, as they contain the following nutritional content:

187 Calories
4 grams of Protein
19 grams of Fat 
(Allocation = 4.5g Saturated, 7g monounsaturated, 7g polyunsaturated)
3 grams of Carbohydrates
2 grams of Fiber
543 micrograms of Selenium
107 milligrams of Magnesium
0.49 milligrams of Copper
0.35 milligrams of Manganese
206 milligrams of Phosphorus
1.15 milligrams of Zinc
0.18 milligrams of Thiamine
1.6 milligrams of Vitamin E
187 milligrams of Potassium
0.69 milligrams of Iron
45 milligrams of Calcium

Brazil Nuts Benefits

There are a number of health benefits associated with Brazil nuts. But you need to use them as per the dosage and quantity desired by the experts. Below are some potential benefits of Brazil nuts that can improve your overall health:

• Helpful for thyroid patients: Brazil nuts are a wonderful source of Selenium. It is a vital mineral for the production and functioning of thyroid hormone. By converting underactive hormones into active hormones, and protects the thyroid gland from possible damage.
  Patients who are dealing with thyroid issues, especially Hypothyroidism, should surely add these wonderful nuts in order to get rid of their problem.
  
  
• Boosts your immune power: Brazil nuts are a good combination of selenium, zinc, and Vitamin E, which all together help your immune system. The routine intake of Brazil nuts will help your body to fight off viral and bacterial infections.
  
  
• Promote heart health: Patients with poor cardiovascular health can also add Brazil nuts to their diet, as they are quite beneficial to the betterment of heart health.
  Firstly, Brazil nuts contain healthy fats, which are the “good fats”. These help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and enhance HDL (good cholesterol) in the body. Additionally, these seeds are also a good source of antioxidants like selenium & Vitamin E, through which it is possible to reduce inflammation as well as the risk of heart disease.
  
  
• Supports brain functioning: The studies have proven that lower levels of selenium are linked with many cognitive concerns. But Brazil nuts, being a powerhouse of selenium, not only reduce these mental issues but also improve the overall brain health and functioning.
  Ellegic acid, which is a compound with wonderful anti-inflammatory effects, is also found in Brazil nuts, through which the brain can be protected from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  
  
• Good for nails: When consumed in desired amounts (ideally 1-3), Brazil nuts can help improve nail formation and growth. Selenium and Vitamin E combat that inflammation that may adversely affect nail health. By making your nails strong and shiny, these nuts will also reduce the risk of brittleness or premature falling.
  
  
• Aids weight management: It may be a bit shocking that Brazil nuts, irrespective of their high calorie and fat content, can be in reality, support weight control. Yes! It’s true.
  The fiber and protein present in these seeds will make you feel full, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods. Also, selenium plays a role in metabolism, which helps the body burn calories more efficiently.
  
  
• Helpful for skin: If you are making a diet that can help to improve your skin health and texture, then for sure add Brazil nuts to it. Their nutrient-rich profile protects the skin from possible damage and also reduces the signs of aging.
  The individuals who have added Brazil nuts to their diet have shown low or no fine lines, wrinkles, and even problems such as acne and pimples.
  
  
• Reduces risk of diabetes: As mentioned quite a few times that Brazil nuts are the powerhouse of selenium, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.
  In addition to selenium, many healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants are also present in Brazil nuts, which further contribute to better blood sugar management and metabolic health, resulting in reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• Bone health: One can also expect strong bones and overall enhanced joint density through the consumption of Brazil nuts. These nuts are high in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are crucial minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
  A statement by WebMD even reveals that just 1 ounce of Brazil nuts can fulfill about 25 to 30% of your daily magnesium requirement. The higher the magnesium, the higher the bone health, which eventually reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Brazil Nuts Side Effects 

Despite many benefits, here comes the part that many people don’t know. Yes, there are also certain possible side effects associated with Brazil nuts, especially if you eat too many. These mainly include:

1. Gastrointestinal issues

2. Nausea

3. Skin rashes

4. Brittle nails

5. Hair loss

6. Garlic-like odor from the mouth

7. Brain fog or tiredness

8. Irritability

9. Weak nervous system

10.  Unexplained weight gain

11.  Chest pain or trouble breathing

12.  Allergic reactions

Note: It is possible for certain people to be allergic to Brazil nuts, and even a single nut can trigger their condition. So, it is better to avoid these nuts if you have any kind of allergy. Additionally, if you are dealing with any disease or health concern, then it is also advised to kindly ask your doctor or dietician whether Brazil nuts are suitable for you or not.

Precautions for Eating Brazil Nuts

Despite being helpful for many health problems, Brazil nuts are not always good. There are certain precautions that you need to follow

Takeaway

Every single bite of your meal makes a difference. Now, it’s up to you, whatever you want to fuel your body with healthy foods like Brazil nuts, or stick to your old dietary regimen, and continue to experience different health problems.