What Happens If You Eat Too Many Brazil Nuts?

Extremely high level of Brazil nuts can cause a condition known as selenosis
Extremely high level of Brazil nuts can cause a condition known as selenosis

Brazil nuts have an elevated amount of selenium (68-91 mcg per nut), and having too many Brazil nuts can cause the body selenium to increase above the acceptable limit. Too much selenium over time can lead to

  • Garlic breath.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Irritability.
  • Discolored teeth.
  • Brittle hair or nails.
  • Nausea.
  • Skin rashes.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Loss of hair or nails.
  • Nervous system disorders.

Extremely high level of Brazil nuts can cause a condition known as selenosis, which is characterized by

What are Brazil nuts?

Brazil nuts are acquired from the Bertholletia excelsa tree grown widely in the Amazon forests. The tree produces comparatively large hard-shelled fruits resembling coconuts that contain anywhere from 10 to 24 edible seeds. They have a buttery taste and can be added to salads and cakes or just munched on after roasting.

Other nutrients in Brazil nuts include:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin E
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Phosphorous
  • Zinc

What are the health benefits of Brazil nuts?

There are several health benefits of Brazil nuts due to the presence of high nutrients, which include:

  • Maintaining healthy thyroid function
  • Reducing the risk of heart disease
  • Improving blood sugar level in people with diabetes
  • Lowering inflammation to reduce the risk of various diseases
  • Maintaining bone health
  • Reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
References
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-brazil-nuts#1

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-Consumer/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/why-nutritionists-are-crazy-about-nuts