Brazil nuts are actually edible seeds from the Brazil nut tree – they can be eaten raw or blanched. The nuts grow inside a round, coconut-like shell in segments of about 12-20 Brazil nuts. These unusual-looking nuts are Brazil nuts, and they come from the Bertholletia excelsa tree, which grows in the Amazon rainforest. The trees produce fairly large, hard-shelled fruits that resemble coconuts, which contain anywhere from 10 to 24 edible seeds.
In 2020, global production of Brazil nuts (in shells) was 69,658 tonnes, most of which derive from wild harvests in tropical forests, especially the Amazon regions of Brazil and Bolivia which produced 92% of the world total. Bolivia, Brazil and Peru are currently the main Brazil Nuts producing countries. Brazil nuts are marketed shelled and unshelled.
Shortcakes, coffee cakes, pound cakes, fruitcakes, and brownies can be prepared using Brazil nuts as the primary ingredient. A part of Brazilian cuisine is Brazil nut cake, as are other foods made with Brazil nuts.
Brazil nuts are nutritional powerhouses providing healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re exceptionally high in selenium, a mineral with potent antioxidant properties that’s also good for thyroid, brain, and heart health.
Doctors advise eating no more than five Brazil nuts a day to avoid potential health risks like selenium toxicity. This condition is linked to breathing problems, heart issues, and kidney failure. If you’re already taking a selenium supplement, avoid Brazil nuts to make sure you don’t get too much selenium.
Regular consumption of this nut can prevent various types of cancer such as head, neck, liver, breast, esophagus, skin, prostate, colorectal, lung, bladder and blood cancers. Moreover, the top 8 health benefits of Brazil Nuts are…
1. Rich in the mineral selenium.
2. Source of mono-unsaturated fat.
3. Good for the brain.
4. May support healthy cholesterol levels.
5. Good for thyroid health.
6. Strong anti-inflammatory properties.
7. May support mood balance.
8. May support the immune system.
