Like most types of nuts, Brazil nuts are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. Their high density of nutrients, such as the mineral selenium, make them particularly attractive for health-conscious people. We will tell you why you should not overdo it with consumption.
The Brazil nut kernels, also known as Brazil nuts, come almost exclusively from Bolivia and Brazil, since certain types of bees in the rainforest are necessary for pollination. Not only because of their taste, but also because of the numerous nutrients they contain, they are now very popular in Germany and can be found in every supermarket. In the following you will find out which ingredients make the Brazil nut particularly healthy, but also what dangers there are with excessive consumption.
Table of Contents
These 3 things happen when you eat Brazil nuts on a daily basis
1. They meet your nutritional needs
Like walnuts, almonds & co., the Brazil nut kernels are also real nutrient packages that conveniently cover several macro and micronutrients. They shine with a high protein content of approx. 15 percent and large amounts of health-promoting unsaturated fatty acids. But the vitamins and minerals are not neglected either. With notable levels of vitamin E , magnesium, iron and zinc , the nut kernels are a valuable source of nutrients, especially for vegans and vegetarians. Brazil nuts are also the food with the highest selenium content – a factor that is not insignificant in Europe, since European soils are very low in selenium. However, the micronutrient can also be dangerous if overdosed.
2. You could get selenium poisoning
It is true that in Europe, due to the selenium-poor soils, there may be an undersupply of the mineral in certain population groups . Nevertheless, a selenium deficiency is a rarity in a balanced diet. Oversupply with selenium through overconsumption of Brazil nuts and, above all, through high-dose dietary supplements seems to be much more likely. The so-called therapeutic range of the mineral is very small – even slightly exceeding the daily recommended amounts can lead to an overdose. Since the selenium content of Brazil nuts is subject to very strong fluctuations according to studies , the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends Eat a maximum of two Brazil nuts per day . A selenium overdose can cause diarrhea, hair loss, brittle nails, tooth decay and cardiac insufficiency, which is why independent supplementation without medical supervision is strictly discouraged.
3. Your exposure to radiation increases
Unfortunately, Brazil nuts also absorb another critical substance through their thin root network – namely the radionuclide radium . Small doses of radioactive substances also occur in many other foods. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) , German citizens receive an average annual exposure of 300 microsieverts through their diet. However, the daily consumption of just two Brazil nuts over the year results in an additional burden of 160 microsieverts . However, the BfS emphasizes that this radiation dose is still harmless.
