You’re probably well aware that nuts have exceptional nutritional properties. Almonds, hazelnuts, cashews: they’re all high on the list of nutritionists’ favourite anti-inflammatory foods . That said, it’s entirely possible that you may be missing out on one of the nut world’s most nutrient-packed superstars: Brazil nuts.
Rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, Brazil nuts are one of the most nutritious nuts around. Recently, they've started to gain popularity on TikTok thanks to wellness, paleo, and keto influencers who say that eating just a few Brazil nuts a day can improve everything from hair thickness to skin quality. Here, a look at why you may want to consider adding Brazil nuts to your daily diet, too – with advice on exactly how many you should eat each day to get the maximum health benefits.
(Spoiler: no more than a few!) What are Brazil nuts? Brazil nuts are actually the large seeds of the Bertholletia excelsa , a tree native to the Amazon rainforest. This tree – which can reach heights of up to 165 feet – grows in South American countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and, of course, Brazil. Most of the Brazil nuts we eat, however, come from Bolivia, one of the world’s largest Brazil nut exporters.
Fun fact: the seeds actually grow in a coconut-like fruit and are extracted and dried before being sold. They even have a buttery flavour and dense texture similar to coconut. The health benefits of Brazil nuts Brazil.