Brazil

Brazil nuts are large, nutrient-dense seeds from the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), native to South America. The nuts are harvested from the wild, typically in rainforests of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. They are encased in a hard, woody shell and are often sold shelled and roasted.

Brazil nuts are primarily consumed as a whole food snack, either raw or roasted, and are a popular ingredient in mixed nuts, trail mixes, and baked goods like cookies and cakes. They can also be used to make Brazil nut butter or milk.

Brazil nuts are a natural source of selenium, a mineral essential for thyroid function and immune health. The FDA recognizes selenium as a nutrient. Due to their high selenium content, consuming a large number of Brazil nuts in one sitting can exceed recommended intake levels. JECFA has evaluated Brazil nuts and found them to be safe for consumption. There are no widespread controversies regarding their consumption at typical levels.