i Lead Recipes

Brazil nuts are 18% protein, 13% carbohydrates, and 69% fat. The saturated fat content of Brazil nuts is among the highest of all nuts, surpassing even macadamia nuts, and the nuts are pressed for their oil. Because of the resulting rich taste, Brazil nuts can often substitute for macadamia nuts or even coconut in recipes. Also due to their high fat content, shelled Brazil nuts soon become rancid. Nutritionally, Brazil nuts are a good source of magnesium and thiamine, and are perhaps the richest dietary source of selenium, although the amount of selenium within batches of nuts varies greatly. Recent research suggests that proper selenium intake is correlated with a reduced risk of both breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. This has led some commentators to recommend the consumption of Brazil nuts as a protective measure. These findings are inconclusive, however; other investigations into the effects of selenium on prostate cancer were inconclusive.

Filed under: 1 Nuts