The Maximum Amount Of Brazil Nuts You Can Safely Eat Each Day

Over the past several years, big bulky Brazil nuts have been slowly but surely sneaking their way into the American palette. You can find them in the aisles of Trader Joe's bolstering packs of mixed nuts and lining the elaborate acai bowls at your favorite breakfast cafe. But did you know that these seemingly harmless and unassuming nuts can actually jeopardize your health? 

 Brazil nuts are actually very healthy for you and they introduce a lot of essential nutrients into your body. Specifically, Brazil nuts are higher in selenium than most other foods, per WebMD. Selenium, which can be found in your Brazil nut and on the periodic table, ensures a healthy thyroid gland and subsequently improves your immune system. A healthy thyroid helps regulate your bodily functions and can help fight against things like cancer, heart disease, infections, and more. 

A recommended two Brazil nuts a day is a healthy number for most adults to help keep a happy thyroid and boost immune functions.

So how many nuts is too many nuts? According to Healthline, although selenium in trace amounts is beneficial, too much selenium can become toxic and begin to have adverse effects on the human body. While a little can go a long way when it comes to Brazil nuts and the selenium they contain, consuming too many Brazil nuts at once can become dangerous and detrimental to one's health.

In the case of Brazil nuts and their selenium content, it is recommended that adults eat no more than 5 nuts at a time as that will bring them to the maximum amount of selenium they should consume. WebMD outlines some signs of selenium toxicity to look out for, which include gastrointestinal problems, brittle hair and nails, joint pain, and tiredness, and reveals that in more serious cases, consumers have experienced kidney failure, heart failure, and heart attacks.