Brazil nut
What it is
Brazil nuts are edible nuts. The table uses dried, unblanched kernels and highlights selenium because its concentration requires more care than a simple high-is-better comparison.
What it does
The historical reference contains 1920 micrograms of selenium per 100 g. Selenium is used in proteins involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defenses; this normal biological role does not establish a treatment benefit.
Research context and ingredient forms
NIH notes that Brazil-nut selenium varies substantially with growing conditions. The reference average cannot be used to assign an exact selenium dose to an individual nut.
Using this information
Treat the 100 g column as a comparison basis, not a suggested serving. Consider selenium from supplements as well as food rather than using a handful of nuts as a precise replacement dose.
Considerations
Frequent large intakes can provide excessive selenium. Brazil nuts are also a tree-nut allergen. A personal selenium dosing plan needs qualified guidance.
Food sources and composition
| Nutrient | Amount and serving basis | Food and source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 659 kcal per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Protein | 14.3 g per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Total lipid (fat) | 67.1 g per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 11.7 g per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Fiber, total dietary | 7.5 g per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 376 mg per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Potassium, K | 659 mg per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Sodium, Na | 3 mg per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Selenium, Se | 1920 µg per 100 g edible portion | Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched; Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
Scientific Research & References
- Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched
2019 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical food/preparation-specific composition, not a current brand label or clinical-outcome estimate.
Source assessment recorded.
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy Release: Documentation
2018 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical dataset; values may be analytical, calculated, imputed, or assumed zero. Not clinical-outcome evidence.
Source assessment recorded.
- Selenium: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Limitations: Supports only the stated food identity or normal nutrient role; not proof of a food-specific treatment benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
- Food Allergies
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Limitations: Used for major-allergen identification and label awareness; not an individual allergy diagnosis.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.