Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are among the most efficient whole-food sources of selenium available. A single Brazil nut contains 68 to 91 micrograms of selenium, exceeding the 55 mcg daily value. One Brazil nut per day covers approximately 124 to 165 percent of the selenium daily value. Soaking Brazil nuts overnight and then drying them neutralizes phytic acid. Soaking Brazil nuts overnight is the recommended preparation method because it reduces phytic acid while preserving heat-sensitive nutrients. Brazil nuts are high in phytic acid, which blocks selenium absorption. Brazil nuts contain the highest phytic acid concentration of any nut. Eating raw, unsoaked Brazil nuts for their selenium content is largely self-defeating because phytic acid binds and prevents selenium absorption. Organic Brazil nuts are preferred because conventionally harvested nuts may be sprayed with chemicals post-harvest with no reliable label disclosure. Brazil nuts contain more selenium than any other food. Brazil nuts are widely considered one of the richest food sources of selenium.