Eat just 1 of these Nuts a Day….
Having just visited the beautiful country of Brazil, I couldn’t help but enjoy some of their heart healthiest nuts. Brazil nuts are naturally high in the mineral selenium, a powerful antioxidant that reduces cellular aging and promotes metabolic (i.e. thyroid) health.
Each Brazil nut contains on average 60-90 micrograms of selenium and provides the recommended amount (55 micrograms) to fulfill your daily requirement. I recommend 1-3 Brazil nuts each day for my patients. It is important to keep in mind that eating more than this amount each day too can be a problem. First, Brazil nuts (like other nuts/seeds) are heavily caloric, just 3 Brazil nuts add ~100 calories. The other principal concern is the potential risk of selenium toxicity that may occur at high consumption rates (usually more than 5 Brazil nuts daily).
Bottom Line: Eat just 1 Brazil nut a day for continued good health!
Michael Miller, MD is author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.
Michael Miller, MD
MASPC, FACC, FAHA, FNLA
Dr. Miller is a leading cardiologist and heart health expert whose pioneering research on positive emotions, diet, and physical activity supports the integration of all three modalities for optimal vascular health.