Health Warning: The Pros and Cons of Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are healthy due to their high mineral content, especially selenium. Despite their delicious flavor and soft texture, their consumption should be limited as they are naturally radioactive and can have high radium levels. "They can have around 1,000 times higher radium levels than the average of all radium-contaminated foods in Germany" - Consumer Center Bavaria. Additionally, they can develop toxic molds if stored improperly. Eating two Brazil nuts a day increases the intake of radionuclides by about half but is considered not harmful. The sustainability of Brazil nut production is also questioned as they grow wild in the rainforest and transportation routes cause significant CO₂ emissions