Brazil nuts are harvested from the 200 ft. Brazil nut tree, which as their name suggests, is located in the Brazilian rain forest. Like all nuts, they are high in calories, but rich in a variety of nutrients. In moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet.
Calories
Brazil nuts are a calorie-dense food, as they contain 186 calories per ounce, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is roughly the same as many other nuts, as cashews provide 163 calories per ounce, almonds provide 164 calories per ounce and macadamia nuts provide 203 calories per ounce.
Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat
Brazil nuts are an appropriate food for a low-carbohydrate diet, as they provide only 3 g of carbohydrates per 1 oz. serving. Of all the nuts, the are the lowest in carbohydrates. They also provide 4 g of protein and 19 g of fat, over 4 g of which is saturated. Of all the commonly consumed nuts, Brazil nuts are the highest in saturated fat, according to the Center for Human Nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Vitamins and Minerals
If you want to increase your intake of selenium, Brazil nuts will help you do so, as they provide 780 percent of the daily value for this mineral, which may increase immune response and the development of some cancers, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Brazil nuts also provide 25 percent of the daily allowance for magnesium, and contain healthy amounts of zinc, copper, and manganese in addition to small amounts of the B vitamins.
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