A new study suggests that snacking on Brazil nuts daily may improve gut health, especially in overweight or obese women.
Researchers found that eating two Brazil nuts a day helped reduce inflammation and slightly improved intestinal permeability, commonly known as “leaky gut.” These benefits are likely due to selenium, a powerful antioxidant found in Brazil nuts that helps control inflammation. The study involved 46 women on a calorie-controlled diet over eight weeks, with only the group eating Brazil nuts showing these health improvements.
However, the researchers caution that consuming too much selenium can be harmful, so moderation is key. More studies with diverse participants are needed to confirm the findings.