How Many Brazil Nuts Are Radiation Poisoning?

Consuming two to three Brazil nuts per day is unlikely to pose a health risk; however, eating 50 or more nuts a day may cause radiation toxicity.

Brazil nuts have a high amount of natural radionuclide, making them 1000 times more radioactive than other foods. They consist of a significant amount of radium that contributes to their radioactivity.

Brazil nuts (especially the ones grown in Brazil) grow on trees that have deep roots, which reach into the soil to produce high amounts of natural radium, a source of radiation.

The radiation is measured in Sievert, and microSievert is used for hourly radiation exposure. MilliSievert (mSv) is used for annual exposure. Exposure to 100 mSv of radiation a year can increase cancer risk in people.

• If the annual consumption of Brazil nuts amounts to 52 ounces per year (one or two nuts of four grams each), the radiation exposure reaches up to 0.27 mSv.
• This value does not pose a health risk to the person consuming it, which means eating two to three nuts a day poses no health hazard.
• However, eating about 50 nuts a day may cause toxicity.

Furthermore, consuming too many Brazil nuts can lead to selenium poisoning over time, resulting in the following symptoms:

• Garlic breath
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Discolored teeth
• Brittle hair or nails
• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Loss of hair or nails
• Nervous system disorders