brazil nuts

[JMJ]

I know they're the best source of selenium, but I've heard some other conflicting information. I've heard that they're really high in phytic acid but that you're not supposed to soak them. Is there something else you're supposed to do, or is the amount in 1 or 2 nuts not enough to make a difference? Is the phytic acid just in the peel like with many other nuts? If I scrape it off, is that better? I also heard that they go rancid. I can only find them in local stores already shelled. Should I refrigerate them and buy them in small amounts? How do you buy and treat your brazil nuts?

[FairyRae]

I store them in the freezer. I've read the same thing a/b not soaking. But I don't know any more a/b it. Interested to read more!

[JMJ]

Hmmm... the freezer could be a good idea. It seems strange to take such good care of them after they've been sitting in a clear plastic bulk bin for who knows how long. Also, my 17 month old really likes them. How much is it safe to feed her? I've been letting her have 1/2 nut/day.

[MamaMamaMama!]

My understanding is that up to one nut a day for kids would be fine but that any more than that would be just way too much selenium. For a toddler 1/2 a nut sounds about right on to me.

I do understand that they are also very high in copper, which means that they can deplete your body of zinc. For someone who is zinc deficient or high in copper they would probably want to keep brazil nuts to a minimum, or somehow compensate otherwise with high-zinc foods.