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Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds: Difference, Benefits, More

This article explains the key similarities and differences between brazil nuts and chia seeds, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the brazil nuts vs chia seeds comparison.
Dennis Gillett, Health & Fitness Writer

Written by Dennis Gillett, Health & Fitness Writer. Updated on January 6, 2023.

Brazil Nuts and chia seeds belong to the nuts and seeds food group, an important group for a healthy diet, as they provide a wide range of essential nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we’ll put a spotlight on brazil nuts and chia seeds and compare their similarities and differences.

They both provide a variety of nutrients and are relatively high in calories, like other nuts and seeds.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) are a type of nut that is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America.

These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, and are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Brazil nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate Brazil nuts into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Brazil nuts are also available in a variety of forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Brazil nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. They are often sold roasted or raw, and can be purchased with or without the shell.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving Brazil nuts a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Brazil Nuts are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin E.

They also contain Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) in a small amount.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are small, black seeds that come from the chia plant, which is native to Central and South America.

These seeds have gained popularity recently as a health food due to their high fiber and nutrient content.

Chia seeds have a slightly nutty and slightly earthy flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.

They can be added to a variety of dishes, including smoothies, cereals, and baked goods, or used as a topping for salads and other dishes.

Chia seeds are also available in oil form, which can be used in cooking or as a salad dressing.

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.

They are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Overall, chia seeds are a nutritious and versatile food that can be a valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

If you’re looking to add more fiber, protein, and healthy fats to your diet, consider giving chia seeds a try. They are versatile, nutritious, and may have a variety of health benefits.

Chia Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing brazil nuts vs chia seeds.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of brazil nuts and chia seeds and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral contents.

Brazil NutsChia Seeds
Energy659 kcal486 kcal
Carbs11.74 g42.1 g
Fiber7.5 g34.4 g
Protein14.32 g16.5 g
Fat67.1 g30.7 g
Saturated Fat16.134 g3.33 g

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for brazil nuts and chia seeds, so you should consume them in moderation.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a proper serving is one ounce, which is roughly equal to 1/4 cup or 28 grams.

To keep the portions under control, the amounts correspond to one serving size: 14 walnut halves, 16 cashews, 24 almonds, 28 peanuts, or 45 pistachios.

Comparing chia seeds vs brazil nuts for weight loss, chia seeds are slightly lower in calories, with 136 calories per serving, compared to 185 calories per serving of brazil nuts.

However, both brazil nuts and chia seeds can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s just important to eat them in moderation.

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Protein

Nuts and seeds, including brazil nuts and chia seeds, are an important source of plant-based protein.

Chia Seeds offer around 13% more protein than brazil nuts.

Chia Seeds have 16.5 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 4.6g per serving), while brazil nuts have 14.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 4g per serving).

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in brazil nuts and chia seeds.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 72% higher in chia seeds than in brazil nuts. They have 42.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 11.7 grams in brazil nuts.

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There’s less sugar in chia seeds than in brazil nuts, 100% precisely.

One handful of chia seeds (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of brazil nuts contains 0.7 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in brazil nuts and chia seeds.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 9.6 grams of fiber per portion, chia seeds are a better source of fiber than brazil nuts which offer 2.1 grams per portion.

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Fats

Like the other nuts and seeds, fats in brazil nuts and chia seeds are a great source of healthy unsaturated fats, naturally cholesterol free, and free of trans fats.

Total fat in brazil nuts and chia seeds:

  • Brazil Nuts: 67.1 grams per 100 grams
  • Chia Seeds: 30.7 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, chia seeds are 80% lower in saturated fats.

Chia Seeds and brazil nuts contain 3.3 grams and 16.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of brazil nuts and chia seeds.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Brazil Nuts have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

However, chia seeds have a higher amount of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin E.

Brazil Nuts and chia seeds contain the same amount of vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins brazil nuts and chia seeds contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Brazil NutsChia Seeds
Vitamin A054 IU
Vitamin C0.7 mg1.6 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.617 mg0.62 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.035 mg0.17 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)0.295 mg8.83 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.184 mg0
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.101 mg0
Vitamin B9 (Folate)22 µg49 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E5.65 mg0.5 mg
Vitamin K00

Brazil Nuts vs Chia Seeds Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the brazil nuts and chia seeds comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Brazil Nuts are a better source of calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc than chia seeds.

On the other hand, chia seeds have a higher amount of copper, magnesium, potassium, and selenium.

Brazil Nuts and chia seeds contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how brazil nuts and chia seeds compare when it comes to mineral contents.

Brazil NutsChia Seeds
Calcium160 mg631 mg
Copper1.743 mg0.924 mg
Fluoride00
Iron2.43 mg7.72 mg
Magnesium376 mg335 mg
Manganese1.223 mg2.72 mg
Phosphorus725 mg860 mg
Potassium659 mg407 mg
Selenium1917 µg55.2 µg
Sodium3 mg16 mg
Zinc4.06 mg4.58 mg

The Final Word

Brazil Nuts and chia seeds are highly nutritious and excellent sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Although they are relatively high in calories, they are essential to a healthy, plant-based diet and are linked to many health benefits.

Both brazil nuts and chia seeds are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods, and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Sources

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