A HANDFUL of Brazil nuts a day can reduce the risk of eight types of cancer by up to 76 per cent, scientists said yesterday.
They are full of the mineral selenium, which can help prevent cancer of the liver, lung, stomach, prostate, pancreas, brain, kidney and oesophagus by blocking the formation of tumours.
Selenium also fights tumours once they appear, improving the chances of survival.
Dr Margaret Rayman of the University of Surrey told the British Association Festival of Science people should aim for a daily intake of about 200 micrograms of the mineral.
That cuts risk by 46 per cent in the case of lung cancer and 76 per cent for prostate cancer.
Other sources are liver, kidney and shellfish.