Macadamia Nuts – health benefits

From a whole-body perspective, macadamia nuts have a lot to offer.

Macadamia nuts are a tree nut native to Australia, but now are grown in different areas of the world, including Hawaii and parts of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Macadamia nuts have a mild, butter-like flavor.

Macadamia nuts can be eaten raw or used in recipes. While high in fat, macadamia nuts contain primarily monounsaturated fat, which is the heart-healthy type of fat that can help reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

According to The antioxidants and flavonoids in macadamia nuts also help fight inflammation and reduce cellular damage. They also contain tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E), which may help protect against some types of cancer and brain diseases

Macadamia nuts are high in healthy fats and may help those trying to lose weight. One serving of macadamia nuts also contains dietary fiber, protein, manganese, thiamin, and a good amount of copper.

1.Lower heart disease risk

Studies have found that eating tree nuts, including macadamia nuts, can lower the risk factors for heart disease.

Macadamia nuts can lower your total and LDL cholesterol levels. A 2015 review of six studies found that macadamia nuts helped decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels and helping with inflammation and oxidative stress (causes damage to cells).

 2. Reduced risk of diabetes

Research suggests that macadamia nuts may help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, which can also help reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome. A 2014 meta-analysis also found that tree nuts help improve the glycemic control of people with diabetes, which may be due to a combination of fiber, monounsaturated fats, and other nutrients

3. Support digestive health

The soluble fiber in macadamia nuts may work like a prebiotic to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut as well as improve your digestive health. Prebiotics may also help reduce inflammation and provide some assistance with irritable bowel syndrome and other similar conditions, although more research is needed.

Macadamia nuts and their oil are some of the richest sources of palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fat also called omega-7.

4. They stave off hunger

Macadamia nuts contain protein, high amounts of beneficial fats, and fiber. Together, these nutrients can help a person feel full for longer. The fat takes longer to digest, and protein and fiber help prevent large blood sugar changes that can make a person feel hungry.

The amount of fiber and protein found in macadamia nuts may reduce feelings of hunger and help you feel full, which may support weight loss. A study among healthy Japanese women found that women who ate macadamia nuts lost some weight after three weeks compared to those who ate coconut or butter.

Thanks. Rebecca

Chief Concoction Officer – Red Sky Foods Group