Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) contain the highest fat content of any tree nut, which is only one of the many reasons they’re so good for you. They are also fantastic organic food that provides health benefits to our body.
Macadamia nuts, like Brazil nuts, are actually a seed. The seeds are found in an extremely hard-shelled nut on a tropical evergreen tree. These are found natively in Australia. They are also mentioned as the Queensland nut, Bush nut, Maroochy nut, and bauble nut.
Macadamias are major commercial crops of Hawaii and South Africa. The world’s largest manufacturer of these nuts, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, founded their Hawaiian plantation in 1948.
These seeds are packed with incredible health benefits. Macadamia nuts are packed with micronutrients, plenty of vitamins and minerals in one serving.
Macadamia nuts are calorie-rich nuts that are elevated high in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. One ounce (28 grams) offers:
- Calories: 204
- Fat: 23 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Manganese: 58% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Thiamine: 22% of the DV
- Copper: 11% of the DV
- Magnesium: 9% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 5% of the DV
Brain Function Support
Myelin is the fatty coating around the neurons which is responsible for the long-term health of the brain. Palmitoleic acid is a major component of myelin. It’s an omega–7 fatty acid — incredibly rare, but are remarkably healthy. This is found in Macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts are also wealthy in copper and thiamine, both of which support brain function. Copper is needed to efficiently absorb and utilize iron, which in turn helps get oxygen to the brain, while thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy.
Heart Health
Palmitoleic fatty acids — the same fatty acids that protect your brain — can support a healthy heart. They have been connected to:
- Cardiovascular health
- Lower triglycerides
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved blood pressure
- Reduced lipid levels
Another monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic fatty acid, contributes to brain health by keeping blood pressure low and decreasing the risk of stroke.
Macadamia seeds are also rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that can balance cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular incidents. According to the study of the research, they have shown that macadamia nuts are beneficial to protect the heart from many heart diseases.
Supports In Weight Loss
Healthy fats may help reduce inflammation, one of the biggest contributors to weight gain. This high-fat food contains just 1.5 grams of net carbs per serving. Since studies have shown that low-carb diets are more effective than low-fat diets for weight loss, macadamia nuts are one of your best allies on a ketogenic diet.
Promote Disease Prevention
The healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants in the macadamia nuts make them a precious tool in disease elimination. The antioxidants in these seeds prevent and reduce cell damage caused by free radicals, which in turn helps in preventing various diseases.
Several studies published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrients have verified that eating nuts is linked to the prevention of several diseases.
Bone Health Support
Tree nuts like macadamia nuts are wealthy in nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. This specific combination of minerals is shown to prevent bone demineralization.
Help Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is linked to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, weight gain, and a host of other diseases. But regular nut consumption is linked to fighting inflammation. Magnesium is essential for optimum bone and teeth health, blood clotting, and sleep regulation. Magnesium deficiency plays an important part in chronic inflammation, which may lead to a higher risk of chronic disease.
The University of South Australia studies concluded that nuts have exponential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, by improving blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism.
Environmentally Sustainable
Macadamia trees begin producing nuts after only five to seven years and can produce for up to 100 years. That’s 100 years of soil being protected from erosion, nutrient depletion, and chemical bombardment.
Plus, macadamia nuts are often grown sustainably, making them a great go-to snack for eco-conscious consumers looking to replace or reduce almond snacking.
Macadamia nuts are loaded source of good fats, vitamins, and minerals. They pose many health benefits as have got to know in this article. People who are not allergic to macadamia nuts can enjoy them on a daily basis. The study of research has proven that they have the ability to protect the brain, reducing heart diseases and many other things. However, they are not magic bullets for treating health conditions without making other complimentary changes in lifestyle.