Sarah EatonWhen it comes to popular nuts, choices such as almonds or pecans may be at the top. However, the macadamia nut deserves a spotlight as well, both in taste and in nutrition! Macadamia nuts come from the macadamia tree, and boast such nutrients as vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, manganese and folate. Furthermore, macadamia nuts contain protein, healthy fats and antioxidants. And macadamia nuts benefits include, then, the ability to help your heart stay healthy and fight diseases. Other benefits include aiding in weight loss and supporting gut health. What else can these tasty little nutrition powerhouses do for your health? Read below!
Here are 7 fantastic macadamia nuts benefits:
1. Good for the Heart
Macadamia nuts benefits start with improving the health of your heart! These little morsels arenât just tasty, but are filled with monounsaturated fatty acids, as well. This means they can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides, which is a type of body fat. When you lower your body fat, you can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.
Pennsylvania State University examined macadamia nuts benefits as well, pertaining to heart health. In a study they conducted, they randomly gave subjects macadamia nuts and compared these subjects to those who consumed a standard American diet. Throughout the study, those who consumed macadamia nuts saw a drop in cholesterol levels and overall healthier heart markers. (1)
2. Fight Disease
Macadamia nuts benefits continue with the ability to fight disease. This is due to the flavonoids present in the macadamia nut, which can prevent cell damage by protecting them from environmental toxins.
Observations from Tuftâs University indicates strong evidence that consuming nuts is âinversely linkedâ with the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Essentially, that means the macadamia nut can help prevent and perhaps reverse these serious conditions. In fact, nuts in general are some of the best cancer-fighting foods you can eat! (2)
3. Aid in Weight Loss
As they contain good fat and palmitoleic acid, macadamia nuts benefits include aiding in weight loss. Good fat can curb your appetite while palmitoleic acid can increase fat metabolism. This reduces fat storage.
Additionally, the macadamia nut contains fiber, which can help fill you up as well as keep you fuller longer. Furthermore, there is evidence that the macadamia nut may help prevent metabolic syndrome, though more research is needed in this area. (3)
4. Support the Gut
Macadamia nuts benefits extend to your gut, as well. This is again due to the fiber these nuts contain. Fiber can assist your body with the digestion process. Furthermore, macadamia nuts contain copper. This helps your body with proper enzymatic reactions.
5. Strengthen Bones
Thanks to the high amount of phosphorus, manganese and magnesium, macadamia nuts benefits also include bone health. Furthermore, kidney disease affects the bodyâs ability to absorb calcium and manganese, which can lead to bone disease. You can help counter this effect by eating plenty of manganese-rich foods like macadamia nuts.
6. Keep the Brain and Nervous System on Point
Macadamia nuts benefits continue with the ability to protect and nourish your brain and nervous system. The copper, vitamin B1, magnesium and manganese within macadamia nuts all help keep your brain cells functioning properly.
These nuts also contain omega-9, which can help the brain in couple of ways. First, it can improve your mood. Second, it can improve memory and keep neurological disease at bay.
Researchers from Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior tested erucic acid (which is an omega-9 fatty acid) on mice. They found that this component may be beneficial in cognitive diseases such as Alzheimerâs disease. (4)
7. Reduce Chronic Inflammation and Arthritis Symptoms
Macadamia nuts benefits continue with the ability to reduce chronic inflammation as well as arthritis. Omega-6 fatty acids can offer some nutritional benefits, however, many people eat too much of it. This leads to chronic inflammation and diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more. Pharmacognosy Magazine published a study that examined a panel of Australian plants, including the macadamia, in regard to treating rheumatoid arthritis. They concluded that macadamia was indeed beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis, and can even block the onset of this condition. (5)
Pecans contain 3.7 grams of omega-6 per 100 grams, almonds 3.4, and cashews 2.2. Macadamia nuts, however, are at 0.36. However, while macadamia nuts are lower in omega-6âs than most nuts, don’t overdo it when eating them. Have just a few each week. This will enable you to reap other benefits of the macadamia nut without taking in too many omega-6s.