Macadamia nuts are native to Australia. They have a creamy texture, butter-like flavor, and are extremely versatile. According to various studies, these nuts can supply a whole host of benefits for our body.
Why these nuts are healthy? Well, they contain vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, folate, manganese, protein, healthy fats, and the all-powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, amino acids, flavones, and selenium. In addition to this, they also have high amounts of oleic acid and omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, which is the very same fatty acid found in olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
One ounce (28 grams) of these calorie-rich nuts offers the following:
- Calories: 204
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Fat: 23 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Copper: 11% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
- Manganese: 58% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Thiamine: 22% of the DV
- Magnesium: 9% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 5% of the DV
These nutrients all contribute to promoting long and short-term health. Continue reading to know more of the goodness it can bring to our body.
Health Benefits Of Macadamia Nuts
May Help Prevent Cancer
According to experts, macadamia nuts contain significant amounts of tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E with powerful anticancer abilities. Aside from this, its flavonoid content can also destroy the damaging free radicals in the body that can cause chronic diseases such as cancer.
Helps Improve Blood Sugar Levels
According to a Canadian study, nuts (including macadamia nuts) can improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Present in macadamia nuts is a unique profile of macro and micronutrients and other bioactive compounds that help improve blood sugar levels and counter the damaging effects of diabetes.
May Help Prevent Weight Gain
Macadamia nuts contain protein, fiber, and high levels of palmitoleic acid, monounsaturated fat also called omega-7 which was found to be capable of reducing weight gain by 77 percent. These beneficial nutrients work by helping a person feel full for longer.
Helps Improve Bone Health
Studies revealed that macadamia nuts have ample amounts of calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium which all play a significant role in preventing bone demineralization. Consumption of these nuts can help maintain strong, healthy bone.
Helps Improve Gut Health
Due to the massive number of toxins that enters our bodies through the air that we breathe and the foods that we eat, our gut health is always compromised as our body can’t properly absorb and digest the foods we eat. By adding macadamia nuts in our diet, we’ll be able to counter this effect. The nuts are rich in copper that supports the enzymatic reactions that improve digestive health.
Aside from this, its oleic acid content is also capable of fighting against ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract.
Helps Promote Heart Health
Studies found that macadamia nuts have high amounts of potassium and monounsaturated fatty acids which can make platelets less sticky and less likely to form clots in blood vessels. Due to this, stroke or heart attacks can be prevented.
Want to enjoy these benefits? Try to incorporate macadamia nuts in your diet. Sprinkle the nuts into a salad or use its oil as a base for a salad dressing or when baking or sautéing. Also, munching a handful of it can be a nutritious mid-day snack.
