Macadamia nuts are buttery flavored nuts, which are one of the world’s finest nuts. These nuts are grown from macadamia nut trees and are cultivated and harvested in tropical climates of Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. The Hawaiian Macadamia nuts, known for their delicious taste, have about seven species, with only two of them considered edible. The edible species are Macadamia integrifolia, producing smooth-shelled nuts, and Macadamia tetraphylla, producing rough-shelled nuts.
Macadamia nuts are highly essential in our daily diet as they contain a wide range of health-promoting nutrients such as carbohydrates, iron, thiamin, niacin, folate, protein, and vitamins. Macadamia nuts have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. When macadamia nuts are included in a diet, there are loads of health benefits to enjoy; let’s discuss them.
Health Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
Prevent Heart-Related Diseases
Macadamia nuts are cholesterol-free, and this makes them a healthy option for lowering the risk of coronary diseases. There are lots of flavonoids in Macadamia, and when consumed, these flavonoids turn into antioxidants. It’s interesting to note that these antioxidants search for and destroy destructive particles in our body that can cause heart disease. Macadamia nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which can lower your blood cholesterol level — this prevents stroke and a heart attack.
Lower Cholesterol
Macadamia nuts hinder the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Macadamias contain mono-unsaturated fat (oleic acid and palmitoleic acid) in large amounts, and these fats are popular for the decrease of LDL (bad fat) levels; they even boost HDL (good fat) levels in the body. How amazing! Consuming Macadamias regularly help maintain a healthy blood profile and keep a person’s cholesterol level in the right proportion.
Improve Brain and Nervous System
These nuts contain palmitoleic acid which ensures the protection of nerve cells in the brain, contributing to healthy brain function. As mentioned earlier, macadamia nuts are rich in oleic acid, which along with other nutrients, include manganese, magnesium, vitamin B1, copper, which help develop healthy neurotransmitters to send signals to the brain, hence supporting healthy brain function. That’s not all, the omega-9 in macadamias benefit the brain by improving, memory, memory, and other similar functions.
Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Macadamias are beneficial to the brain because they promote healthier brain cells and prevent the brain cell from damage that leads to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Consuming macadamia nuts will help you to stay and remain focused. They also promote a healthy brain as people age.
Improve Vision
Macadamia nuts contain vitamin B1 and health-friendly fatty acids such as omega-3 and Omega-6 which are essential in preventing cataracts. They also ensure the eyes are healthy, with good vision.
Strengthen Bones
Macadamias are rich in phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. These ensure the teeth and bones have adequate minerals, which of course, they need. They also help in transporting nutrients. What else? They ensure the absorption of nutrients also. Our bone structure deteriorates with age, and the manganese in macadamias enables the body to develop bone tissue, thereby helping in the regeneration of bones.
Prevent Atherosclerosis
You would be wowed to know that consuming 40-90 gm of macadamia nuts every day for about 4 weeks can reduce the risk of having atherosclerosis, a condition which causes thickening of arteries and blood vessels.
Healthy for the Gut
Macadamia nuts are a perfect choice for your digestive system. Because they contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, they ensure the elimination of toxins from the body. They are also useful in relieving constipation.
Help Control Kidney Disease
The manganese in macadamia nuts is beneficial to patients suffering from kidney disease. Because these nuts are rich in phosphorus, people that have renal problems are advised to eat them in reduced quantities.
Prevent Anemia
Having insufficient red blood cells can cause anemia. Macadamia nuts are bursting with iron and copper, and these ensure the provision of healthy red blood cells. You will be glad to know that consuming 30g of macadamia nuts will supply the recommended 14% daily intake of iron in men and 6% for women.
Prevent Cancer
Macadamias have the ability to prevent cancer, and this just makes them a gift to humanity. Because of the antioxidants they contain, certain types of cancers, such as lung, breast, cervical, prostate, and stomach cancers may not have a place in our health if these super nuts are well consumed. The flavonoids in the nuts act as an antioxidant and protect the body cells from free radicals.
Maintain Low Blood Pressure
The high potency of potassium found in these nuts makes them fit for keeping our blood pressure normal. Macadamia nut contains little sodium which makes it a good snack for people who are hypertensive.
Prevents Celiac Disease
Macadamia nut is a plant-based food, free from gluten. Macadamia is used in gluten-free foods, making it a perfect snack for people who suffer from celiac disease, a condition in which individuals are allergic to gluten.
Prevent Diabetes
Macadamia nuts are low in calories and have a low glycemic index. Consuming them can reduce one’s risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
Did you Know?
- Macadamia nuts are not picked from the tree; they fall when they are fully ripened.
- Macadamia nuts are tough nuts to crack: It takes 300 lbs. per square inch to break the macadamia nutshell.
- Most of the world’s macadamia nuts are grown on the island of Hawaii.
- September 4th is National Macadamia Nut Day.
Topical Uses of Macadamia Nuts
Macadamias have skin regenerative properties which are found in a number of skin products. Because they contain loads of vitamins and natural oil, macadamias make the skin glow and keep it healthy. The antioxidants in macadamias prevent early aging of the skin. What’s more? The natural oil in the nuts makes the skin smooth. The oil can be used daily after taking a shower to enjoy this skin beautification benefit.
Macadamia oil can be used as a lotion just as olive oil can be used on the skin. Theis natural oil can give your skin a healthy and irresistibly attractive glow.
Macadamia nuts contain high levels of proteins and antioxidants that help in maintaining healthy nails and hairs and their rapid growth. To enjoy its benefit for your nails, topically apply macadamia oil on your nails. You can also massage it on your scalp as a conditioner with warm water — it’ll surely improve the quality of your hair.
Final Words…
The day I got to know about these nuts, I wished immediately that I had this knowledge at least a decade earlier. You’d be amazed at how beneficial a number of seemingly insignificant food items are. Who would have guessed that these nuts were this amazing? The antioxidant properties and low sodium content of macadamia nuts make them a unique kind of nuts, really. They’re nuts that seem to attend to every important need of your body system. Having you been trying to figure out something new you can snack on? Look no further, as now you know! You don’t need to snack on junk. Just as you have healthy foods, you’ve got healthy snacks too. Eat your way to a healthier lifestyle. Eat macadamia nuts. And try not to forget to spread the good news
