Why macadamias are good for you

Research has shown that palmitoleic acid, the omega-7 fatty acids found in macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn oil, and avocado oil may promote skin, nail, and hair health. They do so by protecting against oxidative damage, which is one of the main culprits of skin aging, by encouraging and evoking new skin cell development.

Shockingly, approximately , individuals lose their lives to heart disease every year. Research has shown that the nutrients and fats found in macadamia nuts may reduce the risk factors for heart disease. Here are four examples backed by science:. Tocotrienols and flavonoids are present in nuts like macadamias, and research is emerging about these antioxidants supporting their role in fighting cancer cells.

From the sun, our diet, and even the air we breathe. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in your body. So why not include some of these nutritious macadamias and start reaping their benefits today! Weight gain? Leaky gut? Discover the natural solutions to overcome uncomfortable bloating, stubborn weight gain, and leaky gut, in our all-new masterclass with Christa Orecchio. You can learn more and save your spot here.

Food Matters may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our website. Food Matters Logo. Oct 14, 50K Views. How Do You Enjoy Macadamias? Love ice-cream? Try this dairy-free macadamia ice-cream!

Nov 11, 48 Sunbaking Mushrooms for Vitamin D. Nov 09, 4. Oct 27, 1. Oct 26, 4. Nuts help with diabetes prevention as well. The heart-healthy nutrients in nuts like macadamias can help support the heart health of those living with these conditions. For more information, take a look at this video explaining the benefits of macadamias and diabetes management or read more about the diabetes-friendly characteristics of Australian macadamias.

Are macadamias good for gut health? Fibre is essential for good gut health and macadamias contain around 2g of dietary fibre per handful or 30g serve , which is similar to the amount of fibre in a slice of wholemeal bread. Fibre not only helps to maintain good bowel and gut health but good blood cholesterol levels too.

Macadamia nuts make the perfect gut-friendly snack because they are high in healthy monounsaturated fats and low in sugar. Diets high in refined sugars and low in nutrients can be associated with poor gut health, but research shows a Mediterranean-style diet that includes nuts can be good for gut health, influencing overall health.

Read more about how macadamias impact gut health. Roasted macadamias still offer the same health benefits as raw ones. Some people assume roasting nuts adds more fat but even if they are roasted in oil, very little is absorbed into the nut. And dry-roasting adds nothing but extra flavour! On the technical side, heating or cooking any food slightly reduces the levels the heat-sensitive B-vitamins, but roasting macadamias can also concentrate nutrient levels by reducing the water content.

Both raw and roasted macadamias are good for you, so feel free to enjoy whichever you prefer! How can macadamias support brain health?

Your brain is the command centre for your entire nervous system. It helps you think, remember, feel and move. Macadamias contain healthy unsaturated oils, fibre and plant sterols that help maintain optimal blood supply throughout the whole body, including the brain. Macadamias contain vitamin B1 thiamine that is essential for the proper functioning of your nervous system. Macadamias are naturally endowed with helpful phytochemicals including antioxidants.

These nutrients are thought to help protect the brain from the damage over time neurodegeneration. Another aspect of brain health is our mental health. This makes eating macadamias a good mood food. How many macadamias is it healthy to eat? A healthy handful of macadamias is about 30g or 15 whole nuts. We should all strive to eat at least one healthy handful per day. In addition, participants on the macadamia nut diet showed lower levels of triglycerides a type of blood fat than either of the other diets.

Surprisingly, the participants on the macadamia nut diet which was high in fat experienced no significant changes in their cholesterol levels or weight. In fact, these delicious nuts have one of the highest percentages of calories from fat of all nuts. This fact becomes clearer when you compare the number of fat grams present per ounce in a variety of nuts. Munch on a handful at work for a nutritious and energizing mid-day snack.

Just make sure you look for a plain roasted rather than oil-roasted , unsalted variety as well to cut down on your sodium intake. Macadamia nuts are both delicious and nutritious! From the nut itself to macadamia nut oil, the health benefits of this cholesterol-free food are too big to ignore. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you.