WHY SHOULD WE EAT MACADAMIA NUTS?
Macadamia nuts originated in the continent of Australia, but are now grown in many other places around the world like New Zealand, South Africa, Israel, Kenya, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Gautemala, Hawai, California, Costa Rica and Malawi.
Heart health:
As mentioned earlier, macadamia nuts contain about 84% of monounsaturated fats or good fats. It is because of this that they are extremely healthy for the heart and help in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Muscle building:
Being a good source of protein these nuts help in muscle building, muscle maintenance and overall health.
Bone and tooth health:
Bone healthy minerals like calcium, phosphorus and manganese are found in macadamia nuts in abundance. These minerals are essential for maintaining good bones and teeth.
Digestion and cholesterol:
Macadamia nuts are high in fiber and contain no cholesterol. High fiber foods add roughage which is very good for digestion, preventing constipation and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Skin health:
Macadamia nuts contain Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B3. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant and hence, prevents skin cell damage. Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin and Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, also help in maintaining healthy skin.
Nervous system health:
Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5, found in macadamia nuts, helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Energy:
A handful of macadamia nuts provide good amount of energy to the body. 10 to 12 raw macadamia nuts have about 204 calories. Apart from the above benefits, macadamia nuts have also been found to improve blood lipid profiles and reduce coronary risks.
A study published in the ‘Journal of Nutrition’, in the year 2008, conducted by the Pennsylvania State University, compared two groups that were given similar diets; where the amounts of fats, proteins and carbohydrates were equal and where one of the groups’ diet included macadamia nuts, while the other group was given fats through other food sources.
Ways to include Macadamia nuts in your life:
- Macadamia nuts can be eaten on their own, the way we eat peanuts, almonds or cashews.. Roasted macadamia nuts need to be cracked open to enjoy the kernel.
- Add to salad. Dress up greens and veggies with a handful of macadamia nuts.
- Make a trail mix. Combine fruit chips like apple or banana, raisins or dried cranberries, macadamia nuts and any other nuts of choice for a healthy snack on the go.
- Add to healthy cookies. Bake your own protein cookies at home, and add chopped macadamias for a delicious flavor and nutritional boost.
- Make nut butter. You only need one ingredient—macadamia nuts—and a high-powered blender to make a creamy, delicious macadamia nut butter.
