Macadamia nuts are high in healthy fats and may help those trying to lose weight. A serving of macadamia nuts also contains dietary fiber, protein, manganese, thiamine, and a good amount of copper. The fat content of macadamia nuts is higher than that of other popular nuts such as almonds, cashews and walnuts. Macadamia nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Like other nuts, macadamia nuts contain proteins, vitamins and minerals. But they also have lots of healthy plant-based fats. The benefits of macadamia nuts go beyond their creamy flavor. They have a coconut-like flavor and a distinctive nutritional profile.
Macadamia nuts contain phytonutrients and beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A and B, iron, manganese, folic acid and powerful antioxidants. In addition, they contain many beneficial fatty acids. As a result, they can lower the risk of heart disease and are useful for treating and preventing diabetes. Store-bought macadamia nuts may contain salt, oil, and other ingredients that contribute to weight gain.
Research has shown that palmitoleic acid, the omega-7 fatty acids found in macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn oil and avocado oil can promote healthy skin, nails and hair. One caveat to consider when buying macadamia nuts is that some producers have had problems with salmonella contamination. Meanwhile, converting carbohydrates into energy would not be possible without the help of the thiamine provided by macadamia nuts. You can chop whole macadamia nuts, grind them and sprinkle them on soups and hot dishes, or swap them for croutons in salads.
The soluble fiber in macadamia nuts helps keep the digestive system moving and acts as a prebiotic in the abdomen. One of the factors responsible for this correlation is the decrease in low-grade inflammation caused by increased consumption of nuts. For example, half a cup of these nuts has about 475 calories, which may be the caloric equivalent of a meal for many people. In addition to being healthy and suitable for the ketogenic diet, macadamia nuts are often grown in an environmentally and sustainable way.
That means the high-fat content of macadamia nuts may help combat hunger better than a similarly-sized snack. Almonds have one of the highest levels of fiber of all nuts, with nearly 4 g per 1-ounce serving, according to the USDA. People who are allergic to nuts, such as peanuts, almonds or cashews, have a higher risk of developing an allergy to other nuts, such as macadamia nuts. But there's a problem: how can you take advantage of the benefits if you're not sure to select the right type of nuts and store them? Some other nutrients in macadamia nuts are copper, vitamin B1, manganese, and magnesium, all of which aid in the production of healthy neurotransmitters.
For 3 weeks, Japanese university students were instructed to add macadamia nuts, coconut or butter to their daily diets. Although roasted nuts tend to taste better, it's important to remember that some of the vitamins and fats in those nuts can break down during roasting, making them virtually useless to the body.
