The 11 Health Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
There are about seven species of macadamia grown around the world, but only two are edible and are grown on horticultural farms around the world. These two species are Macadamia integrifolia, which produces smooth-shelled nuts , and Macadamia tetraphylla, which produces thick-shelled nuts.
Nutritional Value: Macadamias area source of vitamin A , iron , protein , thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folates. They also contain moderate amounts of zinc, copper , calcium , phosphorus , potassium and magnesium . Macadamia nuts contain antioxidants such as polyphenols, amino acids, flavones and selenium. It is also a good source of carbohydrates like sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and some starch-based carbohydrates. So, check out 11 Health Benefits of Macadamia Nuts.
Macadamia Nuts for Heart Disease: Macadamia nuts are 100% cholesterol free and are highly beneficial for lowering cholesterol level . These nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are considered cardio protective, lowering cholesterol levels and helping to cleanse arteries . Macadamia nuts also lower the level oftriglycerides , which is a type of body fat , and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
Macadamia Nuts Benefits as Antioxidants: Another health benefit of macadamia nuts comes from its high flavonoid content. Flavonoids, which are found naturally in these plants, help prevent cells from being damaged and protect from environmental toxins.
These flavonoids are converted into antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants seek out and destroy free radicals and protect our bodies from various diseases and certain cancers, which include breast, cervical , lung , prostate and stomach cancer .
Macadamia Nuts Benefits For Weight Loss: People avoid eating macadamia nuts thinking it is loaded with fats and cholesterol . However, the fat present in macadamia nuts are monounsaturated fats, which promote weight loss. Macadamia nuts are rich in palmitoleic acid and omega 7 oil, which control fat burning and curb appetite. Palmitoleic acid increases fat metabolism and reduces fat storage.
Macadamia Nuts for Protein: Macadamia nuts contain a significant level of protein , which is an essential component in our diet and forms the muscles and connective tissues of our bodies. Proteins are a part of our blood and act positively on our health. They also help maintain the health of hair, nails and skin.
Macadamia Nuts for Dietary Fiber: Macadamia nuts contain about 7% of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber corresponds to complex carbohydrates and includes many types of soluble and insoluble fiber. Dietary fiber promotes satiety, aids digestion, and reduces constipation and various other related ailments.
Macadamia Nuts Benefits for Bone Health: The phosphorus present in macadamia nuts plays a variety of roles, including mineralization of bones and teeth, metabolism, absorption and transport of nutrients. Calcium also helps in the formation of teeth and bones . The manganese present in macadamia nuts helps the body produce new bone tissue , so that the skeleton remains strong as it ages. Omega 3 prevents osteoporosis and reduces the severity of arthritis.
Macadamia Nuts Benefits for Brain : Macadamia nuts promote thehealth of the nervous system. The copper in macadamia nuts helps make neurotransmitters, the chemicals our brain cells use to send chemical signals.
Macadamia Nuts Provides Oleic Acid: Macadamia nut oilis rich in oleic acid which plays an important role in reducing inflammation and boosting memory power. It also helps in reducing asthma symptoms and bad cholesterol levels in the body by increasing HDL ( good cholesterol ) levels. This fatty acid is also beneficial for skin health as it has excellent moisturizing and regenerative properties.
Macadamia Nuts Benefits To Increase Nutrient Absorption Rate: As mentioned earlier , macadamia nut oilhas high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for good health as they help increase the rate of absorption of nutrients as well as fat-soluble vitamins in the body.
Macadamia Nut Oil Increases Strength of Bones, Cells and Tissues: Macadamia nut oilplays a vital role in maintaining the bones , cells and tissues of the body. This is attributed to its magnesium richness. This mineral also supports muscle and nerve function and helps in stabilizing the heart rate.