Macadamia Nuts (Roasted & Salted) - 255g - Now

MACADAMIA NUTS

Macadamia nuts are one of the fattiest nuts, but this fat is good for your heart.

For a long time, macadamia nuts were avoided by dieters because they are one of the fattiest nuts around. However, studies now show they are nutritious and good for your heart. Moderation is the key to benefiting from these creamy, sweet nuts.

What Are Macadamia Nuts?

Macadamia nuts grow on trees that typically grow in tropical climates with volcanic soil. The trees are native to Australia, but are now grown all over the world with large producers in Hawaii and South Africa. It takes 7-10 years before a macadamia tree bears nuts, but after that the tree can produce nuts for over 100 years.

Macadamia nuts are a nutritious food because they are very high in monounsaturated fats and contain plant sterols, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

What Are Macadamia Nuts Used For?

Lowers cholesterol – Macadamia nuts contain high levels of fats (1oz has 22g of fat), which most people think is unhealthy because they mistake that fat for saturated fat. However, the majority of fat in macadamia nuts is monounsaturated fat, which is heart healthy. This type of fat works to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), while raising HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). This means macadamia nuts can help prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by reducing harmful fat build up on artery walls. Like most foods, moderation is important when eating macadamia nuts, so be sure to count out 10-12 nuts (1oz) per serving and replace other fatty foods in your diet with these tasty nuts.

Source of plant sterols – Macadamia nuts are high in phytosterols, also called plant sterols, which is a nutrient that lower cholesterol levels. Phytosterols also work to boost the immune system, balance blood sugar levels and it beneficial to prostate health. For more information on plant sterols, read this article on sterols and sterolins.

Nutritious superfood – Macadamia nuts are high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron. They are also a source of selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant and is needed for proper thyroid functioning. Start adding superfoods to your diet, like nuts, to increase overall health and well-being.

How Do You Use Macadamia Nuts?

10-12 Macadamia nuts make a healthy snack and are very tasty in trail mixes. Their sweet nature makes them a perfect addition to sweet treats, desserts and baked goods. Just don't go overboard on the macadamia nut cookies!! You can roughly chop them and add them to salads, stir frys or finely chop them to make a gluten-free nut crust on chicken breast. Macadamia nut butter is very tasty too! You can use it on toast, cut up veggies or in smoothies.

Macadamia nut oil is great for cooking and is a healthy alternative to olive oil and canola oil. It has a pleasant taste and makes a great base for salad dressings. Also, macadamia nut oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which means it can be cooked at higher temperatures without breaking down and losing it's flavor.

What Kind Should I Get?

When purchasing macadamia nuts, look for raw, unshelled macadamia nuts. This will ensure they are the freshest and most nutrient-dense. Roasting nuts will start to break down the healthy fats. So, if you like roasted nuts, roast them yourself because the oil in roasted nuts will go rancid quickly. Also, choose unsalted to avoid excess sodium in your diet.

Alternatives

Macadamia nut allergies are less common than other tree nut allergies like cashews and pistachios. If you are allergic to macadamia nuts, try seeds like pumpkin, sesame, chia, and sunflower. Raw seeds can also provide essential Omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants to benefit your health. For other healthy snacks consider dried legumes like chickpeas or soy beans, which are high in fiber and protein.