7 HEALTHY REASONS TO EAT MACADAMIA NUTS

Delicious, sweet, flavorful and healthy macadamia nut is one of the edible nuts loaded with important health-benefiting nutrients. Its scientific name is Macadamia integrifolia.

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Macadamia nuts are cultivated from macadamia nut trees, which are grown in the tropical climates of Brazil, Australia, Kenya, Indonesia, South Africa and New Zealand. Although Australia is known to be largest producer of Macadamia nuts, the nuts which are cultivated in Hawaii are the most acclaimed, due to their delicious taste. Here are the benefits of macadamia nuts.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MACADAMIA NUTS:

1. ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

Macadamia nuts also have a small amount of vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant. Just 1 cup contains 0.72 mg.

But, adults need at least 15 mg daily, so you should try to get vitamin E from other sources. These include sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil and spinach. Other tree nuts such asalmonds and peanuts are also rich in vitamin E.

Antioxidants are usually linked with vegetables and fruits. But, macadamia nuts also have some of this due to its rich flavonoid content. These compounds contain a strong antioxidant capacity, thus helping your body to fight free radicals. Also, this will help prevent diseases such as inflammation, cancer and other chronic conditions.

2. BONE HEALTH

Magnesium and phosphorus are abundant in macadamias, and play various of roles that include metabolism, teeth and bone mineralization, absorption and transportation of nutrients. Calcium also helps in the formation of bones and teeth. Manganese that are present in macadamias also help your body to deposit new bone tissue, so that the skeleton stays strong as you age.

3. CONTAINS OLEIC ACID

Macadamia nut oil is rich in oleic acid. This plays an important role in boosting of memory power and the reduction of inflammation.

Also, it helps in lowering the symptoms of asthma and reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in your body, while increasing HDL or good cholesterol levels. This fatty acid is also beneficial for your skin health, due to its superb regeneration and moisturizing properties.

4. DELAYS SKIN AGING

Macadamia nut oil contains many benefits for the skin. It has a rich content of palmitoleic fatty acids, which is a nutrient that contains great skin benefits as it delays the process of skin and cell aging.

Because palmitoleic acid gets depleted fast as the skin ages, it is essential to have this oil. This is why macadamia nut oil is a main ingredient in many anti-aging products.

5. GUT HEALTH

Macadamia nuts contain around 7% dietary fiber, both the soluble and insoluble types. It helps promote satiety, removes toxins out of the body, and helps in the digestion process.

6. HEART HEALTH

Macadamia nuts are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats which are said to be cardio-protective, by helping in reducing cholesterol level and in cleaning the arteries. Also, itlowers the level of triglycerides, which is a kind of body fat, and helps in reducing the risk of coronary disease.

7. RICH IN OMEGA FATTY ACIDS

Macadamia nut oil contains just the right amount of essential omega fatty acids. This is important for your body to get the right amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, because an imbalance can cause health problems, which includes cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.

Studies reported that consumption of these nuts helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels considerably. And because these fats are not produced by your body, it is essential to gain them through your diet.