Macadamia nuts, native to Australia, were once used as a valuable currency. In the 1800s, Australian Aboriginal tribes would trade the round nuts with settlers near Brisbane in Queensland, where the nuts were plentiful. As it turns out, these nuts are worth their weight in gold nutritionally.
Macadamia Nut Nutrition and Health Benefits
1. Macadamia nuts are full of good fats.
Macadamia nuts are higher in total fat compared to other nuts, such as almonds and cashews. That’s a bragging right because they’re loaded with beneficial fats. Macadamias are packed with oleic acid, the same monounsaturated fat that make olives and their oil sought-after commodities in kitchens around the world.
Nibbling just half a cup of macadamia nuts a day can lower bad cholesterol, and with it, the risk of metabolic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure and related cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation.
2. Macadamia nuts work wonders for the waistline.
Clinical studies have consistently shown that eating nuts regularly, including macadamias, doesn’t cause weight gain and may actually help shed excess pounds.
3. Macadamia nuts mean regularity.
Just a dozen macadamia nuts can provide up to 10% of recommended daily fiber, so a handful goes a long way in helping digestion and bowel function.
4. Macadamia nuts are a source of B vitamins.
Macadamia nuts are high in thiamin, which is critical for a healthy nervous system. They’re also a good source of niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6.
5. Macadamia nuts are chock full of manganese.
A one-cup serving of macadamia nuts supplies more than double the manganese we need every day. Manganese is a mineral that’s essential for building and maintaining healthy bones.
How to Add Macadamia Nuts to Your Diet
Like almonds and walnuts, macadamia nuts make a great portable snack for older adults. You’ll get the greatest health benefits by eating dry-roasted or raw macadamia nuts, and always unsalted. Like all nuts, they make a great a butter to spread on toast or to add to smoothies. They’re also great for baking — those with a sweet tooth might try swapping peanuts with macadamia nuts in their homemade brittle.
