Macadamia nuts: 6 unknown properties

Macadamia nuts: 6 unknown properties

Nuts are one of the biggest victims of nutrition myths.

They are so alert about their high caloric level that we forget the enormous benefits they have for our health and even for weight loss if they are taken in moderate amounts. Macadamia nuts are a lesser-known variety of nuts that hails from Australia. Their low availability (they are only collected five to six times a year) and high price make them a gourmet product. Despite its Australian origin, it was in Hawaii where it began to be cultivated for sale. Macadamia nuts are currently grown in Hawaii, California, Florida, Central America, Brazil, Indonesia, and East Africa.

Its appearance is more similar to a hazelnut than a walnut, but its soft and woody flavor clears us up. It is one of the most unctuous nuts on the palate because it is the one that contains the greatest amount of fat, from 75 to 85% of its total weight. These fats, far from being harmful to health, are responsible for most of their nutritional properties. Among them are Omega 3 fats, very beneficial for our cardiovascular health, since they are responsible for reducing triglyceride and bad cholesterol (or LDL) levels. Omega 3 also regulates the levels of other interesting fatty acids for our health, such as Omega 6 and Omega 9.

On the other hand, macadamia nuts are very rich in fiber and essential minerals such as phosphorus (there are 195 mg of phosphorus in every 100 g of nuts) and calcium (108 mg per 100 g).

They also contain vitamins C and E (especially niacin and thiamine) and are rich in antioxidants. Its manganese content is also very important since with just a handful of macadamia nuts we will have consumed more than half the recommended daily amount of this nutrient.

Another interesting aspect of their nutritional profile is that they have a high protein content (between 8 and 10% of their weight), which makes them a very healthy alternative to meat and fish for vegetarians and vegans.

*Benefits of macadamia nuts

1. They strengthen the bones and, especially, the teeth. Their high calcium content, the main component of bones, makes them very beneficial foods for the health of our bone system. On the other hand, the phosphorus they contain protects our oral health and makes them highly recommended for children as well.

2. They reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The healthy fatty acids that we talked about earlier are responsible for this cardioprotective quality.

3. They hydrate and provide elasticity to our skin. The cosmetics industry uses macadamia nuts widely since with the oils that are cold extracted from them, emollient and protective creams and lotions are made for the skin of the face and body.

4. They regulate intestinal transit and prevent constipation. Its high fiber content helps the proper functioning of the digestive system, facilitating digestion and avoiding constipation.

5. Regulates the glycemic index and protects against diabetes. Fiber stabilizes blood sugar levels and allows slower assimilation of glucose. For their part, monounsaturated fats stimulate metabolism, also reducing blood sugar levels.

6. Protects the health of our brain. The antioxidants that they provide protect us against diseases related to cellular aging, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition, monounsaturated fats stimulate cognitive functions.

Always remember that to get the most nutritional benefit from nuts, we must consume them naturally or toasted. Salty and fried snacks are not healthy!