Macadamia nuts: So healthy - in moderation!
In pre-agricultural days, our ancestors used nuts as an important source of oils and fat soluble nutrients. Wild nuts would have been available in just small amounts, in season; so our ancestors would have eaten a wide variety.
In our modern times we have access to nuts all year round, we don’t have to climb trees to get them; and mostly, a machine takes the hard work out of getting rid of the shell around the nut. Keep that in mind while you read about the benefits of macadamia nuts; as, although they’re really packed with nutrients, they’re really packed with oil and calories too!
Your average macadamia nut contains about 76% oil. (Almonds, in comparison, are about 55% fat, and cashews 50% - much less oil) and most of the oil in macadamias is monounsaturated, a good oil that will benefit your health in the right quantity. A diet high in saturated fat, on the other hand, is detrimental for your health, and will tend to promote chronic inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
Keep in mind though that your total fat intake shouldn’t exceed more than 30% of your calories. For example, a woman who works at a desk and trains daily, a 30g serve of macadamia nuts (about seven) will provide almost half of her daily fat intake.
Fortunately that macadamia nut is packed with nutrients too – particularly magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, copper and iron. B group vitamins too, plus vitamin E, important for your skin health. Many of these nutrients will act as antioxidants, helping you age slower. An added benefit – macadamias contain dietary fibre too.
How to make the most of macadamias
- Remember how your ancestors ate nuts – small amounts, wide variety, in season; and follow their lead. Keep your portion size reasonable (about 7 nuts is enough for a substantial snack)
In pre-agricultural days, our ancestors used nuts as an important source of oils and fat soluble nutrients. Wild nuts would have been available in just small amounts, in season; so our ancestors would have eaten a wide variety.
In our modern times we have access to nuts all year round, we don’t have to climb trees to get them; and mostly, a machine takes the hard work out of getting rid of the shell around the nut. Keep that in mind while you read about the benefits of macadamia nuts; as, although they’re really packed with nutrients, they’re really packed with oil and calories too!
Your average macadamia nut contains about 76% oil. (Almonds, in comparison, are about 55% fat, and cashews 50% - much less oil) and most of the oil in macadamias is monounsaturated, a good oil that will benefit your health in the right quantity. A diet high in saturated fat, on the other hand, is detrimental for your health, and will tend to promote chronic inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
Keep in mind though that your total fat intake shouldn’t exceed more than 30% of your calories. For example, a woman who works at a desk and trains daily, a 30g serve of macadamia nuts (about seven) will provide almost half of her daily fat intake.
Fortunately that macadamia nut is packed with nutrients too – particularly magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, copper and iron. B group vitamins too, plus vitamin E, important for your skin health. Many of these nutrients will act as antioxidants, helping you age slower. An added benefit – macadamias contain dietary fibre too.
How to make the most of macadamias
- Remember how your ancestors ate nuts – small amounts, wide variety, in season; and follow their lead. Keep your portion size reasonable (about 7 nuts is enough for a substantial snack)