Macadamia nuts benefits

In a study carried out by the Autonomous University of Baja California, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Tijuana, Mexico, it was explained how, in various investigations, a decrease in the incidence of heart attacks had been observed in patients who maintained a higher consumption of walnuts.

Macadamia nuts, originating from a tree that grows in Australia and Indonesia, are a nutritious and energetic nut with properties that can be beneficial to humans.

Specifically, Macadamia is a type of plant that consists of 14 different species known today. Out of all, only two of them are considered nutritionally valid. This is because they are the only ones that have the edible nut.

The nuts of the other species are poisonous because they contain glycosides . Although in most cases, these can be eliminated through various processes that were already used by the natives of those lands in the past.

Among the nutrients in these nuts is palmitoleic acid, an omega 7 fatty acid, beneficial for the skin and mucosa. They are also rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E and sterols (avenasterol), which attributes soothing and calming properties to the food.

Next we develop these properties and their incidence on the person.

What benefits can your consumption bring?

In recent decades, the consumption of foods such as nuts, seeds or some types of oils has been associated with the decrease in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. This is because walnuts, and specifically Macadamia nuts, are mainly composed of monounsaturated (40-60%) and saturated (7%) fatty acids, fiber, potassium , magnesium, copper, vitamin E and arginine.

These nutritional components, first of all, make walnuts an ideal ingredient when it comes to following a healthy diet. However, recently, it has been investigated about its possible direct incidence in helping to prevent the mentioned diseases.

In a study carried out by the Autonomous University of Baja California, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Tijuana, Mexico , it was explained how, in various investigations, a decrease in the incidence of heart attacks had been observed in patients who maintained a higher consumption of walnuts.

Scientists referenced the research by Fraser et al. (1992) , who described how the consumption of walnuts was a protection factor against cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, subsequent studies based on clinical trials have focused on the consumption of walnuts and their effect on biochemical and anthropometric markers. So walnuts could have some impact in the prevention of these diseases.

However, the aforementioned studies include work carried out for periods of less than six months. There are no studies that include works with a follow-up equal to or greater than six months. This means that today there is insufficient evidence to confirm that long-term consumption of walnuts is directly related to favorable changes in weight, glucose or blood lipids.

More and longer-term work is still needed to confirm the positive effect of its consumption on health.

Regardless, it is important to note that the foundation of good health lies in making good eating and living habits. Therefore, including foods such as Macadamia nuts in the diet, with good nutrients and properties, can be a good way to help the body stay healthy.

In the kitchen

Macadamia nut is considered a very versatile food due to the ease with which it can be included in different recipes and adapted to different people's tastes.

Thus, for example, it is possible to introduce it in salty recipes, adding it to pasta dishes, vegetables or creams. Also in wok or rice dishes. Macadamia can provide a crispy touch that is very pleasant on the palate.

                            

On the other hand, different desserts can be made with the Macadamia nut. For example, cooking experts often include it as a main ingredient in cakes, cookies, chocolates, ice cream or even smoothies of different flavors.

In addition, it is possible to consult a specialist when making a balanced diet how to include certain products, such as Macadamia, in it. Ask, find out about what foods can best affect your body and gain health.