Health
7 benefits of Macadamia Nuts
Discover the 7 benefits of Macadamia Nuts.
While almonds may be America’s most popular nut, no one can deny the delicious lure of macadamia nut health benefits; this is a good thing because just like almond nutrition, macadamia nutrition has a powerful effect.
Macadamia nuts are incredible nutrient-packed powerhouses that come from the macadamia tree.
They contain some important essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, manganese, and folate, as well as protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
These remarkable nutrients are what give these amazing nuts their bountiful benefits – what benefits? I’m glad you asked.
Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
1.- Good for the heart
Macadamia nuts contain healthy fats that can help keep your arteries in good heart-healthy condition.
Because they are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, they help lower cholesterol levels and reduce triglycerides, a type of body fat. When we reduce body fat, we can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
In a study conducted by the Pennsylvania State University Department of Nutritional Sciences, some subjects were randomly given macadamia nuts and compared to those who were fed a standard American diet.
Throughout the study, those who ate macadamia nuts saw reduced cholesterol levels and healthier heart markers overall, because macadamia nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, they help reduce the risks of risk factors of lipid/lipoprotein cardiovascular diseases.
2.- Fight the disease
Macadamia Nut Benefits Contains flavonoids that help prevent cell damage by protecting cells from environmental toxins; Once these phenomenal flavonoids are in the body, they turn into antioxidants, which is where the energy comes in; Antioxidants have this great job of finding free radicals in our bodies and destroying them, which is how we protect our bodies from disease.
Observations from the Antioxidant Research Laboratory study at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center suggest that nut consumption is inversely related to the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
In addition to being nutrient-dense, the numerous phytonutrients contain positive health benefits.
Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and stilbenes help provide helpful antioxidants that can fight diseases like cancer; That’s why nuts, including macadamia, are some of the best cancer-fighting foods you can eat.
3.- Help in weight loss
The good fat content in macadamia nuts can help curb your appetite, not only, but macadamias contain palmitoleic acid; palmitoleic acid can increase fat metabolism, which in turn reduces fat storage.
Macadamia nuts contain a good balance of nutrients and fats, helping you feel satisfied with just a few of them.
Additionally, macadamia nuts contain beneficial dietary fibers that can help you achieve satiety and contain complex carbohydrates such as lignans, hemicellulose, amylopectin, mucilage, gums, and insoluble cellulose that help with digestive issues and reduce pesky hunger pangs.
There is even evidence that nuts like macadamia nuts may have positive effects on the prevention of metabolic syndrome, although more research is needed to validate this belief.
4.- Supports the intestine
Containing soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, macadamia nuts help you feel full while removing toxins from the body and aiding in good digestion.
As a food rich in copper, the macadamia nut helps with the efficient utilization of iron and supports the correct enzymatic reactions.
5.- Strengthens the bones
Macadamia nuts are abundant in phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, all of which aid in the mineralization of bones and teeth and the transport and absorption of nutrients.
We know that calcium aids in the formation of teeth and bones, while manganese helps the body lay down new bone tissue when needed so that bones stay strong as we age.
Another important fact is that kidney disease affects the body’s ability to absorb calcium and manganese, which can lead to bone disease.
The manganese found in macadamia nuts can help keep your bones strong and fight kidney disease at the same time.
6.- Keeps the brain and nervous system on point
The copper, vitamin B1, magnesium, and manganese found in macadamia nuts help generate healthy neurotransmitters, which are the important chemicals that brain cells need to send signals to the brain.
Macadamia nuts are also high in oleic acid, which supports brain health, and contain palmitoleic acid, which helps protect nerve cells in the brain, thus contributing to healthy brain function.
Also, the macadamia contains omega-9, and as we know, omega-9 benefits the brain in many ways, for starters, it can help improve mood, an obvious function of the brain, plus it can help improve memory and avoid neurological diseases, for example, memory performance in normal naïve mice was evaluated in a study showing that erucic acid may be a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with cognitive deficits, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This means that you can add improved memory and cognitive function to the list of omega-9 benefits and the benefits of macadamia nuts.
7.-Reduces chronic inflammation and arthritis symptoms
Omega -6 fatty acids may provide some nutritional benefits, but most people consume too much; when we have too many omega-6 fatty acids it can cause an increase in chronic inflammation in the body, that’s problematic because we know that inflammation is at the root of most diseases, like arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more.
One study attempted to test the ability of a panel of Australian plants, including macadamia, with a history of treating rheumatoid arthritis, and concluded that it was beneficial.
The researchers noted that the “low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against Proteus spp indicate their potential to block the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.” That means macadamia nuts are a good addition to any arthritis diet treatment plan.
Most nuts have more omega-6 than omega-3 forms, but macadamia nuts are lower in omega-6; That doesn’t mean you should go overboard.
But by watching your intake of omega-6 fatty acids and having a few macadamia nuts each week, you can add protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet without adding too much inflammation, causing omega-6s to give you an idea of the differences, pecans contain 3.7 grams of omega-6 per 100 grams, almonds 3.4 grams and cashews 2.2 grams compared to macadamia which comes in at 0.36 grams.
Nutritional rate of Macadamia nuts
While the macadamia nut may be higher in fat and contain more calories, it is lower in omega-6, as noted above, than other nuts; it also contains an impressive amount of nutrients, most notably an incredible 58 percent of the recommended daily value of manganese in a small serving.
One ounce of raw macadamia nuts contains approximately:
• 203 calories
• 4 grams of carbohydrates
• 2.2 grams of protein
• 21.4 grams of fat
• 2.4 grams of fiber
• 1.2 milligrams of manganese (58 percent DV)
• 0.3 milligrams of thiamin (23 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligrams of copper (11 percent DV)
• 36.7 milligrams of magnesium (9 percent DV)
• 1 milligram of iron (6 percent DV)
• 53.1 milligrams of phosphorus (5 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams of vitamin B6 (4 percent DV)
Origin and History of Macadamia Nuts
• Macadamias are contained with a hard seed coat that is encased in a green shell; then splits open when the nut ripens, while the macadamia is probably better known as hailing from Hawaii, did you know two seedlings were planted in the 19th century on the University of California Berkeley campus that still stand today? It is true! However, macadamia is native to Australia.
• The macadamia nut has a creamy white kernel made up of 65 percent to 75 percent oil and 6 percent to 8 percent sugar, when roasted it becomes more consistent in both color and texture. some seed coats are smooth, and some are rougher and pebbled; at the same time, some are more suitable for the home garden, while others are more suitable for commercial production.
• You may have heard of macadamia also called Mauna loa. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth located in Hawaii, and Mauna Loa, now a brand name, became one of the first macadamia plantations to be developed in Hawaii.
• In addition to being called macadamia nuts, these nuts are also commonly known as the Australian walnut and the Queensland walnut; many species are poisonous; however, there are two edible species; one is the smooth-shelled macadamia or macadamia integrifolia, and the other is the hard-shelled macadamia or M. tetraphylla.
• Growing near streams and riverbanks in tropical rainforests, macadamia integrifolia is native to southeastern Queensland, while tetraphylla is native to southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. At the point where the two species meet, some types appear to be natural hybrids.
• This nut arrived in Hawaii around 1881, used primarily as an ornament and for reforestation. In 1948, the Hawaiian Agricultural Experiment Station named and introduced several promising selections, leading to the modern macadamia industry for which Hawaii is famous.
Hawaii brought the macadamia tree to California in the mid-20th century. Australia, South Africa, and Central America also depend on the value of macadamia. Macadamias prefer a temperate, frost-free climate with plenty of rain, similar to the way coffee beans grow best.
How to store and roast macadamia nuts?
Be sure to store your macadamias in a cool place, like the refrigerator or cupboard. However, it is important to ensure that they do not contain moisture to maintain the benefits of macadamia nuts.
If you prefer them toasted, here’s what to do:
• Preheat your oven to 225-250 degrees F.
• Arrange the nut meats (the actual edible part of the nuts, not the shells) on a cookie sheet. It’s best to roast similar-sized pieces for consistency.
• Simply toast for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them as oven temperatures can fluctuate.
• Remove from oven as soon as they start to turn slightly brown.
• Allow them to cool down.
• Store in a tightly closed container.
Precautions
• Macadamia nuts are certainly a delicious and healthy choice, but keep portions in mind. Keep an eye on the ingredients when you buy them, as many nuts have been covered in preservatives, oils, and tons of salt. They are also rich in phosphorous, which is important for anyone who may be dealing with kidney problems.
• Also, be aware of common nut allergies. If you have a nut allergy, you should avoid macadamias.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
• Macadamia nuts contain some important essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, manganese, and folic acid, as well as protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• These nuts are good for the heart, fight disease as antioxidant-rich foods, aid in weight loss, support gut health, strengthen bones, keep the brain and nervous system sharp, reduce chronic inflammation, and treat arthritis.
• Be sure to store your macadamias in a cool place, like the refrigerator or cupboard. However, it’s important to make sure they don’t contain any moisture, you can also grill your own.
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Discover the benefits of coconut water in pregnancy.
Coconut water is a clear, sweet, energizing isotonic drink that helps your body replenish lost fluids. Also known as Nariyal Pani and Elaneer in India, it is known for its versatility and countless nutritional benefits.
IS IT SAFE TO CONSUME COCONUT WATER DURING PREGNANCY?
Yes, it is safe to drink coconut water, but in moderation, as it contains natural vitamins and minerals.
Having coconut water in the first trimester helps curb dehydration resulting from morning sickness. It’s also good for heartburn and constipation, common symptoms of pregnancy.
You can drink coconut water at any time, but the best time is early in the morning. It is healthier, as the electrolytes and nutrients can be easily absorbed when the stomach is empty.
The nutritional benefits present in a cup of coconut water include:
•Calories 46
•Sodium 252mg
•600mg potassium
•Carbs 8.9 grams
•Dietary fiber 2.6 grams
•Sugars 6.26 grams
•Calcium 6%
Benefits of coconut water in pregnancy
You can reap its benefits only when you consume fresh water, as it begins to ferment when left open and exposed to air.
1. NATURAL DIURETIC:
During pregnancy, uric acid levels should be normal in your body system. Coconut water is a diuretic and increases the need to urinate due to the presence of potassium, magnesium, and minerals.
They help eliminate toxins and cleanse the urinary tract. Thus, it improves kidney function and prevents kidney stones and infections. It also prevents urinary tract infections, which reduces the chances of preterm labor.
2. OFFERS ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES:
The need for electrolytes increases during pregnancy because conditions like morning sickness, nausea, and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Coconut water supplies all five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which calm the body and provide energy.
These electrolytes transmit electrical charges in your body and aid in muscle function. They also help maintain your body’s pH levels and control blood pressure levels. It is known to have cooling properties, which prevent conditions such as bilious fever and vomiting.
3. RELIEVES HEARTBURN AND CONSTIPATION:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to various problems like heartburn, constipation, and indigestion. The rich content of dietary fiber in coconut water strengthens the digestive system, improves digestion, regulates pH levels, and prevents constipation.
Ayurveda considers young coconut water to be an excellent laxative. Improves metabolism and detoxifies the body. Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer and thus prevents heartburn.
4. TREAT INFECTIONS:
Coconut water is rich in vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants, which boost your immune levels, providing resistance to infections. It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid responsible for the production of a powerful antiviral monolaurin, Michelle-Lee Young writes in the book “Two Trees and Twelve Fruits That Will Change Your Life Forever.” Lauric is a disease-fighting acid that kills harmful bacteria and infections like the flu, and HIV, and retains good bacteria.
5. IMPROVES HEART HEALTH:
Low electrolyte level increases blood pressure. Drinking coconut water improves levels of potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which help regulate blood pressure. Improves good cholesterol and fights bad cholesterol.
The vitamins, essential proteins, and electrolytes in coconut water control sugar levels, and blood pressure levels, and improve circulation. A glass of coconut water every day is particularly helpful in the last trimester when there is increasing stress from labor that can increase your blood pressure.
6. MAINTAINS A HEALTHY WEIGHT:
Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories. As pregnancy adds extra weight to your body, coconut water prevents fat accumulation by removing bad cholesterol. It is an excellent replacement for sugary drinks and helps both the mother and the growing fetus to be healthy and fit.
7. NATURAL DRINK:
Coconut water is a tasty natural drink. It has no artificial flavors or harmful components. It is safe for you and your growing fetus as none of its components affect your health.
8. ENERGIZE AFTER TRAINING:
Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink, which helps you gain energy when suffering from dehydration, fatigue, and exhaustion. It is a great revitalizer
. If you exercise regularly to stay fit and strengthen your pelvic muscles, you can opt for coconut water as an energy drink. Hydration also improves skin elasticity, limiting the stretch marks that develop during pregnancy.
9. LOW SUGAR CONTENT:
Excessive sugar intake can lead to an increase in overall blood sugar levels. Coconut water has less sugar than other sports and energy drinks. You won’t gain pregnancy weight, and a diet low in simple sugars will reduce your risk of getting gestational diabetes.
10. ACCELERATES THE GROWTH OF THE FETUS:
Coconut water offers all the nutrients to the mother, essential to maintain and improve her health. Thus, it improves the health, growth, and proper nutrition of the unborn baby.
11. IMPROVES AMNIOTIC FLUID LEVELS:
Drinking coconut water improves the overall health and environment of your growing fetus. Coconut water taken especially in the third trimester increases amniotic fluid levels and improves blood volume and circulation.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF COCONUT WATER DURING PREGNANCY?
There is no evidence that coconut water has adverse effects on pregnancy. Like any other fruit or vegetable juice, it also appears to be safe. But there are two things to keep in mind:
•Coconut milk contains sodium, which may not be the right choice for pregnant women with preeclampsia.
•Ripe coconut water can cause constipation.
HOW MUCH COCONUT WATER CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN HAVE?
Moderation is always the key when it comes to eating a healthy diet. You can drink up to a glass of coconut water a day.
Consume the water soon after opening, as a fresh one will contain rich nutrients. Use a clean straw or pour it into a glass and drink.
It is always good to prefer natural coconut water to canned or bottled.
Do not consume coconut water if you react or do not like its taste.
HOW TO SELECT THE CORRECT COCONUT?
To enjoy the various benefits of coconut water, you need to know how to select them properly. These tips can help you buy fresh and tender coconut.
A fresh coconut will be light and sweet and will not contain coconut meat, the white, meaty, tender substance. A ripe or stale one will taste sour.
Selection: Choose medium-sized, clean, green walnuts, as they contain large amounts of water. Don’t choose coconuts that have hard brown shells and gray patches as they indicate ripe nuts.
Water: Shake the coconut vigorously near your ear to check for water. Select the ones that make a good splashing sound. A fresh coconut will contain almost a cup of water.
If you want to store coconuts at home, keep them in a cool place.
BENEFITS OF COCONUT MEAT DURING PREGNANCY:
1. GENERATION OF BREAST MILK:
Regular consumption of coconut meat during pregnancy improves the supply of breast milk after childbirth. Your baby will receive nutritious and rich breast milk. Also, coconut oil helps in the generation of breast milk.
It is also good during the lactation phase as it contains lauric and capric acids. These acids have antiviral, antibacterial, and parasiticidal effects, which protect the baby from diseases.
2. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION:
Blood volume doubles during pregnancy, causing swelling of the feet and legs. Poor blood circulation aggravates the condition. Coconut consumption improves blood circulation and prevents swelling and pain in the legs.
3. HELPS DIGESTION:
Consuming coconut meat and water prevents constipation as tender coconut meat acts as an excellent laxative. It is one of the best benefits of consuming a coconut in any form during pregnancy.
4. BETTER SLEEP:
Having coconut in combination with poppy seeds and ghee will improve your sleep cycle.
5. INCREASES METABOLISM:
When the coconut is mixed with spices, it helps boost metabolic activities in pregnant women.
COCONUT MILK DURING PREGNANCY:
Coconut milk is a thick, milky liquid obtained by grinding grated coconut meat. It is also an essential ingredient in many foods, especially Southeast Asian dishes.
Coconut can be consumed in any form due to its amazing health benefits. Coconut milk helps increase body fuel. It is completely safe to drink unless you are allergic to it.
BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK DURING PREGNANCY:
1. ENHANCE IMMUNITY:
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is an antibacterial and antiviral fat, useful for pregnant women. This type of fat helps improve the immune system, according to the book “Coconut Oil and the Immune System” by Sherri Neal. The long-chain fatty acids straighten the blood vessels and reduce any blockages in the heart, thus improving the condition of the heart as well.
2. OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE:
•It contains good amounts of iron, which can treat anemia.
•Improves digestive problems.
•It offers relaxation to the muscles and the nervous system.
•Controls blood sugar levels and blood pressure
•Relieves joint pain and scratches
•Makes your body fit and helps you lose weight
HOW TO PREPARE FRESH COCONUT MILK?
It is advisable to make coconut milk at home instead of opting for a packaged one.
Grate a whole coconut and add a cup and a half of hot water.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once the mixture cools down, strain to get the milk.
Coconut milk taken directly from fresh coconuts will contain approximately 450 calories and 50 g of fat. A cup of coconut milk (approximately 240 g) has the following nutritional values:
•Calories 550
•Fats 50.2gm (all types of fats)
•Cholesterol 0
•Sodium 40gm
•Carbohydrates 14gm (in 250gm of milk)
•Proteins 6gm
•Vitamin C 11%
•Iron 22%
•Calcium 4%
IS CANNED COCONUT MILK GOOD DURING PREGNANCY?
It’s safe to have canned coconut milk during pregnancy, but you need to make sure the can isn’t corroded, rusted, expired, or stored at dangerous temperatures.
Coconut milk contains considerable amounts of saturated fat, that is, 3 g in a tablespoon. Eating too much-saturated fat will increase the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body. In the case of canned milk, you must take into account your level of consumption, since you should not exceed your daily requirement.
In addition to the above, other reasons why you may not choose canned coconut milk are:
1. BISPHENOL A (BPA):
It is a chemical that is typically used in the lining of cans used for packaged foods. This BPA can gradually leach into acidic, fatty, or salty foods like coconut milk, vegetables, tomatoes, and soups. One study claims that there is a relationship between high levels of BPA in mothers and neurobehavioral problems in babies.
2. GUAR GUM:
Guar gum is an additive present in canned coconut milk. It is a galactomannan, a polysaccharide, and is primarily a ground endosperm of guar beans.
There have been complaints such as severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea, as beans are difficult to digest. In a clinical experiment, patients with intestinal problems showed improvement when they stopped using canned coconut milk in their diet.
3. FRUCTOSE MALABSORPTION:
It is a digestive disease characterized by impaired transport of fructose (a simple sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey) through the small intestine. Increased fructose levels in the gut cause bacterial overgrowth.
Therefore, it reduces the absorption of water in the intestine. Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are highly affected by fructose malabsorption.
According to nutrition data, coconut milk contains sugar, including fructose. Therefore, it should be avoided by those affected by IBD and IBS disorders.
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