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7 benefits of Macadamia Nuts

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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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9 Benefits of strawberries and side effects

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7 Benefits of Epazote and side effects

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Discover the 7 shocking health benefits of Epazote and side effects.

Epazote, also known as paico or acahualillo, is a widely used medicinal plant, as its essential oils contain vermifuge, antibiotic, digestive properties, and strengthen the immune system.

This plant, whose scientific name is Chenopodium Ambrosioides, grows spontaneously in lands that surround the houses, it has elongated leaves of different sizes and dark green, its flowers are small and whitish.

 

Epazote can be bought in certain markets or health food stores, in its natural form, in dehydrated leaves, or essential oil.

Because it is considered a plant with a degree of toxicity, it should preferably be used under the guidance of a health professional, in addition to the use of tea from its leaves instead of essential oil, since it contains a higher concentration of potentially toxic substances.

Health Benefits of Epazote

Although epazote is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine, it has few studies that confirm its properties in the body.

Despite this, several investigations have been carried out with this plant in animals, concluding that it has effects such as:

1. Eliminate intestinal parasites

This is one of the most popular uses of epazote and, according to some human studies, the use of this plant has a strong action against different intestinal parasites, such as worms and tapeworms.

This action seems to be related to the main active substance in epazote, ascaridol, which is similar in efficacy to some antiparasitic drugs, such as Albendazole.

2. Benefits of epazote for immune system

According to research carried out in animals, the use of epazote extract seems to be able to regulate the production of some cells important for the body’s defense, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, strengthening the immune system.

The mixture of epazote leaves with milk is popularly used to help in the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis, due to the union of the strengthening effects of the immune system and expectorants that these substances possess.

3. Benefits of epazote for inflammation

Another common use of epazote is in the relief of inflammation, mainly joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Additionally, the plant also helps relieve pain from inflammation.

This analgesic action was observed in the use of the alcoholic extract of the plant, which seems to act on the NMDA receptors.

4. Benefits of epazote for digestion

Although there are no studies that prove the action of this plant on poor digestion, this is one of the popular uses in which it is used the most.

According to its use, epazote tea can be taken after large meals, to improve digestion, as it could be able to increase gastric juice production.

5. Benefits of epazote for  blood pressure

In Morocco, epazote is frequently used to help treat high blood pressure and, according to studies in mice, this property is due to the stimulation of type 2 muscarinic receptors in the heart that slightly decrease the heart rate. , in addition to relaxing the heart muscle.

6. Combat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections

Both the use of epazote extract and essential oil has shown a powerful antimicrobial action that is capable of eliminating various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

7. Avoid osteoporosis

In some investigations carried out in laboratory mice, the use of the hydroalcoholic extract of epazote was able to prevent the loss of bone density and can be applied to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, especially in women who are close to entering menopause.

Is epazote used to treat coronavirus?

study carried out in 2020 by the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, confirmed the hypothesis that the flavonoids present in epazote may be able to prevent the replication of the new coronavirus, accelerating the recovery and cure of COVID-19.

However, the study was conducted on a computer model and has not been tested in a laboratory, nor living organisms.

For this reason, the dose necessary for treatment is not known, nor are the possible side effects.

For this reason, no health organ recommends the use of epazote as a treatment for COVID-19 until new studies are carried out.

How to use epazote

The most common way to take advantage of the properties of this plant is by infusing its leaves, preparing a tea:

Epazote tea: place a cup of the fresh plant with the seeds in boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Afterward, strain and drink a cup up to 3 times a day.

In addition to infusion, another popular way to use epazote is an essential oil, however, its use must be guided by a naturopath, psychotherapist, or a health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.

How to Make epazote tea

Ingredients
8 large stems and leaves of fresh epazote
2 quarts boiling water

Procedure

  • Add epazote to boiling water and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • ove from heat and let steep for another 3 minutes.
  • Strain and serve.
Side effects of epazote

Side effects of epazote include irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, headache, vomiting, nausea, palpitations, damage to the liver or kidneys, visual disturbances, and seizures, in case of doses higher than recommended or for a time. longer than 3 days in a row.

Is epazote abortifacient?

In high doses, the properties of epazote can act by altering the contractility of the body’s muscles; For this reason, it can have an abortive effect in certain people, not advising its use in pregnant women.

Contraindications

Epazote is contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.

This medicinal herb can be toxic, requiring a medical indication to establish the recommended dose

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Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone

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Discover the Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone.

Trazodone is used in a wide variety of disorders, although it is an antidepressant.

Being depression one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and one of the major causes of disability, its treatment is a matter that the scientific community has taken into account for many years.

The suffering it generates requires sometimes immediate attention since it is one of the disorders with the highest risk of suicide and that generates the most pain both for the person and for those around him.

The treatment of depression is carried out from different areas, one of them being psychopharmacology.

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One of the drugs used in the treatment of depression is trazodone, which we are going to talk about in this article.

Trazodone: what type of substance is it?

Trazodone is a psychotropic drug classified within antidepressants, substances that generate a neurochemical change at the brain level, causing alterations in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin.

Among antidepressants, it is part and is the main representative of the group of serotonin-2A antagonists and reuptake inhibitors or SARIs, a type of atypical antidepressant.

This drug was designed in Italy in 1966 under the assumption that depression could be based on the existence of low thresholds regarding the perception of pain and suffering, being the product of the lack of integration of aversive experiences.

Trazodone has proven to be an efficient and effective drug in the treatment of depression, reducing passivity and inactivity, as well as the discomfort and suffering associated with said ailment, and facilitating an increase in mood.

However, in addition to this, it also has an anxiolytic and tranquilizing action.

This substance is considered a second-generation antidepressant, along with specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with which it shares part of its mechanism of action, and different dual antidepressants.

Trazodone is sometimes considered to be dual as it has two different effects, although they focus on the same neurotransmission system, compared to the rest, and in addition to an antidepressant effect, it also has calming effects.

How does it work? Mechanism of action of the drug

As we have indicated previously, trazodone is classified as SARI, having a somewhat special mechanism of action among the rest of antidepressants.

Trazodone acts at the serotonergic system level (like most antidepressants) in two specific ways.

In the first place, this substance produces a blockage of brain serotonin reuptake, in such a way that said neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic space for a longer time.

This supposes that it has an agonist effect on the synthesis and maintenance of serotonin at the brain level, it increases its levels (which are decreased during the depression and this is something that correlates with the decrease in the mood).

The aforementioned mechanism of action is the one used by SSRIs, which is why these and trazodone are related and sometimes the latter is included among the first.

However, trazodone has a second effect that differentiates it from other drugs, and that seems contrary to the previous mechanism of action.

And it is also that it acts as an antagonist of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, preventing or hindering these receptors from being activated.

This second aspect is what makes trazodone have a slightly different profile and effects than other antidepressants.

Regarding its interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, it does not present great anticholinergic effects, something that has made this drug a better option than tricyclics (although the doses must also be regulated) in patients with cerebrovascular and cardiac pathology and dementias.

However, it must be taken into account that it can generate arrhythmias.

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It also has a minor effect on the adrenergic (blocking some receptors) and histaminergic systems, something that can lead to the generation of side effects.

Main indications

The main indication for trazodone is obviously, as an antidepressant that it is, major depression. Its effectiveness is also high in those depressions that appear together with anxiety symptoms.

Its clinical utility has also been observed in other disorders in which there are components of anxiety or that are based on it, such as generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or bulimia.

In addition to this, it has also been observed to be useful for the treatment of substance addictions, being a good alternative for patients with withdrawal syndrome to benzodiazepines, and in the treatment of alcoholism (including the presence of delirium tremens).

Another of its indications is insomnia, which is effectively reduced by increasing sleep time without greatly affecting the deep sleep phase.

Although in general, most antidepressants can have the presence of erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems as a side effect, this effect does not usually occur in trazodone, which seems to generate an increase in libido and is even used as a treatment indicated in erectile dysfunction.

Finally, trazodone has been applied (largely for its relaxing properties) in some cases of schizophrenia, motor problems such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, the presence of manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and the behavioral disorders of Alzheimer’s. although a greater amount of study is required regarding the latter.

On a medical level, it has also been used as a sedative in HIV-infected patients and diabetic neuropathies, as well as in other disorders that cause pain such as fibromyalgia. It has a very slight effect at the level of muscle relaxant.

Side effects and contraindications

Trazodone is a very useful drug that has been used in multiple pathologies and disorders, both mental and medical.

However, it can have undesirable consequences in the form of side effects and is even contraindicated in some situations and pathologies.

Secondary symptoms, sedation, and fatigue, the presence of headaches, nausea, and vomiting, gastric disturbances (diarrhea or constipation), appetite disturbances, sweating, tremors (which may lead to seizures in some cases), are common. ringing, numbness, and vision problems.

In some cases, it can also cause chest and muscle pain, altered consciousness, breathing problems, and arrhythmias. Like other antidepressants, trazodone can also contribute to the genesis of suicidal ideation in the first moments of use.

Although, unlike other antidepressants, it does not seem to generate contributes to improving cases of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems, the use of trazodone has been observed and associated with the appearance of priapism, erections that do not disappear on their own. alone and that cause pain to those who suffer from them (which may require urgent and even surgical treatment).

Although it is sometimes used in dementias and has a lower risk than tricyclics of generating heart problems, it requires a high degree of caution in its use and dosage carefully prescribed by the doctor, since it can generate arrhythmias.

It is contraindicated in patients who have just suffered a heart attack, as well as in those with liver or kidney disease.

Caution should be exercised in subjects with bipolarity because if the medication is not regulated, the consumption of trazodone can cause a shift from depressive to manic phase.

It is also contraindicated in people who have suffered from priapism or have Peyronie’s disease.

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Finally, it must be taken into account that trazodone can be excreted in breast milk and transmitted through the placenta so that pregnant and lactating women have contraindicated its use.

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