Are you eating my favorite NUT? (health-boosting!)

It’s no secret that nuts are a health food.

After all, a handful a day could be enough to keep the doctor away.

And some research suggests the higher the intake, the greater the benefit.

That’s because they’re chock-full of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and more.

But did you know my favorite nut is SO healthy, the entire month of February is dedicated to it?

Here’s everything you need to know…

Tiny but mighty

February is considered National Macadamia Nut Month.

So, each week this month, Food & Beverage Insider is showcasing the many health benefits of macadamia nuts.

And for good reason…

After all, macadamia nuts provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and of course—heart-friendly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).

In other words, they’re nutrient dense and keep you feeling fuller, longer.

Plus, are you ready for this buzzword? They’re keto friendly.

Now, let’s take a look at some of their impressive health benefits…

A handful or less

Research shows macadamia nuts are especially impressive when it comes to boosting cardiometabolic health.

In fact, these nuts can tame harmful inflammation and oxidative stress—two key factors behind cardiometabolic disease.

One study found that men who ate just 1.5 to 3 ounces (less than a handful) of macadamia nuts daily—for just four weeks—lowered their biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombosis (blood clots).

And that’s not all…

In another study, researchers looked at the effect of eating tree nuts (including macadamia nuts) in people with type 2 diabetes.

It turns out, people who ate just 56 grams daily (that’s about one handful) had “significantly” lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c compared to those who didn’t indulge.

I could go on and on about the benefits of my favorite nut. But here’s the bottom line…

Nuts—especially macadamias—are an excellent addition to a balanced diet. And a handful a day makes for a delicious, satisfying snack.

You might also choose to cook with macadamia nut oil…

Check out the September 2022 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives, to learn why I use this delicious cooking oil for virtually anything—fish, veggies, even milkshakes!

Sources:

“Celebrating National Macadamia Nut Month.” Food & Beverage Insider, 02/03/2023. (foodbeverageinsider.com/fruits-vegetables-nuts-seeds/celebrating-national-macadamia-nut-month)

“Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.” Lipids, 2007;42(6):583-7. Doi.org/10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8.

“Metabolic Effects of Monounsaturated Fatty Acid–Enriched Diets Compared With Carbohydrate or Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid–Enriched Diets in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Diabetes Care, 2016; 39(8): 1448–1457. doi.org/10.2337/dc16-0513