Macadamia Nuts - Everything you need to know

What are macadamia nuts? 

Macadamia nuts are actually a type of seed from a Macadamia tree. The nuts are often roasted, salted, and used in chocolates, baked goods and confectionary.  They contain 73 percent of fat, and are a great source of vitamin B. calcium, phosphorus and iron.

A ripe macadamia nut has a chocolate brown husk and inside. White inside of the husk means the nut is not ripe. A ripe macadamia nut is dry and will come out from the husk easily. Like most other nuts, macadamia nuts are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for our health.  

Where are macadamia nuts from?

Macadamia nuts are evergreen tree nuts native to Australia. Today, macadamia trees are grown in various places around the world, such as New Zealand, Hawaii, Brazil and Costa Rica.

What are the health benefits of macadamia nuts?

Macadamia nuts are rich in healthy fats, minerals and vitamins. They contain good amounts of dietary fibre, protein, manganese, thiamin, and copper. 

They are also high in monosaturated fats (80% of their fat), which may lower cholesterol levels and protect you from heart diseases. Macadamia nuts are low in carbs and sugar but contain fibre, which can benefit your digestion and gut health. This fibre can act as a prebiotic, which means it helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. 

Macadamia nuts contain antioxodants - flavonoids and tocotrienols that have anticancer properties and protect brain cells from diseases. Like any other nuts, macadamia nuts promote longevity. 

Are macadamia nuts good for weight loss?

Macadamia nuts are high in calories, but despite this, they may actually help you to lose weight. Thanks to their protein and fibre content, they help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the feeling of hunger. 

Furthermore, the fats in nuts may remain in their fibrous wall during digestion. The monounsaturated fats, especially the omega-7, may protect against weight gain. 

Where can you buy macadamia nuts?

Macadamia nuts can be found in bigger supermarkets. However, These days it's easy and convenient to order macadamia nuts online. At Wholefood Earth online store, you can buy macadamia nuts in bulk (1-25kg bags) at great regular prices and save more money. 

How to incorporate macadamia nuts into your diet?

Macadamia nuts are versatile and easy to incorporate into most diets. The best and healthiest way is to eat raw macadamia nuts. Another healthy option is to eat oven-roasted macadamia nuts. You can have them daily as a snack. Avoid those roasted in oil and coated in sugar. 

Another great to enjoy them is to eat macadamia butte. You can spread it on toast or add it to your cereals, oatmeal, yoghurt and fruit salad. 

Macadamia nuts can be chopped, grind, and used as a topping for warm dishes and soups. You can also use it for various desserts, ice cream, biscuits, muffins and cakes.

Soaked macadamia nuts can be blended to make a milk alternative.

How to store macadamia nuts? 

Macadamia nuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for one to six months. If you keep them in the fridge this will keep them fresh up to one year.

How many macadamia nuts should you eat daily?

A healthy portion of macadamia nuts is about 15 whole nuts (30g). This amount of macadamia will provide you with great health benefits. There is no reason why you shouldn't eat more but eating a lot of them every day may cause a problem of gaining weight. 

Side effects of macadamia nuts

Do macadamia nuts cause allergies?

Various studies and reports claim that macadamia nuts may cause allergies in some people. Just in case, before you start eating, make sure you are not allergic to them. 

Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs? 

Unfortunately yes. Macadamias are toxic to dogs. The results of eating macadamia are severe and include weakness, paralysis, muscle tremors, joint pain, abdominal pain and inability to stand. These symptoms may appear within 12 hours of ingestion, depending on the number of nuts your dogs ate and the dog's size. 

When your dog accidentally eats macadamia, take him immediately to the vet to apply the treatment.