Just like eggs, coconuts, and avocados, macadamia nuts have gotten a bit of a bad rep over the years due to their high-fat content. As we now know, however, all of these foods (eggs, coconuts, avocados, and nuts) are very nutritious, and the fat they contain is monounsaturated fat, the kind that’s actually beneficial to our bodies.
But, there’s more nutrition in delicious macadamia nuts than just their beneficial fat. Let’s take a look at why these tasty nuts should not be overlooked!
• Antioxidants. Macadamia nuts contain flavonoids, which are converted within the body to antioxidants. These antioxidants search our bodies for free radicals, which can cause disease, and they destroy them. This reduction of free radicals helps lower our blood pressure, and it protects against cancer and other types of disease.
• Lower cholesterol. Macadamia nuts are 100% cholesterol free, and eating them can also help your body reduce cholesterol levels.
• Nutrients. Macadamia nuts are high in iron, Vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, protein and thiamine. There are also small amounts of potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and selenium.
So, how do you best enjoy macadamia nuts, since we Paleoistas don’t eat our macadamia nuts in white chocolate macadamia nut cookies? Enjoy them in small portions as a mid-day snack or tossed onto salads. We also enjoy macadamia nut oil.
With its high content of monounsaturated fat and high smoke point, macadamia nut oil is becoming a new favorite oil of Paleoistas and chefs all over the world.
You can substitute macadamia nut oil for vegetable oil in baking and for olive oil or canola oil when sautéing.
Do you enjoy macadamia nuts and macadamia nut oil as part of your Paleo diet?
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