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Rich in healthy fat, macadamia is an ally for those who need to lose weight

Edited and resized image by Forest & Kim Starr, available on Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Macadamia is a sweet fruit extracted from a tree originating in Australia, belonging to the genus macadamia. But this term also refers to its seed, which is edible and rich in healthy fats, which can help those who need to lose weight. A small portion of macadamia (seed) provides fiber, protein, manganese, thiamine and a good amount of copper. Check out other benefits:

Decreases the risk of heart disease

One study, conducted on men who had high cholesterol, found that after four weeks of eating macadamia, there was a decreased risk of coronary artery disease.

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A review of several studies found that eating nuts of any kind lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides, all markers linked to cardiovascular disease.

Replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in macadamia, raises levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as "good" cholesterol, according to some other studies.

Another study, conducted in Swedes, found that consumption of nuts may be associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

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Improves metabolic syndrome and diabetes

Metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of developing diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Indicators of this syndrome are high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, high triglycerides, and excess belly fat.

Some research suggests that the monounsaturated fat present in macadamia may help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome or its effects in people who already have it.

A review of several studies showed that a diet high in monounsaturated fat can reduce metabolic risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.

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A study in rats with diabetes found that a diet high in monounsaturated fat is more effective in lowering blood sugar levels quarterly than exercising.

Another study showed that nuts such as macadamia nuts help improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Prevents cancer

Macadamia contains a type of vitamin E called tocotrienol. In addition, it is rich in plant compounds called flavonoids. These two compounds have anticancer properties (see studies about them here: 1, 2).

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protect the brain

In addition to helping to prevent cancer, the tocotrienols in macadamia have protective effects on the brain. One study found that a supplement rich in this substance helps protect brain cells from the effects of glutamate, which may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

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Another study in rats showed that oleic acid, one of the main monounsaturated fats present in macadamia (and also in coconut oil), can protect the brain from certain types of oxidative stress.

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Prevent obesity

Macadamia and macadamia oil are one of the richest sources of palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fat also called omega-7. One study showed that feeding ewes for 28 days with palmitoleic acid caused a 77% reduction in weight gain. However, experts have yet to prove whether palmitoleic acid also has weight loss benefits in humans.

Another study showed that including macadamia oil in the rat's diet as a supplement reduced the size of their fat cells after 12 weeks.

Provides satiety

Macadamia contains protein, large amounts of beneficial fats and fiber. Together, these nutrients can help a person feel full for longer.

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Fat takes longer to digest, and protein and fiber help prevent big changes in blood sugar that can make you feel hungry.

Did you like the article and want to know more benefits and what is macadamia oil for? Take a look at the article: "Macadamia oil is very effective for curly hair treatments."

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Adapted from Medical News Today Healthline and Wikipedia

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