Nutritional Data

Healthy and nutritious macadamia nuts

Inflammation

Nutritional data guide PDF

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It’s proven that macadamias have excellent nutritional credentials. Moreover, they are highly relevant to long-term food trends. So clearly, there is an opportunity to build a stronger understanding of macadamias’ composition and their related benefits with current and future consumers. The World Macadamia Organisation’s (WMO) nutritional messaging is science based, unique to macadamias. Also, it resonates with the health-forward consumer audience in the United States.

Nutritional data researched & backed by science

Recently, the WMO commissioned a review of 99 published scientific reports to ensure the macadamia nutritional information that is used in communications is science-backed and credible. Notably, two subject matter experts, Denise Webster, a food scientist and regulatory adviser, and Denise Canellos, a nutritionist and author undertook this work. Highly qualified, they are adjunct professors at Chapman University in California.

The nutritional narrative is intended to inform consistent messaging about why macadamias are healthy. It is at the convergence of consumer trends, science, and the attributes that are ownable by macadamias. Macadamia brand owners, processors, communicators and the wider industry are encouraged to use this messaging, as consistency and repetition are key to building consumer understanding and shifting consumption behaviour.

Four key components to the macadamia nutrition narrative:

Macadamias are full of ‘good fats’, they are low in carbs, they are nutrient-dense and can help manage inflammation.

Good fats

Containing a variety of ‘good fats’ that support a healthy diet, macadamias have the highest level of monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) of all nuts in the form of Omega-9 and Omega-7. Notably, Omega-9 is known to reduce inflammation, improve heart function through lowering ‘bad cholesterol levels, and support overall wellness. Furthermore, research is emerging for the rarer Omega-7, and there are correlations with lower blood sugar levels and healthier insulin responses. Macadamias have polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the form of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Humans need both, however, we typically overconsume Omega-6. The ratio of 6:1 (Omega-6: Omega-3) found in macadamias is known to be an ideal balance for optimal health.

Low in carbs

Macadamia nuts are low in carbohydrates and
combined with high levels of unsaturated fats present an ideal snacking option for those aiming to maintain lower blood sugar levels. There is only a minimal spike in blood glucose levels post-consumption. Reduced insulin being released during digestion results in a balanced insulin response. Encouragingly, preliminary evidence suggests that incorporating macadamia nuts into a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels shortly after consumption; this is particularly relevant to consumers following a LCHF (low-carb,high-fat) diet or managing diabetes. Increased use of personal continuous glucose monitors has elevated the conversation around blood sugar management.

Nutrient dense

Increasingly, consumers are seeking nutrient dense ‘real foods’ which are not highly processed.
Fortunately, macadamia’s good fats contribute to nutrient density together with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Also, macadamias are uniquely rich in the mineral manganese, essential for skin cell development, resolving inflammation, and building strong bones. Healthy fats also enable the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Furthermore, macadamias provide exceptional nutritional benefits for the calories, and they are direct from nature wholefood.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a significant health concern. It is a complex immune system reaction in the body in response to damage or invasion. Also, excess inflammation can cause chronic diseases. Furthermore, too much Omega-6 contributes to inflammation, along with an excess of saturated fats found in meat and dairy. Macadamia nuts help to reduce inflammation through the presence of good fats, a favourable ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6, along with the vitamins,minerals and phytonutrients. Fortunately, the consumption of macadamias can help address inflammation-related issues, such as digestive, brain and heart health.

Healthy and nutritious macadamia nuts

Inflammation