It’s that time of year again. “New year, new me.” And while the new year is a great time to make positive changes in your life, it’s always best to remember that those changes should come from a holistic approach to wellness, rather than a desire to change your diet alone.
An overall healthy lifestyle is one of balance. Eating healthy foods and beverages, achieving optimal levels of fitness, and caring for your mental health all contribute to a well-rounded and vital life. Committing to that lifestyle and building good habits while you are young makes them much easier to maintain as you age.
A great way to support that lifestyle is by eating a well-balanced diet rich with superfoods like macadamia nuts. Let’s dive into some of the key health benefits of macadamia nuts and why they’re so important to incorporate into your diet
Health Benefits of Eating Macadamia Nuts
You may ask, “how do macadamia nuts fit into your health story?” And the answer is actually pretty simple. Macadamia nuts have a wide range of health benefits plus a vast array of ways to consume them.
From snacks to meals or ingredient incorporation, it’s so easy to find ways to benefit from these plant-based gems. Take a look at just a few of the key benefits you can enjoy when you eat macadamias.
- ‘Good fats’
Macadamia nuts are an excellent and rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) omega 7 and 9. They also provide a healthy ratio of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) omegas 6:3. These are the healthy fats that your body needs to fight inflammation and aid in maintaining your body’s natural functions.
- Promoting mental health
Many scientists believe that the food we eat is directly connected to our mood. A diverse diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help maintain positive mental health. Additionally, a combination of MUFA and PUFA fats, like those found in macadamia nuts, help provide protection for your brain and cognitive function.
- Aiding in digestion
Increasing consumption of monounsaturated fats has been shown to benefit overall gut health. Research suggests that eating a moderate amount of healthy fats and an overall healthy wholefood diet, including the consumption of macadamia nuts, are good for your digestive health.
- Disease prevention
Macadamia nuts have nutrients that can help fight inflammation in the body. Too much inflammation can result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and other chronic illnesses.
Best Practices for Overall Wellness
We all love to champion wellness, but many people struggle to find time to practice those healthy habits. Especially this time of year when you’re coming down from the holidays and settling back into your regular routines. And even though the weather may be colder, there are still plenty of activities you can do to be active!
When crafting your wellness journey for the new year, it’s best to start small and work your way up. Some great ways to keep in shape all year long are:
- Strive for some activity every day. Even something as simple as a 30-minute walk every day can have profound impacts on your immediate and long-term health.
- Eat more veggies and fruits. The long winter months often mean less time outside enjoying the freshness of the earth. Bring that freshness inside with healthy meals that are packed with nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals.
- Prioritize your rest. Getting the right amount of quality sleep is crucial for your overall wellness. Creating a set sleep schedule helps your body recharge to be ready to tackle another day.
- Care for your mental health. Wellness doesn’t stop at the physical. It’s so incredibly important to care for your mental health just as much as you care for your physical health. Practice mindful activities like yoga or meditation and find creative activities that work your body and mind. You can also consider speaking with a therapist to help you establish healthier habits across all areas of your life.
- Drink more water. Water is a wonder for your body, yet many of us aren’t taking in the right amounts on a day-to-day basis. In fact, many people may be silently suffering symptoms of dehydration without knowing it. Dehydration can cause headaches, upset stomach, lack of energy, and even trouble sleeping. Most health experts say you should aim to drink about 8-eight ounce glasses (2 liters) of water per day, depending on your age, weight, and sex.
“Macadamia nuts are an excellent and rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) omega 7 and 9.”
Macadamia Nuts: A Wellness Champion
As you begin to develop your New Year’s Resolution, remember to reinforce the idea that a healthy lifestyle is so much more than changes in your diet. It’s an ongoing commitment to overall wellness in all areas of your life.
Whether you’re taking small steps or making big leaps into your wellness journey, Love Macadamia™ will be here all year long! Stay tuned to our blogs and recipes, social channels, and Pinterest board for more macadamia-inspired wellness tips to keep you in tip-top shape!
*The nutrition information is in alignment with the United States of America Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. This may differ in other countries.
