The heart is the center of your soul and one of the main chakras that keep you balanced. Your heart center is the source of love for yourself and others and fosters your compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. You may “lead with your heart” when making important life decisions at home or work, in your relationships, and in your health and wellness. Your heart is what creates and enjoys all of life’s lovely moments you wish to preserve.
That level of care shouldn’t stop at the emotional. It’s important to protect your physical heart just as much as you try to protect your sentimental one. Supporting heart health is just one of the many benefits of nuts we are celebrating on National Nut Day!
Let’s explore why we celebrate National Nut Day and the many reasons that we believe every day should be a “nutbration”:)
What is National Nut Day?
National Nut Day is celebrated every year on October 22 and is a way to champion the nutritional benefits of eating all the various kinds of nuts we love. While we’re a little biased toward macadamia nuts, there are many other nuts that also provide excellent sources of energy and essential vitamins.
Whether eaten raw or roasted as a snack or chopped and incorporated into any of your favorite dishes, nuts are celebrated for their unique tastes, delicate crunch, versatility, and health benefits.
What makes nuts so healthy?
Nuts are a great source of nutrients, antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, energy/fuel for the body, and appropriate for many diets from keto to vegan. And each nut has its own area where it shines. Here are a few of our favorites and their key health benefits.
- Macadamias are a rich source of Omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acids that help your body fight inflammation. They also have the highest concentration of Omega 7 of any nut!
- Almonds and pistachios are praised for their protein.
- Chestnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts have high fiber content.
- Pistachios are celebrated for their sufficient levels of vitamin B6.
- Walnuts have reliable values of copper, which aid in immune function.
Pro tip! With any nut, it’s best to eat them unsalted for the maximum health benefit. Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure which is important to monitor whether you’re wanting to prevent future heart issues or correct current ones.
How macadamia nuts stand up to other nuts
When it comes to fat, there are 3 main types we consume: unsaturated, saturated, and trans. Unsaturated fats are considered ‘good fats’ because they come from plants and can be more easily processed by the body, which isn’t always the case for the unhealthier saturated or trans fats.
‘Good fats’ are considered cleaner when they are monounsaturated (like Omega 7 and 9) and polyunsaturated (like Omega 3 and 6). These fats, along with their vitamins and minerals, make up the majority of the macadamia nut, making them a superfood in their own right. When consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, research suggests that the nutritional value of macadamia nuts can:
- Help support the body’s natural functions by managing inflammation
Inflammation can occur from a number of lifestyle activities, infection, or injury and impacts our skin, internal tissues, gut health, and cognitive function. Macadamias are an ideal wholefood for supporting your body’s healing systems because they are full of phytochemicals compounds found in plants that show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant behavior.
- Support healthy cholesterol levels
Regular consumption of macadamias has been shown to improve the ratio of ‘good’ (HDL) to ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
- Promote brain function
Increasing consumption of monounsaturated fats, like those found in macadamias, and lowering saturated fats can help support your brain and cognitive function. Macadamia nuts also contain tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E with antioxidant properties that help contribute to positive brain, memory, and cognitive function.
- Provide clean energy for the body
Macadamias can also provide clean energy for the body, support cell function, help absorb nutrients, and aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Macadamia nuts also boast a delightfully unique taste that perfectly complements its velvety smooth texture. Plus, with macadamias, you only need to eat a serving of 10-12 nuts to enjoy their amazing heart-healthy benefits!
“Celebrate National Nut Day today by incorporating more nuts, including macadamias, into your daily routine! You’ll be amazed how these tiny morsels can profoundly impact your heart health.”
Preventative vs. corrective nutrition
If you’re trying to include more superfood options in your wellness journey, it’s always best to speak with your physician or nutritionist. Preventative and holistic nutrition is a way to nourish your body now so you can enjoy the long-term benefits of a lifestyle.
Simple steps like eating whole foods, exercising, and monitoring your overall health can be great ways to make a lasting impression on your current and future health.
Wishing you a wonderful National Nut Day!
Celebrate National Nut Day today by incorporating more nuts, including macadamias, into your daily routine! You’ll be amazed how these tiny morsels can profoundly impact your heart health.
Love Macadamia™ champions overall health and wellness by celebrating the unique flavors and incredible health benefits of superfoods like macadamia nuts. That’s why we’re dedicated to sharing educational resources about nuts, heart-healthy recipes, and ways you can live a more holistic and balanced life.
Feeling inspired? Try these heart-healthy macadamia-inspired recipes!
- Mango, Avocado, and Macadamia Salad
- Lime, Coconut, and Macadamia Granola
- Mixed Asian Salad with Macadamias
Or, explore even more recipes and ways to use macadamias on our Pinterest board!
*The nutrition information is in alignment with the United States of America Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. This may differ in other countries.
