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Heart healthy

The scientific evidence around macadamias and heart health continues to grow.

In 2019, a systematic literature review around nuts and heart health14 showed that eating nuts, including macadamias, every day is associated with improvements in several aspects of heart health.

Macadamias and healthy cholesterol

We know regular nut consumption as part of a balanced diet is associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease and a reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.14 Regular consumption of nuts like macadamias has been shown to improve the ratio of ‘good’ (HDL) and ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol. This is a great reason to grab a healthy handful of macadamias each day!

Heart-healthy plant sterols

Macadamia nuts are also rich sources of phytosterols. These are natural, cholesterol-like substances found in many plant foods. Plant sterols can reduce cholesterol levels by being absorbed instead of some of the ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, which results in reductions in blood cholesterol levels.15

Helping healthy blood pressure

Macadamia nuts can also contribute to a healthy blood pressure. They contain the amino acid arginine, which acts as a precursor to the chemical messenger nitric oxide that causes blood vessels to dilate and remain elastic – a little like relaxing the arteries. This can reduce blood pressure among other benefits.16

So you can enjoy a healthy handful of Australian macadamias today knowing they are doing your heart some good for the future!