Aside from peanut butter, macadamia nut butter is also a great option. It is one of the best peanut butter alternatives out there, especially if you are looking for a healthier substitute. Macadamia nuts are also called Queensland nuts or Australian nuts. They are native to Australia, but they now grow in many parts of the world.
In addition to its delicious taste, this nut butter is also an easy plant-based way to add protein to your snacks, smoothies, and meals. Macadamia nut butter is a great nut butter that comes with several health benefits. Moderate portions of them are heart-healthy options. If you are wondering about the good things that you can get when you incorporate it into your diet, you’re in the right place. Today, we are giving you a list of the benefits of macadamia butter.
Macadamia nut butter can help lower cholesterol levels.
Macadamias are known to contain dietary fiber and phytosterols, which are plant nutrients that can lower the total and LDL cholesterol levels. In addition to that, macadamia nut butter also contains unsaturated fats that can help lower your cholesterol levels. You can spread it on toast or bread instead of regular butter to lower your intake of saturated fat.
Macadamia nut butter can help lower blood pressure.
Sodium is known to raise your blood pressure, but macadamia nuts are naturally low in them and high in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure. Macadamias are one of the most concentrated sources of monounsaturated fatty acids among all types of nuts. These fatty acids are also known to help lower blood pressure.
Macadamia nut butter is a good alternative to peanut butter.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, macadamia nut butter is one of the best alternatives to peanut butter. There are people who might not be able to enjoy peanut butter due to allergies to tree nuts. These allergies can lead to symptoms like wheezing, hives, runny nose, or even anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. But those who are allergic to peanuts may safely eat macadamia nut butter. However, if you suspect that you are allergic to macadamia nuts, avoid it and consult with a doctor.
Macadamia nut butter may help improve skin elasticity and appearance.
According to research, macadamia nuts contain palmitoleic acid, which is an omega-7 fatty acid. It is known to promote skin, nail, and hair health. It protects against oxidative damage, which is the main cause of skin aging. They do this by encouraging and evoking new skin cell development. Based on research, this rare fatty acid may also help improve the body’s synthesis of elastin and collagen. These are proteins that will keep your skin strong, young and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Macadamia nut butter is rich in antioxidants.
Flavonoids and tocotrienols are found in nuts like macadamias. According to research, these types of antioxidants can help fight cancer cells. Tocotrienols are a rare form of vitamin E, which has potent anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids, on the other hand, is a plant compound that can help fight cancer by destroying harmful free radicals in the body.
Macadamia nut butter can promote brain health.
Macadamia nuts are a great source of oleic acid. Based on studies, oleic acid, which is monounsaturated fat, may play a role in protecting the brain from oxidative stress. This type of stress happens when there is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body, and it can damage your cells and tissues. Therefore, you can add macadamia nut butter to your diet to improve brain health.
Macadamia nut butter can help reduce hunger cravings.
Macadamia nut butter is rich in fiber, protein, and high amounts of quality fats, which all play a role when it comes to keeping you feeling full for a longer period. The high-fat content of macadamia nuts can help stave off hunger better compared to a snack of similar size. In addition to that, it also contains protein and fiber that will not spike blood sugar levels. Therefore, when you eat macadamia nut butter, it will help you avoid potential sugar crashes and mood swings that might occur when you eat something that is loaded with carbs.
Important Considerations
You need to note that macadamia nut butter is high in calories. In a 2-tablespoon serving, it has around 200 calories. When you eat more calories than you expend, weight gain will occur. Therefore, you also need to avoid eating too many calories from macadamia nut butter. When you incorporate it into your meals, you need to measure your portions. It is a great substitute for high-calorie foods, but not in addition to them. Also, when buying macadamia nut butter, ensure that you choose the unsalted varieties. This will help keep your sodium intake in a healthy range.
Conclusion
Macadamia nut butter is indeed a healthier alternative to peanut butter. You can find it at specialty stores or farmers’ markets. But you also have the option to make your own by using roasted macadamia nuts and a small amount of oil. It also has a lot of uses. It can be used as a bread spread to make sandwiches or as an ingredient when baking cookies. You can also use it as a dip for fruits and vegetables, just like how you use peanut butter. We hope this helped you learn more about the benefits of macadamia nut butter.