June 11, 2011

The Macadamia

I was already a macadamia fan, but I grew to love them even more on this most recent trip to Hawaii.  Yes, they offer all sorts of candied up versions, but my fave is still the natural, raw type.

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In addition to tasting great, they offer MANY health benefits:

  • The natural oils in macadamias contain 78% monounsaturated fats, the highest of any oil (including olive oil!)
  • High in fiber
  • They're rich in: Iron Potassium Phosphorus Magnesium and Calcium They also contain significant levels of, Zinc Copper Selenium. The most significant vitamins are: 6 Vitamin E Thiamine (B1) Riboflavin (B2) Niacin, pantothenic acid (B5) and folate.
  • Macadamias contain tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are derivatives of Vitamin E, phytosterols such as sitosterol and also selenium, which  have antioxidant activity.
  • They contain the phytonutrients classes, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, phytic acids, ellargic acid, saponins and lignans.

Then, inevitably, comes the most asked question: "How many is too many?"

Well, it depends.  If you've come to The Paleo Diet because you have a weight loss goal, then you'd need to be more mindful of someone who is too lean and needs to build a bit of density.   As always, just think balance.  If you're someone to tends to snack without thinking, then it's simple:  DON'T leave a bowl full of them out on your desk.

Regardless of whether you are trying to lose fat or not, NO ONE needs to be eating TONS of anything!  Keep in mind that ONE macadamia has 20 calories.  I'm not issuing this reminder to get you to count calories, rather, just posting a reminder that the key to being a successful Paleo practitioner is BALANCE.

So- first comes the veg, then the protein, then add some fat and finally a sprinkling of fruit.

Make sure you eat your fish and/or fish oil, and don't rely on nuts as your main fat source as they are STILL not the best providers of an ideal Omega 3:6 ratio.

So- toast them and sprinkle on your salad, chop them and press them onto Sea Bass with an egg wash, then broil, or just eat a few with an apple- enjoy!

 

 

 

 

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