Macadamia Nuts Lower Risk Factors for Coronary Disease

Summary:

(OrganicJar) Recent studies are finding that a diet rich in macadamia nuts reduces total cholesterol, including LDL-cholesterol, and reduces risk factors for coronary disease in patients with high cholesterol levels.

In April, 2008 the Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that the unique fatty acid profile of nuts beneficially affects serum lipids and lipoproteins, reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Nuts are low in saturated fatty acids and high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.

In a five week study, researchers compared the results on the lipid/lipoprotein profile of a macadamia nut-rich diet vs. an average American diet on male and female subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels. They found that total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the macadamia group were significantly lower than the levels of the American diet group.

Macadamia nuts also contain a significant level of protein, comprising essential and non-essential amino acids. They are a good source of minerals so essential to a healthy diet, and so needed to maintain ideal weight. These include potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium Selenium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc are present in small amounts. They also contain significant amounts of vitamins including Vitamin E, B1, B5, B6, B2, niacin and folate.

Source: naturalnews.com Journal of Nutrition