The main health benefits of macadamia and pumpkin seeds are a rich dietary source of minerals and antioxidants. The high fat content in macadamia usually keeps this tasty and rather nutritious nut. The high fat in macadamia is often mistakenly thought to be containing cholesterol. This is however a notion founded in ignorance. This is because between 78 and 86% of the fat is actually monounsaturated hence healthy to eat. Monounsaturated fats usually help in eliminating bad fats or the so called Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The other class of foods in this category includes other nuts such as Brazil nut, pistachio, walnuts and cashew nuts. The oil extracted from this nut has a very high boiling point hence a favorite for chefs the world over for cooking. It can be boiled to high temperature without losing flavor or breaking down into a different liquid.
Benefit 1: Source of Flavonoids
Macadamia nuts are rich in flavonoids, a compound that helps fight free radicals in the body. The flavonoids combat damage occasioned by the body absorbing harmful toxins from the environment. Furthermore, it contains palmitoleic acid, a rare kind of monounsaturated fatty acid which helps to speed up fat metabolism, hence reducing the body’s ability to convert and store fat. The rich amounts of fibre in macadamia nut help in bowel movement, keeping your digestive tract in tip top condition.
Benefit 2: Source of Selenium
Macadamia nut contains selenium, a trace element which is an excellent antioxidant which helps reduce the occurrence of certain types of cancers such as prostate and colon cancers. This nut is thus crunchy, tasty and highly beneficial to your body. You should therefore incorporate a healthy treat of macadamia nuts in your menu to enjoy these immense benefits as outlined here.
Benefit 3: Boosting Immune System
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent treat. They are richly packed with nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols; a compound that helps reduce cut down on Low Density Lipoprotein (LDLs) or the bad fats in your body and consequently boosts your immune system. A study released by Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that pumpkin seeds have one of the richest amount of phytosterols with up to 265 mg per 100g, only trailing sunflower seeds at 289 mg per 100g.
Benefit 4: Source of Manganese
You only need a quarter of a cup of pumpkin seeds to have up to 52% of your daily recommended amount of manganese. In my previous articles,
I have emphasized on the importance of manganese in the body. This mineral helps protect the body cells from harmful effects of free radicals. In other words, it is a good antioxidant. Magnesium is also found in these seeds and they help in blood circulation throughout the body. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of iron which enhances oxygen distribution in the body. The copper present in pumpkin seeds is useful in utilizing iron and also enhances bone health.
Benefit 5: Calories and Amino Acids
Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids such as leucine, lysine and serine. Amino acids are the body’s building blocks useful in building cells and tissue repair. As a word of caution though, pumpkin seeds are rich in high levels of calories and fat hence can easily make you gain weight. They should therefore be consumed in moderation. All in all, pumpkin seeds, just like macadamia nut make a healthy snack.
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