May boost heart health

Macadamia nuts may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. According to several studies, consuming 0.3-1.5 ounces (8-42 grams) of these nuts daily can reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by up to 10%. Interestingly, tiny research on adults with high cholesterol found that a diet rich in macadamia nuts decreased levels of this blood marker as much as the American Heart Association's heart-healthy, low-fat diet.

Furthermore, eating 1.5-3 ounces (42-84 grams) of macadamia nuts per day may considerably lower inflammatory indicators like leukotriene B4. Inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe macadamia nuts' cardiac benefits are due to their high monounsaturated fat content. This fat has been related to improved heart health as well as a decreased risk of stroke and deadly heart attacks.