Jamaludin Yusup/ Getty ImagesMacadamia nuts are a type of tree nut that has a rich, buttery taste. Like othernuts, macadamia nuts contain many nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Macadamia nuts are also high in healthy fats (monounsaturated fats).When added to a balanced diet, macadamia nuts may help you lose weight, boost your heart health, lessen your risk of cancer, and lower your chances of developing diabetes, among other benefits. Manufacturers of macadamia nuts can carry a label claiming the food can support heart health.A diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods helps maintain overall health. Adding macadamia nuts to a well-balanced diet can provide several disease-fighting benefits.
Jamaludin Yusup/ Getty Images
Macadamia nuts are a type of tree nut that has a rich, buttery taste. Like othernuts, macadamia nuts contain many nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Macadamia nuts are also high in healthy fats (monounsaturated fats).
When added to a balanced diet, macadamia nuts may help you lose weight, boost your heart health, lessen your risk of cancer, and lower your chances of developing diabetes, among other benefits. Manufacturers of macadamia nuts can carry a label claiming the food can support heart health.
A diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods helps maintain overall health. Adding macadamia nuts to a well-balanced diet can provide several disease-fighting benefits.
1
Enhances Heart Health
The high amounts of monounsaturated fats found in macadamia nuts are associated with regulating cholesterol levels and lowering the risk ofheart disease.
2Reduces Risk of DiabetesMacadamia nuts are low in carbs and high in fiber, which may help balance blood sugar. Some research suggests that consuming a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk oftype 2 diabetes. One review of studies found tree nuts, such as macadamia nuts, may improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
2
Reduces Risk of DiabetesMacadamia nuts are low in carbs and high in fiber, which may help balance blood sugar. Some research suggests that consuming a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk oftype 2 diabetes. One review of studies found tree nuts, such as macadamia nuts, may improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Macadamia nuts are low in carbs and high in fiber, which may help balance blood sugar. Some research suggests that consuming a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk oftype 2 diabetes. One review of studies found tree nuts, such as macadamia nuts, may improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
3Promotes Weight LossThough they are high in calories, macadamia nuts may support weight management. This could be due to high amounts of protein and fiber, which tend to be filling.One older study found people who included macadamia nuts in their diet for three weeks experienced modest weight loss and reductions inbody mass index(BMI).
3
Promotes Weight LossThough they are high in calories, macadamia nuts may support weight management. This could be due to high amounts of protein and fiber, which tend to be filling.One older study found people who included macadamia nuts in their diet for three weeks experienced modest weight loss and reductions inbody mass index(BMI).
Promotes Weight Loss
Though they are high in calories, macadamia nuts may support weight management. This could be due to high amounts of protein and fiber, which tend to be filling.
One older study found people who included macadamia nuts in their diet for three weeks experienced modest weight loss and reductions inbody mass index(BMI).
4Lowers Cancer RiskMacadamia nuts contain a lot of fiber, which acts as aprebioticand could support gut health.A healthy amount of good bacteria in the gut can help with digestion and may ward off various diseases.
4
Lowers Cancer RiskMacadamia nuts contain a lot of fiber, which acts as aprebioticand could support gut health.A healthy amount of good bacteria in the gut can help with digestion and may ward off various diseases.
Lowers Cancer Risk
Macadamia nuts contain a lot of fiber, which acts as aprebioticand could support gut health.A healthy amount of good bacteria in the gut can help with digestion and may ward off various diseases.
5Boosts Brain HealthThe tocotrienols and monounsaturated fats in macadamia nuts also have brain-protecting properties. Some research suggests eating more nuts may slow cognitive decline in older adults.
5
Boosts Brain HealthThe tocotrienols and monounsaturated fats in macadamia nuts also have brain-protecting properties. Some research suggests eating more nuts may slow cognitive decline in older adults.
Boosts Brain Health
The tocotrienols and monounsaturated fats in macadamia nuts also have brain-protecting properties. Some research suggests eating more nuts may slow cognitive decline in older adults.
Nutrition FactsJust one ounce of macadamia nuts contains the following nutrients:Calories: 204Fat: 23 grams (g)Protein: 2 gCarbohydrates: 4 gFiber: 3 gManganese: 1.2 milligrams (mg)Iron: 1.1 mgVitamin B6: 0.08 mgMagnesium: 37 mgCopper: 0.2 mgThiamine: 0.34 mgCalcium: 24 mgThough macadamia nuts contain a lot of fat, about 80% is monounsaturated fat, which offers many health benefits.Sourcing Macadamia NutsMacadamia nuts are native to Australia, but most commercial production happens in Hawaii.The nuts grow on macadamia nut trees, which are medium-sized evergreen trees. A single tree produces about 65 pounds of nuts each year.One reason macadamia nuts are so expensive is because of the harvesting process. In many cases, it takes four to five years for the trees to begin producing nuts and 12 to 15 years to fully mature.Special Considerations and Reasons to AvoidNot all macadamia nuts are healthy choices. For instance, nuts covered in chocolate may be loaded with added sugar, which can offset the health benefits.People who are allergic to macadamia nuts should not consume them.In some cases, reactions can be severe and cause a potentially life-threatening condition calledanaphylaxis.Whole macadamia nuts may not be suitable for older people and young children who struggle with swallowing. Also, macadamia nuts may be toxic to dogs. If you own a pet, you may want to keep these nuts out of your dog’s reach.SummaryMacadamia nuts contain nutrients that can ward off different diseases. When added to a balanced diet, these nuts can enhance your heart health, lower your risk of diabetes and cancer, improve brain and gut health, and promote weight loss.But don’t overdo it. Just one or two handfuls a day should do the trick.Avoid eating macadamia nuts if you are allergic to them. Keep them out of reach of dogs as they are toxic to them, and be aware that young children might choke on them.
Nutrition Facts
Just one ounce of macadamia nuts contains the following nutrients:
Though macadamia nuts contain a lot of fat, about 80% is monounsaturated fat, which offers many health benefits.
Sourcing Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are native to Australia, but most commercial production happens in Hawaii.The nuts grow on macadamia nut trees, which are medium-sized evergreen trees. A single tree produces about 65 pounds of nuts each year.
One reason macadamia nuts are so expensive is because of the harvesting process. In many cases, it takes four to five years for the trees to begin producing nuts and 12 to 15 years to fully mature.
Special Considerations and Reasons to Avoid
Not all macadamia nuts are healthy choices. For instance, nuts covered in chocolate may be loaded with added sugar, which can offset the health benefits.
People who are allergic to macadamia nuts should not consume them.In some cases, reactions can be severe and cause a potentially life-threatening condition calledanaphylaxis.
Whole macadamia nuts may not be suitable for older people and young children who struggle with swallowing. Also, macadamia nuts may be toxic to dogs. If you own a pet, you may want to keep these nuts out of your dog’s reach.
Summary
Macadamia nuts contain nutrients that can ward off different diseases. When added to a balanced diet, these nuts can enhance your heart health, lower your risk of diabetes and cancer, improve brain and gut health, and promote weight loss.
But don’t overdo it. Just one or two handfuls a day should do the trick.
Avoid eating macadamia nuts if you are allergic to them. Keep them out of reach of dogs as they are toxic to them, and be aware that young children might choke on them.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Association.FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for macadamia nuts and the risk of coronary heart disease.Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH.Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-587. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, Abbott RD, Huang B.Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(8):1154-1158. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.8.1154Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Blanco Mejia S, et al.Effect of tree nuts on glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled dietary trials.PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e103376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103376Hiraoka-Yamamoto J, Ikeda K, Negishi H, et al.Serum lipid effects of a monounsaturated (Palmitoleic) fatty acid-rich diet based on macadamia nuts in healthy, young Japanese women.Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2004;31 Suppl 2:S37-38. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.04121.xSugizaki CSA, Naves MMV.Potential prebiotic properties of nuts and edible seeds and their relationship to obesity.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1645. doi:10.3390/nu10111645Li M, Shi Z.A prospective association of nut consumption with cognitive function in Chinese adults aged 55+ _ China health and nutrition survey.J Nutr Health Aging. 2019;23(2):211-216. doi:10.1007/s12603-018-1122-5U.S. Department of Agriculture.Nuts, macadamia nuts, raw.O’Hare TJ, Trieu HH, Topp B, et al.Assessing fatty acid profiles of macadamia nuts.HortScience. 2019;54(4):633-637. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI13418-18Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.Macadamia nuts.Gutiérrez-Díaz G, Betancor D, Parrón-Ballesteros J, et al.Identification of new allergens in macadamia nut and cross-reactivity with other tree nuts in a Spanish cohort.Nutrients. 2024;16(7):947. doi:10.3390/nu16070947American Kennel Club.Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Association.FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for macadamia nuts and the risk of coronary heart disease.Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH.Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-587. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, Abbott RD, Huang B.Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(8):1154-1158. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.8.1154Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Blanco Mejia S, et al.Effect of tree nuts on glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled dietary trials.PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e103376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103376Hiraoka-Yamamoto J, Ikeda K, Negishi H, et al.Serum lipid effects of a monounsaturated (Palmitoleic) fatty acid-rich diet based on macadamia nuts in healthy, young Japanese women.Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2004;31 Suppl 2:S37-38. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.04121.xSugizaki CSA, Naves MMV.Potential prebiotic properties of nuts and edible seeds and their relationship to obesity.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1645. doi:10.3390/nu10111645Li M, Shi Z.A prospective association of nut consumption with cognitive function in Chinese adults aged 55+ _ China health and nutrition survey.J Nutr Health Aging. 2019;23(2):211-216. doi:10.1007/s12603-018-1122-5U.S. Department of Agriculture.Nuts, macadamia nuts, raw.O’Hare TJ, Trieu HH, Topp B, et al.Assessing fatty acid profiles of macadamia nuts.HortScience. 2019;54(4):633-637. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI13418-18Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.Macadamia nuts.Gutiérrez-Díaz G, Betancor D, Parrón-Ballesteros J, et al.Identification of new allergens in macadamia nut and cross-reactivity with other tree nuts in a Spanish cohort.Nutrients. 2024;16(7):947. doi:10.3390/nu16070947American Kennel Club.Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food and Drug Association.FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for macadamia nuts and the risk of coronary heart disease.Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH.Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-587. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, Abbott RD, Huang B.Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(8):1154-1158. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.8.1154Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Blanco Mejia S, et al.Effect of tree nuts on glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled dietary trials.PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e103376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103376Hiraoka-Yamamoto J, Ikeda K, Negishi H, et al.Serum lipid effects of a monounsaturated (Palmitoleic) fatty acid-rich diet based on macadamia nuts in healthy, young Japanese women.Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2004;31 Suppl 2:S37-38. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.04121.xSugizaki CSA, Naves MMV.Potential prebiotic properties of nuts and edible seeds and their relationship to obesity.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1645. doi:10.3390/nu10111645Li M, Shi Z.A prospective association of nut consumption with cognitive function in Chinese adults aged 55+ _ China health and nutrition survey.J Nutr Health Aging. 2019;23(2):211-216. doi:10.1007/s12603-018-1122-5U.S. Department of Agriculture.Nuts, macadamia nuts, raw.O’Hare TJ, Trieu HH, Topp B, et al.Assessing fatty acid profiles of macadamia nuts.HortScience. 2019;54(4):633-637. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI13418-18Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.Macadamia nuts.Gutiérrez-Díaz G, Betancor D, Parrón-Ballesteros J, et al.Identification of new allergens in macadamia nut and cross-reactivity with other tree nuts in a Spanish cohort.Nutrients. 2024;16(7):947. doi:10.3390/nu16070947American Kennel Club.Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
U.S. Food and Drug Association.FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for macadamia nuts and the risk of coronary heart disease.
Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH.Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-587. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8
Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, Abbott RD, Huang B.Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(8):1154-1158. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.8.1154
Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Blanco Mejia S, et al.Effect of tree nuts on glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled dietary trials.PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e103376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103376
Hiraoka-Yamamoto J, Ikeda K, Negishi H, et al.Serum lipid effects of a monounsaturated (Palmitoleic) fatty acid-rich diet based on macadamia nuts in healthy, young Japanese women.Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2004;31 Suppl 2:S37-38. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.04121.x
Sugizaki CSA, Naves MMV.Potential prebiotic properties of nuts and edible seeds and their relationship to obesity.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1645. doi:10.3390/nu10111645
Li M, Shi Z.A prospective association of nut consumption with cognitive function in Chinese adults aged 55+ _ China health and nutrition survey.J Nutr Health Aging. 2019;23(2):211-216. doi:10.1007/s12603-018-1122-5
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Nuts, macadamia nuts, raw.
O’Hare TJ, Trieu HH, Topp B, et al.Assessing fatty acid profiles of macadamia nuts.HortScience. 2019;54(4):633-637. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI13418-18
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.Macadamia nuts.
Gutiérrez-Díaz G, Betancor D, Parrón-Ballesteros J, et al.Identification of new allergens in macadamia nut and cross-reactivity with other tree nuts in a Spanish cohort.Nutrients. 2024;16(7):947. doi:10.3390/nu16070947
American Kennel Club.Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
