Also known as Queensland nut or Australian nut, macadamias are a member of the Proteaceae family of flowering plants. While many different species exist, some are considered poisonous, leaving only two species that are edible: macadamia tetraphylla and macadamia integrifolium. Both are native to Australia, and they are the only foods originating from there that are now distributed worldwide, says the Australian Macadamia Society.
Good Fat
Monounsaturated fats are the "good" fats that, when eaten in moderation, may actually lower cholesterol and reduce the possibility of heart disease or stroke. Macadamias contain about 84 percent fatty acids, which the Nambucca Macnuts website claims is more good fat than any other natural food on the market contains.
Fiber
About 7 percent of a macadamia is fiber, the Australian Macadamia Society states. Fiber is a carbohydrate that comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber plays a role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fiber is also known to keep you feeling full longer, which reduces hunger and unnecessary eating -- possibly leading to better weight management.
Protein
Protein is made up of amino acids that are found in every cell of your body: skin, hair, nails, muscle and other tissues. Amino acids are crucial for repairing cells of muscles and other connective tissues, as well as creating new ones. Macadamias are made up of about 9 percent protein, consisting of both essential and non-essential amino acids, according to Nambucca Macnuts.
Antioxidants
Macadamia contain alpha-tocopherol, a phytonutrient that comes from vitamin E. Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants that may have the ability to act as antioxidants. In the body, antioxidants fight off free radicals that can cause cellular damage and possible illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Alpha-tocopherol also enables the transfer of cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body by preventing oxidation of fat in low-density lipoproteins.
Vitamin B
Along with vitamin E, macadamias contain many vitamins from the B-complex family, such as thiamin, folic acid, niacin and riboflavin. The B vitamins are essential for converting food to energy. They also play an important role in the normal formation, growth and functioning of the body's nerves and blood cells. Adequate amounts of vitamin B help to prevent anemia and keep your body energized.
