Three other tree nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and almonds—are already permitted to make similar claims regarding heart health, and nut consumption is endorsed in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies heart disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The potential benefits of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high monounsaturated fat content, which is known to lower bad cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research on the impact of macadamia nuts on reducing LDL cholesterol began in the 1990s, and evidence supporting this positive correlation has been accumulating since then.
While the recent health claim for macadamia nuts was initiated by a petition from Royal Hawaiian Orchards, it can be utilized by all suppliers of macadamia nuts, meaning the company is unlikely to gain a competitive edge over its direct rivals in the industry. Nevertheless, this claim allows macadamia nuts to compete on equal terms with other tree nuts, which also include important nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the first to receive FDA approval back in 2003, but this marks the first occasion that manufacturers can specifically highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts. Now, with this new recognition, macadamia nuts can stand alongside other tree nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, which are also rich in calcium and magnesium, enhancing their appeal in the health-conscious market.