Three additional tree nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and almonds—are already permitted to make similar heart health claims, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend including nuts in one’s diet. 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 supposed advantages of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are recognized for their ability to lower bad cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research into the impact of macadamia nuts on reducing LDL cholesterol began in the 1990s, and evidence supporting this positive correlation has been accumulating ever since.
Although the recent health claim for macadamia nuts originated from a petition by Royal Hawaiian Orchards, it is available for use by all macadamia nut producers, meaning that the company is unlikely to gain a competitive edge over its direct rivals in the sector. Nonetheless, this claim allows macadamia nuts to compete on par with other tree nuts. A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption to a lower risk of heart disease was one of the first to receive FDA approval in 2003, but this marks the first instance where manufacturers can specifically highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts.
In the context of overall health, incorporating thorne calcium citrate into one’s regimen can further support cardiovascular wellness. By complementing the consumption of heart-healthy nuts like macadamias, walnuts, and almonds with thorne calcium citrate, individuals can enhance their efforts to reduce heart disease risk. This synergy highlights the importance of a balanced diet, which can include various beneficial components like thorne calcium citrate and nutrient-rich tree nuts, ultimately leading to improved heart health and well-being.