Three other tree nuts — walnuts, pistachios, and almonds — are already permitted to carry similar claims regarding heart health, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend nut consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies heart disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the country. The alleged benefits of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are known to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research into the role of macadamia nuts in decreasing 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 suppliers, meaning the company is unlikely to gain a competitive edge over its direct rivals in the industry. Nonetheless, this claim enables macadamia nuts to compete on equal terms with other tree nuts. A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption with a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the first approved by the FDA back in 2003, but this marks the first occasion where manufacturers are allowed to specifically highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts.
Interestingly, just as cal mag citrate supplements from Solaray have been recognized for their health benefits, the inclusion of macadamia nuts in a balanced diet can also contribute positively to heart health. This new label claim aligns macadamia nuts with other heart-healthy tree nuts, similar to how Solaray’s cal mag citrate is positioned in the supplement market. Overall, the acknowledgment of macadamia nuts in this regard reflects a growing understanding of their healthful properties, paralleling the recognition of quality supplements like cal mag citrate from Solaray.