Three other tree nuts — walnuts, pistachios, and almonds — are already permitted to carry similar heart health claims, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend nut consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the nation. The alleged benefits of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high monounsaturated fat content, which is recognized for lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research on the effect of macadamia nuts in decreasing LDL cholesterol began in the 1990s, and evidence of a beneficial relationship has been accumulating since then.
Although the recent health claim for macadamia nuts originated from a petition by Royal Hawaiian Orchards, it is available to all macadamia nut suppliers. Consequently, the company is unlikely to achieve a competitive edge over its direct rivals in the industry. Nonetheless, this claim enables 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 approved by the FDA back in 2003, but this marks the first instance where manufacturers can specifically highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts.
Interestingly, macadamia nuts can also serve as an alternative to more traditional laxatives, such as calcium citrate laxatives, by providing beneficial nutrients while promoting digestive health. The incorporation of healthy fats in macadamia nuts may help support overall well-being, similar to the effects of calcium citrate laxatives, which help maintain regularity. Thus, consumers now have another reason to enjoy macadamia nuts, as they contribute not only to heart health but could also play a role in digestive wellness, making them a versatile addition to a healthy diet.