Macadamia nuts are an ideal food for those with diabetes or raised blood glucose levels.
Eaten on their own, they are a delicious, low-GI snack packed with healthy monounsaturated fats. They’re also a perfect companion food to help lower the glycaemic index of carbohydrate-containing meals and snacks.22
Good for blood sugar levels
Since macadamia nuts only contain small amounts of carbohydrate, they have a positive influence on blood glucose levels. The fat, protein and fibre they contain also helps lower the glycaemic index (GI) of a meal or snack that contains carbohydrates by slowing the digestion and therefore the release of glucose from carbohydrate-containing foods.22 So macadamias make a great companion food to have with breakfast cereal, in a rice dish and when snacking on fruit.
A diabetes-friendly choice
Studies have shown that eating nuts helps improve blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.22 Nuts like macadamias also contain nutrients, fat, fibre and polyphenols that can help improve insulin function, meaning blood glucose levels don’t rise as much after eating.
People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are at greater risk of heart disease. The combination of heart-friendly nutrients in macadamias supports good heart health.24 Take a look at this video explaining the benefits of macadamias and diabetes management.
Diabetes prevention
The good news is that eating nuts like macadamias can help with the prevention of type 2 diabetes. An analysis of multiple studies involving 500,000 people found eating 30g of nuts four times a week reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 13%.25, Another good reason to enjoy a daily handful.28
