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Tropical Delight Trail Mix
One of Australia’s best gifts to the world is the macadamia nut, sometimes called the Queensland nut. This delicious nut now grows in other areas of the South Pacific, particularly in the Hawaiian islands. Like all nuts, macadamias are rich in minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. They also contain B vitamins, particularly vitamin B1.
Macadamias have a unique fatty acid profile. About 80% of the total fat content is stable monounsaturated, of which more than 22% is the 16-carbon monounsaturated palmitolytic acid. This fatty acid has strong antimicrobial properties, that is, it protects the consumer from viruses, pathogenic bacteria and yeasts in the gut. About 60% of the total fat is monounsaturated oleic, the same kind of fatty acid found in olive oil. About 15% is saturated fat and the remaining 3% as polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 exactly equal – an excellent balance.
Like all seed foods, macadamias contain numerous anti-nutrients such as enzyme inhibitors that can cause gastric distress and irritations to the mouth and throat; and phytic acid that can cause mineral deficiencies if the nuts are consumed in excess. It’s best to buy RAW macadamia nuts and prepare them as described below. Raw macadamias are available at Trader Joe’s on the West Coast, and will soon be appearing at Whole Foods markets on the East Coast.
Tropical Delight Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups macadamia nuts, prepared as above
- 1 cup dried papaya pieces
- 1 cup large flaked desiccated coconut
- ½ cup naturally-sweetened carob chips (optional)
Directions
Mix ingredients well.
Store in an airtight container.
Published in the PPNF Health Journal
Summer 1997 | Volume 21, Number 2
Copyright © 1997 Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, Inc.®
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