There are many reasons why people choose to follow a plant-based diet, including personal health concerns, environmental issues related to factory farming, as well as concerns about animal rights.

Plant-based diets focuses on fresh produce, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts. Not everyone who eats plant-based diets eliminates all animal products entirely. As with most diets, it’s important to consider all factors involved, such as genetics, amount of exercise, any pre-existing medical conditions, and food allergies.

Anyone who decides to embark on a plant-based diet is wise to make sure they’re getting in sufficient levels of all the essential vitamins and minerals, from B12 to omega-3 fatty acids. This is probably what makes the macadamia nut such a formidable force when it comes to natural, plant-based ingredients.

This powerhouse nut contains so much of the good stuff – if you consume them regularly you won’t have to fret about not getting in what your body needs (of course along with other plant-based whole foods). Macs are packed with minerals which are essential nutrients and helps our body to perform at its peak.

So, let’s dive a little deeper into why people are choosing a plant-based diet.

These are some of the main reasons:

Reduced inflammation

Diet and exercise have a great deal of impact on inflammation. An unhealthy diet loaded with added sugars and unhealthy fats, smoking, lack of sleep, and obesity can all lead to inflammation. Nutrients, on the other hand, found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce inflammation. Did you know that the macadamia nut is brimming with antioxidants. Their job is to protect your cells from damage, lowering heart disease and the risk of cancer.

Reduced carbon footprint

The international food industry suggests that turning to a plant-based diet is the best way to reduce environmental impact.

Switching to a plant-based diet doesn’t guarantee more eco-friendly food choices: Growing practices, the way workers are treated, the distance food travels, packaging, and ingredient sourcing all contribute to how sustainable the food on your plate is, or isn’t! House of Macadamia sources all its nuts from the heart of the South African macadamia growing region, Tzaneen, in the Limpopo Province. This region boasts an excellent microclimate ideal for growing macadamias.

Reduced risk of heart disease

Whole plant-based foods contain plenty of fibre, zero dietary cholesterol, and low amounts of saturated fats—a winning combination for heart health.

But it’s not enough to only avoid meat. For heart health on a plant-based diet, it’s important to steer away from processed foods, like white rice and bread, which lack nutritional value and contain a high glycaemic index. This increases your odds for blood-sugar levels spiking and an increased appetite.

Low levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol

Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of plant-based diets—particularly a diet combined with nuts, soy, and fibre—on cholesterol levels. Macadamia nuts are packed with good fats. Monounsaturated fats to be specific, which are crucial for over-all health and is not present in many other superfoods. Macadamias contain more healthy monounsaturated fats than any other nut and low levels of lectins, which is a great thing for gut-health.