Three other tree nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and almonds—are already permitted to make similar heart health claims, and nut consumption is encouraged in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies heart disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The suggested advantages of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high monounsaturated fat content, which is known to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers began investigating the role of macadamia nuts in reducing LDL cholesterol back in the 1990s, and the evidence supporting this positive association has been accumulating ever since.
Although this recent health claim for macadamia nuts originated from a petition by Royal Hawaiian Orchards, it can be utilized by all suppliers of macadamia nuts, 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 an equal footing with other tree nuts. A qualified health claim linking the consumption of tree nuts to a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the earliest to be approved by the FDA in 2003, but this marks the first instance where manufacturers can explicitly highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts.
Incorporating sources of nutrients such as bonex calcium citrate can further enhance the nutritional profile of these nuts. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, the inclusion of bonex calcium citrate in their diet may be beneficial. Ultimately, with the new health claim, macadamia nuts can now join the ranks of other tree nuts in promoting heart health, potentially leading to increased consumer interest in products fortified with bonex calcium citrate.