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Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts: Difference, Benefits, More

This article explains the key similarities and differences between brazil nuts and macadamia nuts, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the brazil nuts vs macadamia nuts comparison.
Michael Whaley, Health Writer

Written by Michael Whaley, Health Writer. Updated on January 6, 2023.

Brazil Nuts and macadamia nuts belong to the nuts and seeds food group, an important group for a healthy diet, as they provide a wide range of essential nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we’ll put a spotlight on brazil nuts and macadamia nuts and compare their similarities and differences.

They both provide a variety of nutrients and are relatively high in calories, like other nuts and seeds.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) are a type of nut that is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America.

These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, and are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Brazil nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate Brazil nuts into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Brazil nuts are also available in a variety of forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Brazil nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. They are often sold roasted or raw, and can be purchased with or without the shell.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving Brazil nuts a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Brazil Nuts are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin E.

They also contain Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) in a small amount.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia spp.) are native to Australia and are now grown in many tropical regions worldwide.

These nuts have a creamy and slightly sweet flavor and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Macadamia nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to have various health benefits.

There are many ways to incorporate macadamia nuts into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Macadamia nuts are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Macadamia nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores.

They are often sold roasted or raw and can be purchased with or without the shell. It is important to store macadamia nuts in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh and prevent them from going rancid.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving macadamia nuts a try. They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Macadamia Nuts are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin E.

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing brazil nuts vs macadamia nuts.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of brazil nuts and macadamia nuts and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral contents.

Brazil NutsMacadamia Nuts
Energy659 kcal718 kcal
Carbs11.74 g13.8 g
Sugar2.33 g4.57 g
Fiber7.5 g8.6 g
Protein14.32 g7.91 g
Fat67.1 g75.8 g
Saturated Fat16.134 g12.1 g

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for brazil nuts and macadamia nuts, so you should consume them in moderation.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a proper serving is one ounce, which is roughly equal to 1/4 cup or 28 grams.

To keep the portions under control, the amounts correspond to one serving size: 14 walnut halves, 16 cashews, 24 almonds, 28 peanuts, or 45 pistachios.

Comparing brazil nuts vs macadamia nuts for weight loss, brazil nuts are slightly lower in calories, with 185 calories per serving, compared to 201 calories per serving of macadamia nuts.

However, both brazil nuts and macadamia nuts can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s just important to eat them in moderation.

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Protein

Nuts and seeds, including brazil nuts and macadamia nuts, are an important source of plant-based protein.

Brazil Nuts offer around 45% more protein than macadamia nuts.

Brazil Nuts have 14.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 4g per serving), while macadamia nuts have 7.9 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 2.2g per serving).

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in brazil nuts and macadamia nuts.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 15% higher in macadamia nuts than in brazil nuts. They have 13.8 grams per 100 grams, compared to 11.7 grams in brazil nuts.

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There’s less sugar in brazil nuts than in macadamia nuts, 46% precisely.

One handful of brazil nuts (28 grams) contains 0.7 grams of sugar, while the same amount of macadamia nuts contains 1.3 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in brazil nuts and macadamia nuts.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 2.4 grams of fiber per portion, macadamia nuts are a better source of fiber than brazil nuts which offer 2.1 grams per portion.

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Fats

Like the other nuts and seeds, fats in brazil nuts and macadamia nuts are a great source of healthy unsaturated fats, naturally cholesterol free, and free of trans fats.

Total fat in brazil nuts and macadamia nuts:

  • Brazil Nuts: 67.1 grams per 100 grams
  • Macadamia Nuts: 75.8 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, macadamia nuts are 25% lower in saturated fats.

Macadamia Nuts and brazil nuts contain 12.1 grams and 16.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of brazil nuts and macadamia nuts.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Brazil Nuts have a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

However, macadamia nuts have a higher amount of vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Brazil Nuts and macadamia nuts contain the same amount of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins brazil nuts and macadamia nuts contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Brazil NutsMacadamia Nuts
Vitamin A00
Vitamin C0.7 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.617 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.035 mg0.162 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)0.295 mg2.47 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.184 mg0.758 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.101 mg0.275 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)22 µg11 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E5.65 mg0.54 mg
Vitamin K00

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the brazil nuts and macadamia nuts comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Brazil Nuts are a better source of iron, manganese, and sodium than macadamia nuts.

On the other hand, macadamia nuts have a higher amount of calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

Brazil Nuts and macadamia nuts contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how brazil nuts and macadamia nuts compare when it comes to mineral contents.

Brazil NutsMacadamia Nuts
Calcium160 mg85 mg
Copper1.743 mg0.756 mg
Fluoride00
Iron2.43 mg3.69 mg
Magnesium376 mg130 mg
Manganese1.223 mg4.13 mg
Phosphorus725 mg188 mg
Potassium659 mg368 mg
Selenium1917 µg3.6 µg
Sodium3 mg5 mg
Zinc4.06 mg1.3 mg

The Final Word

Brazil Nuts and macadamia nuts are highly nutritious and excellent sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Although they are relatively high in calories, they are essential to a healthy, plant-based diet and are linked to many health benefits.

Both brazil nuts and macadamia nuts are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods, and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Sources

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