Much of the content on this site is geared towards challenging the reader to not believe everything they’re fed.
You won’t easily find content on this site that badmouths South African dietary choices.
I don’t want people to quit eating Thokoman peanut butter, or KFC, or anything else they don’t want to quit eating, whether it’s good for them or not.
Is sugar bad for you?
Absolutely. It’s basically poison. Why packets of sugar don’t contain cancer warnings, boggles my mind.
However, if you want to indulge in sugar, I’m not going to preach to you.
You WILL find content that challenges sustainability, though.
I think true sustainability is a pipe dream, with many of the loudest voices for the cause absolute hypocrites, or totally delusional.
For those reasons, I sell my nut butter on taste, not on its nutritional value or environmental impact.
If you don’t like the taste, don’t buy it. Get something the taste of which you truly enjoy.
However, taking a closer look at Lush Yummy’s nut butter should convince you that it’s not only tasty, but actually good for you too.
The Banana Honey Bomb, Lush Yummy’s first nut butter, contains the following ingredients:
- Macadamia nuts
- Cashew nuts
- Banana chips
- Honey
Nothing else.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these ingredients and discover how they can positively impact your health.
Here’s an expanded look at their nutritional profiles and benefits.
Macadamia Nuts
Nutritional Profile
Macadamia nuts boast a rich profile of healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fibre, and essential nutrients such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), magnesium, manganese, and iron.
They also contain small amounts of vitamin E and phytosterols, contributing to their overall health benefits.
Health Benefits
- Heart Health
- The high content of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, helps reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, mitigating the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Palmitoleic acid, another monounsaturated fat found in macadamia nuts, aids in fat metabolism and may further protect heart health.
- Antioxidant Properties
- Macadamia nuts are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and tocotrienols. These compounds combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Weight Management
- Despite their calorie density, the fats and fibre in macadamia nuts promote satiety, helping control appetite and aiding in weight management.
- Bone Health
- Essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium in macadamia nuts support healthy bones and teeth, enhancing bone density and strength.
- Brain Health
- Omega-9 fatty acids (oleic acid) support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- The anti-inflammatory properties also protect brain cells.
- Digestive Health
- The dietary fibre in macadamia nuts aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports beneficial gut bacteria.
Cashew Nuts
Nutritional Profile
Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, K, B6, copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium.
Health Benefits
- Heart Health
- Cashews contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing cardiovascular risk.
- They also contain arginine, an amino acid that improves blood vessel function.
- Bone Health
- Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium and phosphorus, essential for bone health and density. These minerals support the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth.
- Antioxidant Defence
- Rich in antioxidants like selenium, vitamin E, and phytochemicals, cashews protect cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
- Blood Health
- The high copper content in cashews is vital for iron metabolism, red blood cell formation, and maintaining healthy blood vessels and nerves. Iron helps prevent anaemia.
- Weight Management
- Protein, fibre, and healthy fats in cashews promote satiety, helping control appetite and aiding in weight management.
- Skin Health
- Antioxidants and essential fatty acids in cashews keep skin hydrated and reduce signs of ageing. Copper supports collagen and elastin production.
Honey
Nutritional Profile
Honey consists mainly of fructose and glucose, with small amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, and phenolic compounds.
Health Benefits
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
- Honey has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its hydrogen peroxide content and low pH, aiding in wound healing and infection prevention.
- Antioxidant Power
- Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, honey protects the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Cough Suppressant
- Honey soothes sore throats and can be more effective than some over-the-counter medicines for reducing cough frequency and severity, particularly in children.
- Digestive Health
- Acting as a prebiotic, honey promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and can help with digestive issues such as diarrhoea and peptic ulcers.
- Energy Booster
- The natural sugars in honey provide a quick, easily digestible energy source, making it ideal for athletes and those needing a rapid energy boost.
- Skin Health
- Honey’s moisturising and healing properties benefit skin health, helping with conditions like acne and eczema, keeping skin hydrated, and reducing inflammation.
Dried Bananas
Nutritional Profile
Dried bananas are a concentrated source of carbohydrates and natural sugars.
They retain many of the nutrients found in fresh bananas, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fibre.
Health Benefits
- Energy Source
- High in carbohydrates, dried bananas provide a quick energy boost, making them an excellent snack for athletes and active individuals.
- Digestive Health
- The dietary fibre in dried bananas aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and prevents constipation.
- Fibre also supports beneficial gut bacteria.
- Heart Health
- Rich in potassium, dried bananas help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke.
- Bone Health
- Providing magnesium and calcium, dried bananas support bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis. Magnesium is crucial for bone formation and maintenance.
- Immune Support
- Vitamin C in dried bananas boosts the immune system by promoting white blood cell production and acting as an antioxidant, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Muscle Function
- Potassium and magnesium are essential for muscle function, helping to prevent cramps and support muscle recovery after exercise. They also maintain electrolyte balance.
Conclusion
Incorporating macadamia nuts, cashew nuts, honey, and dried bananas into your diet can offer numerous health benefits.
These foods are nutrient-dense and support heart health, digestive health, bone strength, immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.
Lush Yummy makes it easy for you to enjoy these products.
And you can enjoy it in a variety of ways.
Chuck a dollop of nut butter on your banana before a run or cycle and hit the road loaded with energy.
Or smear it on a piece of toast.
Even better (a personal favourite), dunk some Lush Yummy nut butter into your smoothie.
Whichever way you choose to ingest Lush Yummy, it’ll enhance both the flavour and nutritional value of your diet.
Embrace the goodness of these ingredients and enjoy the delicious, healthful benefits they bring to your table in the form of Lush Yummy nut butter, a nut butter so good, not even Comic Sans can break it.