Including a healthy dose of delicious Hawaiian macadamia nuts in your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease, new research has found.

The Penn State researchers in the US say that while other tree nuts are already recommended as part of a healthy diet, macadamia nuts had previously been overlooked.

"Macadamia nuts have higher levels of monounsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil compared with other tree nuts," says American nutritionist Dr. Amy E. Griel.

The researchers found that eating just a small handful of the nuts a day reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol) and triglyceride levels – all risk factors for clogged arteries and heart disease.

The researchers said that the effects were similar to those of other tree nuts such as walnuts and almonds, both known for their positive effects on the arteries. To read more on how walnuts protect heart health, Click Here.

For more on maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol, Click Here.