Dr. Thomas Dwan - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Thomas Dwan

Are Macaroons Bad For You?


Grade

C


Short answer

Macaroons aren't entirely bad for you if eaten in moderation. Keep it to no more than two macaroons per day and there will be several benefits with nearly zero risks.

Grade

C

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Macaroons (which are sometimes confused with macarons) are simple cookie-like treats that have quite a few surprising benefits, especially when considering their regiment. Macaroons are made from egg white, sugar, and shredded coconut. While having too much sugar does nothing good for your health, sticking to no more than two macaroons will minimize the negative impact from sugar and provide you with some benefits. 

First, egg whites are low in cholesterol and are a good way to get riboflavin, selenium, and potassium. Also included in egg white is about 55 mg of sodium, which is necessary for proper brain function, muscle contraction, and nerve impulses. The most benefits, however, come from the shredded coconut. Coconut has countless benefits, including (but not limited to) increasing energy, staving off infections, enhancing satiety, and reducing blood cholesterol levels. Due to the amount of coconut oil, macaroons have also been shown to be effective in combating diarrhea, with many sufferers of Crohn's disease reporting an end to their constant diarrhea. Other digestive disorders, such as IBS are effectively kept at bay by macaroons. 

Two macaroons contain less than 150 calories and provide 6% of the daily value for calcium as well as 4% for iron and 2% for vitamin A. Macaroons also contain no wheat and no leavening products, so it is an ideal treat to share on Passover or to eat if you have Celiac's disease or any other wheat/gluten sensitivities. Unconfirmed by science, but part of traditional folk medicine in India, the coconut may also help get rid of parasitic worms.

If you eat too many macaroons in one sitting, you risk a sugar and calorie overload, but eat no more than two and you help your body keep its digestive system regular, promote good colon health, and get quite a few nutrients.


Possible short-term side effects

  • blood sugar spike

Possible long-term side effects

  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • weight gain, obesity

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • helps treat ibs
  • promotes colon health
  • wheat and gluten free
  • increases satiety
  • decreased cholesterol
  • may boost energy

Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Emmy's Coconut Cookies

  • Rich dark cacao
  • Gluten-free snack
  • Certified organic
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Paleo-friendly
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-20-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-20-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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