Are Macaroons Bad For You?
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.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
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
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!
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
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
Approved by 
