Macadamia nut: useful properties and contraindications

Macadamia (Macadamia) is an evergreen tree species that belongs to the Proteaceae family. Macadamia (the fruit of the tree of the same name) is a high-calorie nut native to Australia, also known as the Queensland nut or the Australian nut.

The history of the macadamia nut began millions of years ago in the rainforests on the northeast coast of Australia. Before European settlement, Aboriginal people were engaged in harvesting the fruit of the evergreen plant. The nuts were highly prized by the tribes: usually the fruit was used for special ceremonies or for trade. The Aborigines collected the nuts in clay bags and used them for feasts. Breaking the nut shell is quite difficult, so native Australians used stones that were sharpened so as not to damage the nut inside during the procedure. It wasn't until the 1950s that the plants caught the attention of European botanists Walter Hill and Ferdinand von Mauler. They were captivated by the beauty of the trees, which grew in the rainforests of Queensland. Australia is currently the leading exporter of macadamia (about 30%). In addition to Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Europe and North America are exporters of the product.

Where and how macadamia grows

This type of tree is cultivated in countries with tropical climates such as Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, Brazil, New Zealand and Africa. The Australian walnut prefers moist and organic soil. The ripening period of the fruit is about 3-4 months (from May to September).

The lifespan of this evergreen tree is more than 100 years. The plant is on average 15 m tall and has smooth dense oval-shaped leaves. The flowers are quite small and have a white cream or pink color. The inflorescences are spiral-shaped and have a light, sweet smell that is very attractive to bees. Macadamia fruits have a fairly dense shell, which is not easy to break. Hidden under the shell is a milky brownish round nut with a diameter of 3.5 centimeters.

Nut flavor

Nuts have a crumbly, buttery texture and a sweet, vanilla flavor. They can be eaten both raw and roasted. Chefs usually use them as ingredients in vegetable salads and baked goods.

Why macadamia nuts are sweet and smell like vanilla

The macadamia nut itself has a sweetish taste. But quite often manufacturers resort to using flavor additives, including vanilla, to enhance the sweetness, so many people associate the taste of the Australian nut with this particular spice.

How much macadamia nuts can be eaten per day

The recommended daily allowance is 80 grams (10-15 nuts). In case of gastrointestinal diseases, it is necessary to take breaks between meals (2-3 days). This amount will be more than enough to saturate the body.

Composition and calories

Macadamia nut is high in calories: 100 grams contains about 718 calories. Despite this, the product is not forbidden to consume those who sit on a diet (no more than 30-40 grams per day).

Macadamia contains a wide range of nutrients: carbohydrates, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid, as well as magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and copper. When it comes to acids, Australian walnuts contain oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Most of the weight of the nuts are oils, the fruit also contains protein (9.0%), carbohydrates (9.3%), water (1.5%), minerals (1.6%) and fiber (2.0%).

What are the benefits of macadamia nuts

General benefits

Supports heart health
Regular consumption of macadamia nut is beneficial to the body because the substances found in the fruit help regulate cholesterol. Including macadamia in the diet helps lower total cholesterol as well as low-density cholesterol (LDL). Too high LDL levels quite often cause plaque to form in the arteries, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which affect platelets by making blood less dense, resulting in less chance of clots forming in blood vessels, preventing heart attacks and strokes. Men whose diets include large amounts of macadamia have a lower risk of death from heart disease than others because the monounsaturated fats found in the nuts improve the blood lipid profile.

Eating nuts also lowers blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss and chronic kidney disease. Macadamia nuts contain almost no sodium and are rich in potassium, which helps control blood pressure levels. In addition, nuts are high in monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid called oleic acid. A diet high in oleic acid helps lower blood pressure.

Regulates blood sugar levels
Macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are very beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Omega-7 palmitoleic acid is essential for normal liver function because it can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin by inhibiting the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

Supports brain health
Macadamia nuts contain substances that are beneficial to the brain. For example, oleic acid helps regulate blood pressure, thereby supporting brain health. Palmitoleic acid is an important component of myelin (the fatty layer that protects nerve cells in the brain). Several other nutrients in macadamia nuts are copper, vitamin B1, manganese and magnesium, which support the production of neurotransmitters. In addition, omega-9 is beneficial for mood, memory and prevents some neurological diseases.

Supports bone health
Macadamia nuts are a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium, three minerals that help prevent bone demineralization. Phosphorus, which nuts are also rich in, promotes bone mineralization, and enough manganese can prevent kidney disease, thus affecting the ability to absorb calcium normally.

Supports intestinal health
Nuts contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps flush toxins out of the body and also aids in digestion. Nuts also contain copper. It helps support enzymatic reactions that improve digestion. The oleic acid content of macadamia nuts may help prevent ulcerative colitis. There was a study on this topic that showed that those people who consumed oleic acid daily were many times less likely to get ulcerative colitis than those who did not.

Eases inflammation
Regular consumption of macadamia nuts can help relieve inflammation associated with coronary heart disease. Macadamia nuts are also an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid, which helps treat inflammation and prevents arthritis.

Help in treating anemia
Macadamia nuts contain iron, which is an effective aid in the treatment of anemia, and sufficient amounts of this element in the body can prevent this disease.

Delivers Energy
The complex carbohydrates found in nuts can increase energy levels, and the fats maintain those levels.

Boosts metabolism
The monounsaturated fatty acids found in nuts can speed up metabolism, and regular consumption of this product will reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Reduces stress levels
Macadamia nuts can help reduce oxidative stress. This is because antioxidants fight free radicals, which are exactly what can lead to this stress. Macadamia nuts also contain high-quality protein, which helps the body to control blood sugar levels and provide a constant flow of energy.

Improved skin health
The fatty acids found in nuts perform important functions that affect skin health. Palmitoleic acid helps moisturize the skin and also helps the body in the wound healing process and maintains healthy cell membranes. Applying walnut oil to the skin gives it a healthy glow. It is important to note that the skin itself contains some palmitoleic acid, the amount of which decreases with age. Consumption of nuts replenishes this substance in the body. Palmitoleic acid also helps to slow down the aging process of the skin. It prevents the appearance of premature signs of aging: wrinkles and age spots.

Strengthens the hair.
Palmitoleic acid also supports hair health. Regular scalp massage with macadamia nut oil adds shine, stimulates hair growth and restores its elasticity. Walnut oil also prevents hair breakage by penetrating the scalp and improving the strength of hair follicles.

Promotes better vision
Macadamia nut contains vitamin B1 and essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential for preventing cataracts and maintaining eye health.

Prevents atherosclerosis
A study conducted by the American College of Nutrition found that eating 40-90 g of macadamia nuts daily for 4 weeks can reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis.

Prevents cancer
One of the most beneficial properties of nuts is their ability to prevent cancer. The antioxidants found in nuts protect the body from things like lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and stomach cancers. Flavonoids found in nuts protect the body's cells from free radicals, which also contribute to cancer.

Prevents celiac disease
The macadamia nut is a fruit that is gluten-free, so this type of nut is an ideal food for people with celiac disease (gluten allergy).

Strengthen the nails
Macadamia nuts contain high levels of protein and antioxidants that help keep nails healthy and strong.

For women

The consumption of macadamia nuts helps alleviate headaches and migraines. Also the fruit of this tree is very useful during PMS. Since women are more irritable at this time, it is recommended to add macadamia fruits to your diet. This will help to cope with an unstable emotional state.

For men

Macadamia nuts are also very beneficial for men. They saturate the body with minerals that help maintain the genitourinary system, prevent prostate inflammation, and also help increase the potency.

When pregnant

Macadamia nuts are rich in substances that can fight headaches during pregnancy. When this product is consumed regularly, the likelihood of cardiovascular related diseases is reduced. In addition, nuts contain substances that are beneficial to the nervous system. They help to eliminate irritability and fight mood swings, which often occur in women in pregnancy.

It is also worth noting that regular consumption of this product reduces the likelihood of varicose veins. Macadamia also accelerates the recovery processes of the body.

If a woman is prone to allergic reactions, it is necessary to refuse to use the nut.

When breastfeeding

Macadamia is a strong allergen, so it is not recommended to use this product when breastfeeding in the first 3-4 months of lactation. Later, you can eat nuts, but in small quantities. Pediatricians recommend excluding them from your diet for 6-7 months, or as long as breastfeeding continues.

For children

Macadamia is considered a very useful product for children. The nut is rich in calcium, which the child's body needs for the development and strengthening of bone tissues. It is recommended to add a small amount of nuts to children's diet, as it will help them grow better and develop more actively. Like any other nuts, macadamia nuts can be given to children from the age of 3.

The benefits of macadamia nuts for weight loss

Despite the fact that macadamia nuts are quite high in calories, they contain a small amount of carbohydrates, so can contribute to weight loss if you consume this product in small quantities. Nuts are also a good source of fiber, which helps suppress appetite, and oleic acid helps burn fat. Macadamia nuts can help prevent abdominal obesity, which is one of the factors that lead to metabolic syndrome.

The medicinal properties of macadamia nuts

1. Maintains skin elasticity. The fatty acids in macadamia nuts play an important role in skin health. The use of walnut oil can compensate for the loss of valuable acids and prevent early signs of aging.
2. Regulates blood glucose levels. Studies prove the effect of macadamia nuts on the glycemic index in patients with type 2 diabetes. This effect is due to the rich content of micro- and macronutrients.
3. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce the ability of platelets to clump together and form blood vessel clots.
4. Nuts are useful for vision. The antioxidant compounds found in macadamia oil are very beneficial to the eyes. They significantly reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eye and cataracts.
5. It supports the health of the nervous system. An important component in macadamia oil is oleic acid. It helps maintain normal blood pressure levels and prevents strokes.
6. Anti-inflammatory effect. Consuming macadamia nuts can help relieve inflammation. Nuts are a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid that helps in treating joint inflammation in arthritis.
7. It strengthens bones. Nuts are a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which help prevent bone demineralization.

Macadamia nut in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetology, macadamia nut oil is widely used. The oil is a light yellow liquid obtained as a result of pressing of the pressed nuts. It is a very healthy oil that is used for cooking and is also used as a moisturizer for the skin and hair care.

Macadamia oil is very beneficial for the skin due to its high vitamin content. Antioxidants help prevent rapid aging of the epidermis. Therefore, in order to keep your skin young and healthy, it is recommended to use the oil daily after showering.

Macadamia nuts, like oil, are high in proteins and antioxidants that help maintain healthy nails and hair. Applying macadamia oil to the nails is beneficial to the cuticles, and scalp massage using the oil helps improve hair quality.

Macadamia oil: useful properties and applications

Macadamia oil can reduce triglyceride levels, increase energy levels, support heart health, bone health, improve the digestive process, prevent chronic diseases, stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.

Useful properties:

1. Provides energy. Macadamia oil provides the body with a lot of energy. But it is worth noting that this product should be consumed in moderation, because non-compliance can lead to obesity.
2. Benefits for vision. The oil contains antioxidants that help improve eye health and prevent cataracts and yellow spot degeneration.
3. Skin benefits. Antioxidants have a vital effect on skin health. Squalene contained in the oil prevents the likelihood of age spots and wrinkles.
4. Acts as a moisturizer. Macadamia oil is the perfect moisturizer for men after shaving. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin.
5. Hair Health. Macadamia nut oil helps to add shine to hair, as well as strengthen hair follicles, reducing hair loss.
6. It improves the health and appearance of your lips. It treats chapped lips and reduces inflammation of wounds and sores.

Application:

• as a skin lotion;
• as a hair mask;
• as a nutritional product;
• as a massage aid;
• as a remedy for burns.

Before using macadamia oil, it is advisable to take an allergy test. Apply a small amount of oil to your skin and allow it to absorb completely. If redness or irritation manifested, it is better to give up this product.

How to use macadamia shells

This product can be used in several areas:

1. Fertilizer. Processed nutshells can be used as a fertilizer. It helps maintain moisture and limit the growth of weeds. Quite often the shells are used as fertilizer specifically in nut orchards because they contain nutrients necessary for young trees.
2. Making plastic. Macadamia nut shells can be used to produce environmentally friendly plastic. It is ground into a fine powder, then mixed with a polymer to create this material.
3. Fuel. The high oil content of macadamia nuts contributes to the fact that they burn for a long time, while generating a lot of heat. This makes them a good source of fuel. The hulls can be used instead of charcoal for grilling because they burn long and the smoke does not leave an unpleasant taste on the food.
4. Electricity. Companies in Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii are now experimenting with using nut shells to generate more environmentally friendly electricity. The electricity generated is used to power macadamia nut factories.

Harms and contraindications

Macadamia nut is considered a harmless product, but people with an individual intolerance or allergy should exclude macadamia from their diet. Pregnant and nursing women should limit consumption of this product.

Excessive consumption of nuts can cause some side effects. Here are some of them:

• Rashes or coughs.
• Changes in blood pressure.
• Gastrointestinal problems.

Macadamia nuts in cooking

Both macadamia nuts and oil can be used to make a wide variety of delicious dishes. The oil is great as a salad dressing and can also be used in frying and baking. Nuts can be used along with morning oatmeal or you can add the chopped fruit to an evening salad. Nuts can also be used in the preparation of various sweets: candies or biscuits.

Candies with macadamia
Ingredients:

• Macadamia nuts - 150 g;
• coconut shavings - 3/4 cup;
• white chocolate - 600 g.

How to cook:

1. In a dry frying pan, place the nuts and toast them lightly.
2. In a steam bath, melt the chocolate.
3. At the moment when the chocolate is completely melted, add the nuts and stir well.
4. It is necessary to cover a tray with parchment paper, pour the nut-chocolate mass on it and send it to the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. The resulting mass can be cut into pieces.

How to open a macadamia nut

Very often when buying nuts a special key is attached to them. The key is usually iron, in the shape of the letter "T". To crack the shell, you need to insert the key in the center of the nut, in which initially there should be a slot, and turn it clockwise.

If there is no key, you can use a hammer and pliers with a clamp. To do this, you need to clamp the nut in the tongs so that the seam is on top. Then you should press the nut against a hard surface and hit the seam with a hammer.

You can also use a stone with a hole to crack the shell. Find a stone in which there will be a small hole the size of a walnut. Put the nut there and hit it with a hammer, stone or any other heavy object.

How to choose and store macadamia nuts

Choose those nuts that contain no additives, salt or sweeteners. Nuts should be smooth, uniform in size, odorless and crack-free.

Nuts should be stored in a cool and dry place. They can remain in the pantry for several months without being spoiled. Peeled nuts should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Otherwise, they can spoil quite quickly.

Why macadamia nuts are dangerous for dogs

Macadamia nut is dangerous for dogs. It is forbidden to give it to the animal both in its natural form and as part of other dishes. If the nut enters the dog's food, it can be fatal. To date, the causes of such side effects have not been fully established.

As a rule, after consuming macadamia nuts, animals experience weakness in their paws, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In most cases, these adverse effects may be mild and therefore can be managed at home under the guidance of a specialist. If the dog experiences severe malaise, the veterinarian should be contacted immediately. If the pet becomes feverish, has a high fever or cannot stand on its paws, hospitalization is necessary.

Since macadamia nuts are a very fatty food, dogs can develop pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis). If within three days of eating macadamia nuts your pet is vomiting, has no appetite, or has a lower-than-normal level of activity, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Interesting facts about the macadamia nut

1. Macadamia is considered the hardest of the nuts.
2. The United States is the largest consumer of macadamia nuts (51% of global consumption), while Japan is in second place (15%).
3. September 4 is National Macadamia Day.
4. Although the nuts grow on trees, they are not usually harvested directly from the tree. When the fruit is ripe and ready to eat, it falls to the ground.
5. Macadamia oil can be stored in the refrigerator for two years without degradation.
6. Macadamia blooms in early spring. The flowers attract the bees responsible for pollinating the plant. Macadamia can also pollinate itself.
7. The tree begins to produce fruit, usually 8-12 years after planting. Each plant is capable of producing 15 to 30 kilograms of nuts per year.
8. Macadamia fruits are very fatty. They are 78% made up of oils (of which 60-80% are monounsaturated fats).

Photo of macadamia nut