Macadamia nut: benefits and harm

The macadamia nut is the best in many ways. It is the most expensive in the world, and the hardest, and the fattest, and, perhaps, one of the most useful. Indeed, the indigenous people of Australia have known the beneficial properties of macadamia nuts since ancient times, and they actively used them. In the rest of the world, the nut began to rapidly gain popularity over the past 100 years, and it came to Russia relatively recently. However, many nut lovers are interested in any information regarding this product. Moreover, in terms of taste, it is also not in last place.

Where does macadamia grow?

Before learning in detail about the benefits and possible harm to the body from eating macadamia nuts, it would be nice to understand what the plant itself looks like, its fruits, where and under what conditions it grows.

The historical homeland of the nut is Australia, where about six varieties of macadamia grow. But only two of them are actively used: Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamiate traphylla. They differ only in the appearance of the nut peel. In the first variety it is smooth, in the second it is rough. Other types of macadamia have either inedible or even poisonous fruits.

To grow well, macadamia nuts require a humid tropical climate and preferably volcanic soil composition. Plants are so demanding of heat that they cannot survive even when the temperature drops to + 3 °C. Due to these requirements, the macadamia nut has taken root well in New Zealand, the countries of South and North America, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, India and Sri Lanka.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, macadamia nuts have been successfully cultivated in the USA on the Hawaiian and Antilles islands.

Actually, this name was officially assigned to the nut relatively recently, in the 30s of the last century. Before that, it was called Australian or Queensland, after the name of the state where it was first discovered. It is also still called “kindal”, which is similar to the name that the Aborigines themselves used to designate it in Australia.

The plant received its modern botanical name in honor of Dr. John McDam, a botanist friend who discovered this delicacy to the Western world in 1857.

However, in the markets of the former CIS countries, where these fruits are still a unique exotic, they are called both Brazil nuts and Vietnamese macadamia nuts. Apparently, depending on the name of the country where this product is supplied from.

How does a macadamia nut grow?

Macadamia is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown, reaching a height of 15 to 40 m. Smooth, leathery, dark green leaves of an elongated or even slightly pointed shape grow in groups of several pieces. They can reach a length of 30 cm. Small flowers are bisexual, collected in drooping racemes reaching a length of 25 cm. It blooms in early spring with white flowers with all shades of pink, cream and purple and emits a light pleasant aroma.

What does macadamia look like?

The fruits of this tree are round nuts of almost regular shape, the size of which in diameter is from 20 to 35 mm with a very thick shell. They have an outer shell, which is initially characterized by a greenish tint. As the shell ripens, it darkens and turns brown, and then cracks, revealing the nut itself. The nut shell is dark brown and very hard. The kernels themselves are smooth, round, light beige in color, slightly reminiscent in shape and size of hazelnuts.

The fruits can take up to 6 months to ripen between mid-summer and mid-autumn. Macadamia trees can live up to 100 years or more. They begin to bear fruit when they reach 7-8 years of age, and more or less abundant harvests can be expected only after the tree has lived for at least 10 years. It is very difficult to obtain nuts due to the hard peel, and manual collection allows you to collect no more than 150 kg of fruit per day per person. Because of this, macadamia nuts have historically become one of the most expensive nuts in the world. Currently, technologies for mechanical assembly and processing of fruits have emerged. And the plantations where this nut is cultivated have grown all over the globe.However, despite the fact that today more than a hundred thousand tons of Australian walnuts are sold in the world per year, the price for it continues to remain high, about $30 per 1 kg.

Macadamia nut flavor

Macadamia nuts have an oily, slightly crumbly texture. The taste is sweetish, creamy. Many compare it to the taste of hazelnuts or even roasted chestnuts. Some people find it very similar to the taste of Brazil nuts. In any case, both children and adults really like these nuts, and can serve as a real delicacy even in the absence of special culinary processing.

Why is macadamia sweet?

The nuts themselves have a slightly sweet taste when fresh. But many of those who have tried them note not only the sweetness of the fruit, but also a noticeable taste and aroma of vanilla. This is explained by the fact that many manufacturers boil or roast the nuts in their shells with the addition of vanilla or vanilla sugar. That is why for many people the incredibly rich chocolate-vanilla aroma and sweetish taste of macadamia nuts become noticeable.

Of course, raw kernels without heat treatment retain the maximum amount of nutrients. But the nut is so temptingly tasty that it is actively used in cooking:

• covered with caramel or dark chocolate;
• added whole and crushed to fruit and vegetable salads;
• used in the production of ice cream and various baked goods;
• The taste of macadamia nuts is perfectly emphasized and set off by drinks such as sherry and coffee.
• nuts also go very well with seafood dishes.

But, thanks to its rich composition, macadamia is actively used in folk medicine to alleviate the condition of many diseases.

Beneficial properties of nuts

Macadamia nuts are truly the fattest nut in the world.

It is for this reason that macadamia nuts have not been too popular, especially among women.

But as a result of research, it turned out that their nuclei contain:

• 84% monounsaturated;
• 3.5% polyunsaturated;
• 12.5% ​​saturated fatty acids.

Thus, so-called “healthy” fats predominate in nuts, which help reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Among them, palmitoleic acid, which is found in human skin but is practically not found in other plant products, deserves special attention. It is able to suppress inflammatory processes, increase tissue sensitivity to insulin and protect pancreatic cells that synthesize this important hormone.

In addition, nuts help maintain a balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which is especially important for the female body.

Macadamia nuts contain an almost complete set of vitamins known in nature and many valuable micro- and macroelements, which means that nuts are capable of:

1. Accelerate the body's recovery processes after a long illness, intense physical activity and mental fatigue.
2. Stop the development of vitamin deficiency.
3. Accelerate the processes of removing toxins, poisons and heavy metals from the body.
4. Have a positive effect on the functioning and general condition of joints, reduce the risk of developing arthritis, strengthen bone tissue and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
5. Strengthen the body's defenses, enhance its ability to resist infections and parasites.
6. Normalize the hematopoietic system.
7. Reduce blood pressure.
8. Eliminate migraines and frequent headaches.
9. Accelerate metabolic processes and reduce the risk of developing disruptions in metabolic processes.
10. Regulate lipid metabolism in the body and thereby promote weight loss.
11. Restore proper microflora, enzyme activity and normal digestive environment.

Various antioxidant compounds contained in macadamia nuts slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of the formation of both benign and malignant tumors.

Benefits of macadamia nuts for women

Substances contained in macadamia kernels can help women with painful menstruation. They minimize discomfort and relieve spasms. And eating nuts during menopause reduces general symptoms and reduces the number of hot flashes.

The antioxidant properties of macadamia fruits have already been mentioned above. For women, their healing effect on the development of cervical and breast cancer is important. And with their regular use, the aging process will slow down, new tissue will form and grow.

Since macadamia contains substances that have a positive effect on the central nervous system and the functioning of its peripheral organs, even a few fruits a day can help cope with depression, neuroses, mood swings, and irritability.

Considering the properties of macadamia nuts to correct the functions of the reproductive system, they are recommended to be included in their regular diet for couples who have difficulty conceiving a child.

Finally, both nut kernels and the oil from them have an unsurpassed beneficial effect on the skin, which is why they are actively used in cosmetology. Macadamia is able to regulate sebaceous secretions and normalize the color and general condition of the skin.

Macadamia during pregnancy

All of the above beneficial properties of macadamia have practical meaning for pregnant women. During pregnancy, some women also experience a sharp increase in the risk of developing varicose veins. Due to the cleansing of blood channels by regularly eating macadamia, these risks are noticeably reduced, and the blood vessels are noticeably strengthened.

Macadamia alleviates any painful conditions of women during this difficult period and is able to speed up the recovery of the body after undergoing trials, both physical and emotional.

The beneficial effect of macadamia on the cardiovascular activity of pregnant women and the prevention of possible migraine attacks is very important.

Since this healthy product is also very tasty, it is necessary to carefully monitor compliance with the daily dose of its use.

For men

Men can also get significant benefits from eating this delicious product. Macadamia nuts can:

• ensure the normal functioning of the genitourinary system;
• improve the composition of the ejaculate and help increase potency;
• prevent inflammation of the prostate gland;
• prevent the development of various low-quality tumors and other equally serious diseases;
• control liver activity in the right direction;
• reduce the risk of kidney stones.

For children

The rich composition of macadamia nuts cannot but affect the general condition of the child’s body. Indeed, for a growing organism, the need for a variety of minerals and vitamins is especially great. In addition, regular consumption of these fruits can strengthen the immune system and charge you with beneficial energy throughout the day.

Nuts play a significant role in strengthening bones, so they are an excellent preventative against rickets.

In addition, you won’t have to be reminded once again to take this delicious medicine. Rather, on the contrary, you will have to make sure that the child knows when to stop eating these nuts. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can cause significant harm to the body.

Uses of macadamia nut

In macadamia nuts, not only the kernels themselves are used, but also the shell. And from the crushed fruits an oil with a unique composition is obtained, which is actively used in cosmetology.

Walnut kernels

As has been mentioned more than once, macadamia nut kernels have been actively used in recent decades, both for preparing a variety of culinary dishes and for maintaining the health and performance of the body.

The fruits are added to the dough when baking bread and confectionery, and they are used to prepare salads and other dishes.

To improve the general condition of the body, it is most useful to consume nucleoli in their raw form, without heat treatment. They go great with coffee. It is enough to eat a small handful of nuts every day to protect yourself from many health problems.

Uses of macadamia shells

Macadamia nut shells can also be widely used, especially in regions where the fruit is grown or processed.

For example, in many countries, macadamia shells are used to light fires and cook food instead of firewood. Shells are often used as mulch to protect other plants from excessive dry soil.

In Russia and other neighboring countries, a unique vodka or moonshine tincture is made from it. The macadamia nut shell retains many of the beneficial properties of the fruit and has a very pleasant taste and aroma of baked cream and vanilla.

There are two main ways to make such a tincture:

1 way

Prepare:

• shell with 5-6 macadamia nuts;
• 1 liter of purified moonshine.

Preparation:

1. Using a hammer, break the nut shells into as small pieces as possible.
2. Pour moonshine over the crushed shells and leave for 10 days. If desired, you can use a vacuum.

The aroma of the tincture appears almost immediately. The color changes slowly, but surely acquires a light brownish tint.

Method 2

Prepare:

• shells from 160-180 nuts;
• 3 liters of moonshine;
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.

Preparation:

1. The nut shells are crushed using any reasonable method.
2. Lightly fry in the oven or boil for 5-15 minutes in sugar syrup (500 g of sugar per 1 liter of water).
3. Pour moonshine over the prepared shells and add granulated sugar.
4. Leave for 10 to 15 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally.

Properties and uses of macadamia oil

Macadamia nut oil obtained by cold pressing has the most beneficial properties, because it retains all minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Initially it is characterized by a pale yellow color, and after filtration it becomes completely colorless. For its unique properties, this product is called the Australian elixir of youth.

A variety of cosmetic products are made on its basis, which can be used even by people with very sensitive skin, since it is hypoallergenic.

In addition, the unique properties of the oil have been appreciated by chefs all over the world. Indeed, in terms of beneficial properties, it surpasses the famous olive and canola oil. And in terms of taste characteristics it is difficult to find equals. Among other things, macadamia oil is characterized by a higher combustion temperature than, for example, olive oil, which allows you to cook dishes with it with minimal loss of taste and beneficial properties.

In medicine and cosmetology, macadamia oil is used for:

• restoration of skin elasticity and firmness;
• combating the so-called orange peel on the surface of the skin;
• getting rid of abrasions, scars, signs of inflammation, rashes, thanks to the stimulation of regeneration processes at the cellular level;
• protection and restoration of the skin during and after prolonged sunbathing;
• normalizing hair structure, combating skin problems on the head, strengthening hair follicles;
• nourishing, moisturizing and softening facial skin, eliminating pigmentation and smoothing wrinkles.

For example, to make a nourishing mask for dry hair you will need:

• 2 tbsp. l. macadamia oils;
• 1 tbsp. l. avocado oils;
• 2-3 tbsp. l. strong brew of green tea.

Making a mask is not difficult at all:

1. The oils are mixed in a small container and heated in a water bath.
2. Add green tea brew to the oils and mix the mixture thoroughly.
3. Apply the mask first to the ends and then distribute along the entire length of the hair.
   Attention! It is better not to rub the mask into the hair roots, especially if they have a tendency to form fat.
4. Put a plastic cap on your hair and insulate it with a towel on top.
5. Keep it in this state for about half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water.
6. You can repeat the procedure 2 to 4 times a month.

How to open a macadamia nut

Freeing a macadamia nut from its shell is not at all easy. It is not for nothing that it is considered one of the hardest nuts in the world. In industrial conditions, special metal units with two rollers are used, between which the nuts are trapped.

At home, it is not difficult to crack a round nut, only if it already has a slot and a special key. It is inserted into the slot, turned, and the nut is quite easily released from the shell.

If the nut shell is solid, then even a hammer will not always be able to crack it. It is best to hold the fruit in a vice, place it on a metal surface and hit the seam from above with a hammer.

It may take more than one blow to the nut to finally crack the shell.

Avoid cracking large quantities of macadamia nuts at once. With prolonged contact with air, nut oil begins to taste bitter. Therefore, only the amount of fruit that is going to be consumed at a time is removed from the shell.

How many macadamia nuts can you eat per day?

In order not to harm your body, it is recommended to consume no more than 30-40 g of nuts per day. About 10-12 pieces of shelled nuts weigh that much.

To activate the beneficial substances, it is recommended to soak the nuts for 1-2 hours in water before eating them.

Calorie content of macadamia

Naturally, due to the high fat content, the energy value of macadamia nuts is very high.

Calorie content per 100 g of product is about 718 kcal. But 100 g contains from 35 to 45 nuts.

The calorie content of one fruit ranges from 16 to 20 kcal.

100 g of macadamia nut oil contains about 845 kcal.

Contraindications for use

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, macadamia, like any natural product, has some contraindications for use.

First of all, there is individual hypersensitivity to the product. People with severe allergic reactions should be very careful when tasting the nut for the first time. You should start with a minimal portion.

Caution should also be exercised by those who exhibit inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. If your doctor has prescribed a diet with reduced fat intake, then tasting macadamia nuts should be postponed for some time.

Macadamia fruits should not be given to children under three years of age.

Reviews from doctors about the benefits and harms of macadamia nuts

Most medical experts agree that the benefits of eating macadamia nuts significantly outweigh the possible harm.But the first tasting should be carried out under the supervision of doctors in case of detection of such serious health problems as diabetes, cancer and acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, macadamia nuts lead among all other nuts in terms of phytosterol content. These substances have not yet been sufficiently studied. What is known is that they reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Doctors from the USA consider the regular consumption of macadamia nuts to be a real help for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in general, in particular atherosclerosis. After all, nuts have the ability to remove excess cholesterol, thus cleansing blood vessels. To do this, it is enough to eat only a few fruits daily.

Medical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of consuming macadamia nuts in improving glycemic control. Therefore, for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes, macadamia nuts can help normalize blood sugar levels.

At the same time, uncontrolled excess of the daily norm of nuts can cause sudden weight gain. Therefore, nutritionists strongly advise that when consuming macadamia regularly, you should reduce the share of other fatty foods used in your diet.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of macadamia nuts are beyond doubt either among doctors or ordinary people. When consumed in moderation, they can counteract many unpleasant and even dangerous diseases. And although traditional medicine is still wary of treating macadamia nuts, they have been actively used in folk medicine for a long period of time.

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