Macadamia nut: benefits and harms

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

Where does macadamia grow?

Before getting acquainted in detail with the benefits and possible harm to the body from eating macadamia nut, 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: Macadamiaintegrifolia and Macadamiatetraphylla. They differ only in the appearance of the nut shell. In the first variety it is smooth, in the second it is rough. Other types of macadamia have either inedible or even poisonous fruits.

For good growth, macadamia nuts require a humid tropical climate and preferably a volcanic soil. Plants are so demanding on heat that they do not survive even when the temperature drops to + 3 ° C. In connection with these requirements, the macadamia nut has taken root well in New Zealand, in the countries of South and North America, in Indonesia, in South Africa, in Kenya, in India and Sri Lanka.

Since the beginning of the XNUMXth century, macadamia nuts have been successfully cultivated in the United States in 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. Also, it is still called “kindal”, which is consonant with the name that the natives themselves in Australia used to designate it.

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

However, in the markets of the countries of the former CIS, 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 the delivery of this product comes from.

How Macadamia Nuts Grow

Macadamia is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown, reaching a height of 15 to 40 m. Smooth, leathery leaves of dark green color, elongated or even slightly pointed, grow in groups of several pieces. They can reach a length of 30 cm. Small flowers are bisexual, collected in drooping brushes, 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 is from 20 to 35 mm in diameter with a very thick shell. They have an outer shell, which is initially characterized by a greenish tint. As it matures, the shell darkens and turns brown, and then cracks, and the nut itself emerges from it. The shell of the nut is dark brown and very hard. The nucleoli themselves are smooth, round, light beige in color, slightly reminiscent of hazelnuts in shape and size.

The fruits can ripen up to 6 months from mid-summer to mid-autumn. Macadamia trees can live up to 100 years or more. They begin to bear fruit when they reach 7-8 years, 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 get nuts because of the hard peel, and manual picking allows you to collect no more than 150 kg of fruit per day per person. In this regard, historically, macadamia has become one of the most expensive nuts in the world. At present, technologies for mechanical assembly and processing of fruits have appeared. And the plantations where this nut is cultivated have grown all over the globe. Nevertheless, 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 be high, about $30 per 1 kg.

Macadamia nut flavor

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

Why is macadamia sweet?

The fresh nuts themselves have a slightly sweet flavor. But many of those who have tried them note not only the sweetness of the fruit, but also a noticeable flavor and aroma of vanilla. This is because many manufacturers boil or roast nuts in the shell with vanilla or vanilla sugar added. That is why, for many, such an incredibly rich chocolate-vanilla aroma and the sweet taste of macadamia nuts become noticeable.

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

• covered with caramel or dark chocolate;
• added in whole and crushed form to fruit and vegetable salads;
• used in the manufacture of ice cream and a variety of pastries;
• 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, due to its rich composition, macadamia is actively used in folk medicine to alleviate the condition in many diseases.

Useful properties of nuts

Macadamia is indeed the fattest nut in the world.

It is for this reason that macadamia nuts have not been very 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, the composition of nuts is dominated by the so-called “healthy” fats, which help reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Among them, palmitoleic acid deserves special attention, which is found in human skin, but is practically not found in other plant products. It is able to suppress inflammatory processes, increase tissue susceptibility to insulin and protect pancreatic cells that synthesize this essential 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 contains an almost complete set of vitamins known in nature and many valuable micro and macro elements, which means that nuts are capable of:

1. Accelerate the recovery processes of the body after a long illness, intense physical exertion and mental fatigue.
2. Stop the development of beriberi.
3. Accelerate the process of removing toxins, poisons and heavy metals from the body.
4. Influence positively on the work and general condition of the 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 failures in metabolic processes.
10. Regulate lipid metabolism in the body and thereby promote weight loss.
11. Restore the correct microflora, enzyme activity and a normal environment for digestion.

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

Benefits of macadamia nut for women

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

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

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

Given the properties of macadamia nuts to adjust the functions of the reproductive system, they are recommended to be introduced into their regular diet for couples who have difficulty conceiving a child.

Finally, both nut kernels and their oil have an unsurpassed beneficial effect on the skin, which is why they are actively used in cosmetology. Macadamia is able to regulate the secretion of sebaceous secretion 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 a woman in position. During pregnancy, some women also dramatically increase the possibility of developing varicose veins. Due to the cleansing of the blood channels with regular eating of macadamia, these risks are noticeably reduced, and the 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 suffering tests, both physical and emotional plans.

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 the observance of the daily dose in its use.

For men

Men can also benefit greatly from eating this delicacy. Macadamia nut can:

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

For children

The richest composition of macadamia nut 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 with beneficial energy for the whole day.

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

In addition, you do not have to once again remind you to take this delicious medicine. Rather, on the contrary, you will have to make sure that the child knows the measure in the use of these nuts. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can cause significant harm to the body.

Application of Macadamia Nut

In macadamia nuts, not only the nucleoli themselves are used, but also the shell. And from the crushed fruits, an oil of 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.

Fruits are added to the dough when baking bread and confectionery, salads and other dishes are prepared with them.

To improve the general condition of the body, it is most useful to use the 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.

Macadamia shell uses

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 for firewood and cooking instead of firewood. Often the shell is used as mulch to protect other plants from excessive dryness of the soil.

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

There are two main ways to make such a tincture:

1 way

Prepare:

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

Preparation:

1. Using a hammer, break the shell of nuts into as small pieces as possible.
2. Pour the crushed shells with moonshine, leave for 10 days. A vacuum can be used if desired.

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

2 way

Prepare:

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

Preparation:

1. In any reasonable way crush the nutshell.
2. Lightly fried in the oven or boiled for 5-15 minutes in sugar syrup (1 g of sugar per 500 liter of water).
3. Prepared shells are poured with moonshine, granulated sugar is added.
4. Infuse for 10 to 15 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally.

Properties and uses of macadamia oil

Cold-pressed macadamia nut oil has the most useful properties, because it retains all minerals, vitamins, amino acids. Initially, it is characterized by a pale yellow color, and after filtering it becomes completely colorless. For its unique properties, this product is called the Australian elixir of youth.

On its basis, a variety of cosmetic products are made, 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 culinary specialists all over the world. Indeed, in terms of useful properties, it surpasses the famous olive and canola oil. And in terms of taste characteristics, it is difficult for him 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 minimal loss of taste and useful properties.

In medicine and cosmetology, macadamia oil is used for:

• restoration of elasticity and firmness of the skin;
• combating the so-called orange peel on the surface of the skin;
• getting rid of abrasions, scars, traces of inflammation, rashes, due to the stimulation of regeneration processes at the cellular level;
• protecting and restoring the skin during and after prolonged sunbathing;
• normalization of the hair structure, combating skin problems on the head, strengthening hair follicles;
• nutrition, moisturizing and softening the skin of the face, eliminating pigmentation and smoothing wrinkles.

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

• 2 tbsp. l. macadamia oil;
• 1 Art. l. avocado oil;
• 2-3 tbsp. l. strong green tea.

Making a mask is quite easy:

1. The oils are mixed in a small container and heated in a water bath.
2. Add green tea leaves to the oils and mix thoroughly.
3. Apply the mask first to the tips, 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 are prone to fat formation.
4. They put a plastic cap on their hair, warm it with a towel on top.
5. Keep 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

It is not easy to free the macadamia nut from the shell. No wonder it is considered one of the hardest nuts in the world. In industrial conditions, special metal units with two rollers are used, between which nuts are delayed.

At home, splitting a round nut is not difficult, 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 clamp the fruit in a vice, put it on a metal surface and hit the seam from above with a hammer.

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

Do not crack large amounts of macadamia nuts at once. With prolonged contact with air, nut butter begins to taste bitter. Therefore, only the amount of fruit that is going to be consumed at a time is released from the shell.

How much macadamia nut per day

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

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

Macadamia calories

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 pieces of nuts.

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

100 g of macadamia nut oil contains about 845 kcal.

Contraindications for use

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

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

Caution should also be exercised by those who have inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. If a low-fat diet is prescribed by a doctor, then the macadamia tasting should be postponed for a while.

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

Reviews of doctors about the benefits and harms of macadamia nut

Most medical experts agree that the benefits of eating macadamia nuts far outweigh the potential 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 digestive tract. On the other hand, macadamia leads among all other nuts in terms of phytosterol content. These substances are not yet well understood. It is only known that they reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Doctors from the United States consider the regular use 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 the blood vessels. To do this, it is enough to eat only a few fruits daily.

Medical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of eating macadamia for improving glycemic index control. Therefore, for those with 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 a sharp weight gain. Therefore, dietitians strongly advise, with regular use of macadamia, to reduce the proportion of other fatty foods used in the diet.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of macadamia nut are not in doubt either among doctors or ordinary people. With moderate use, they are able to counteract many unpleasant and even dangerous diseases. And although traditional medicine is still wary of treating macadamia nuts, they have been actively used in traditional medicine for a long period of time.