When we talk about nuts, we must note that, although they are very beneficial, they are also the most allergenic foods, that is, they cause more allergies. That is why before we want to get the maximum nutritional potential from these fruits, we must be sure that we do not suffer from any type of allergy to begin with.
As well, macadamia nuts are part of these nuts . These are a type of nut native to Australia, but currently available around the world, since its cultivation has spread to parts of South America, North America, Africa and Asia.
This fruit is rich in unsaturated fatty acids , both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, it also contains a lot of vitamin B, making it a very nutritious fruit that is beneficial for aesthetic care.
Next, we will talk about more details and everything you need to know about this fruit.
Index
What are macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts are a fruit from the macadamia tree, which is a species of shrub native to eastern Australia. The macadamia nuts that can be ingested come from the species of tree known as macadamia integrifolia or Macadamia tetraphylla.
There are more species of macadamia tree, but these produce nuts with high levels of toxicity , which are even considered poisonous. In the case of macadamia nuts that are edible, it can be said that they are a fruit with a very pleasant flavor, its texture is soft and crunchy at the same time.
Macadamia nuts are about three centimeters long and cream-white in color. The exquisite flavor of these nuts makes it a highly sought after product for the preparation of gourmet dishes.
Scientific name of macadamia nuts
As we mentioned earlier, the Macadamia integrifolia tree is one of the most common species or, rather, it is the main and original species, since the others are derived from it. So well, in the case of this species of macadamia, you can get the nuts that are scientifically called Macadamia ternifolia.
Look here Macadamia tree: Care, cultivation and characteristics
Origin of macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts come from a macadamia tree , which is native to eastern Australia. The main species of this tree is the Macadamia intergrifolia, which is a not very large tree, more similar to a shrub that does not exceed 8 meters, has thin and elongated leaves and produces flowers that are grouped in axillary branches, which they are white, yellowish or pinkish.
Currently, the macadamia tree is not only available in the Australian territory , but a large part of America, the Caribbean and Africa also cultivate this species of plant, since it requires a warm subtropical climate.
Composition of macadamia nuts
The main compound of these nuts are fats, in fact, they are made up of 80% fat and only 7% protein. Thanks to this amount of fat, macadamia nuts provide a lot of energy, which is why their consumption is recommended for people who perform strong physical activities, athletes and children.
Because it only contains 10% carbohydrates, this fruit can be used in low-carbohydrate diets without any problem, as is the case with the types of diets that women who are entering menopause follow.
Among all the fats that this dried fruit contains, it should be noted that there is a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. Those who use this fruit to benefit or nourish their body obtain great benefits for the amount of Omega-9 , which is much higher than omega-3 and omega-6.
In terms of vitamins and minerals , these nuts are rich in B-complex vitamins, as well as they provide a lot of manganese and are composed of little sodium.
Regarding this, we recommend you read Group B Vitamins: RISKS and SECRETS of the 8 Different types that exist
What are other names for macadamia nuts?
Due to the great diversity and expansion that this fruit has had, it can be known by different names. Although, the best known is macadamia nut, but it can also be called bush nut, Australian nut, Queensland Nut or maroochi nut.
Characteristics of macadamia nuts
This dried fruit is characterized by being extremely nutritious and beneficial for the body, despite its high fat content, macadamia nuts have a lot to offer. Since this fat content is not saturated fat, but has a high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help control cholesterol and are beneficial for all cardiovascular health.
On the other hand, these nuts contain less than 10 grams of protein and in terms of carbohydrates they have 78 grams. Also, each nut provides 7 grams of fiber and only 18 calories, so it can help improve the digestive process.
As we already mentioned , they have a high content of minerals and vitamins . Besides sodium and manganese, they also contain potassium, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. As for vitamins, this fruit has vitamins A and E, which makes it one of the most nutritious nuts out there.
If we talk about its flavor we have to limit that many say that it has a certain resemblance to coconut , and the texture of the fruit is very soft, which makes it very pleasant on the palate.
Benefits and Uses of Macadamia Nuts
Thus, as it is considered one of the most nutritious and beneficial nuts, we must say that its uses and benefits prove this, that is, they confirm it, since they are very diverse, from the culinary field to aesthetic use and health care.
We have an ideal article for you Chestnuts, Walnuts and Almonds: Contraindications, Benefits and Types
Why is it good for the skin?
When we talk about the cosmetic use of macadamia nuts, we refer especially to the oil that is extracted from this fruit, as it is the product that we can use to apply directly in terms of cosmetic uses, both on the skin and on the hair . or even on the nails.
In the case of the skin, the compounds of this fruit are extremely beneficial since vitamin B and the other properties contribute to the regeneration of tissues, thus preventing spots and wrinkles from developing, or in any case significantly reducing them. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals, this fruit can nourish the skin, soften it and restore the elasticity that it can lose due to dryness and old age, that is, it can avoid the marks of aging such as facial flaccidity.
For the hair it has benefits, which ones?
As for the hair, we also have to clarify that the oil that is extracted from macadamia nuts is the perfect product to benefit this aspect . Although the direct consumption of walnuts also provides us with aesthetic improvements, but if we want to make direct and topical use on this aspect, we must use the indicated product.
In the case of the use of macadamia nut oil on the hair, thanks to the fact that it contains the nutrients of this fruit, it can provide us with many benefits such as:
- Avoid hair loss
- Nourish hair follicles
- Increase hair growth
- Softens hair
- Strengthens hair, makes it thicker and stronger
- Avoid forks
- Avoid dryness
- Eliminate frizz
- Thanks to the fact that it is a light product, it does not cover or obstruct the follicles
- Deflames and relieves irritations and inflammations
- It can be used on oily hair, since this product does not contribute to the increase in sebum production
We suggest reading this article on Types of Hair According to Sebum and How to Care for It Naturally
It has benefits to lose weight
The consumption of these nuts will not make you lose weight like magic, but it will contribute to certain processes and details that will help you in the work of weight loss .
In the case of macadamia nuts , thanks to the fact that they have unsaturated acids , this helps the body feel full, so you can reduce your appetite. The detail is that you must take into account the caloric intake and other nutritional values of your diet and do not exceed yourself, but take into account that a large part of these you will already be ingesting from walnuts.
In the case of wanting to use macadamia nut oil , you should keep in mind that you should use this as a replacement for another fat intake and not keep the two products, since otherwise you could end up gaining even more weight.
Are they good for cholesterol?
Unsaturated fatty acids help improve heart condition , since they control or regulate the body’s cholesterol, in this way we avoid suffering from circulation problems, blockages in the arteries, accumulation of fat and heart disease.
Although, you should not exceed the consumption of macadamia nuts , because we could achieve a counterproductive effect, all this must be tailored.
Pregnancy and macadamia nuts
In pregnancy many details must be taken into account, since the body sends every detail, every food, every sensation and / or every nutrient to the fetus that is developing in the mother’s womb, that is, everything that suffers or feel the mother’s body, it is also aimed at the baby, so you have to take into account the things that do not favor the correct development of this.
In the case of macadamia nuts, these fall into the group of nuts that can be consumed moderately during pregnancy, as they provide necessary nutrients, which not only help the baby’s development and the mother feel good, but also that these compounds can prevent certain diseases such as gestational diabetes from developing.
We recommend reading the following for more information Gestational Diabetes: Complications, Diagnosis, Consequences and Treatments
Does it hurt while breastfeeding?
During lactation, you should not eat foods that affect the quality and quantity of the milk that the mother produces, since the baby’s feeding depends on this. Therefore, while we are breastfeeding, we should not consume alcoholic beverages or other foods that affect the composition of breast milk.
Nuts are one of those foods that cannot be consumed, as they are nuts and these are highly allergens. Although we do not suffer from any allergies to nuts, their composition could affect the baby , which obviously has a weaker organism. In any case, we could generate allergic reactions and other problems in our child.
Medicinal and therapeutic properties of macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts, just as they are useful in the aesthetic field, they are also useful in the health field . Since these nuts have a very high nutritional value, which can be used to benefit and enhance certain aspects of our body and improve our well-being.
However, like everything else, we must know that not because this fruit is considered beneficial and healthy, we must begin to ingest it without measure expecting miraculous effects on our body, in this way we will only manage to have problems and develop new diseases due to excessive consumption of this fruit.
Macadamia nuts can help lower cholesterol, which helps improve several aspects of health , such as:
- Improves blood circulation
- Pressure is reduced, hypertension is avoided
- Arteries are not clogged
- Improves heart health
- Fat accumulation is reduced
- Prevent obesity
- Improves energy
- Reduces stress, fatigue and tiredness
- It enhances sleep quality
Find out more about this topic . Insomnia? Tips for Better Sleep Naturally; Sleep hygiene
For diabetes
Thanks to several studies, it has been determined that the consumption of nuts plays a positive role in the diabetic body. That is why experts recommend consuming at least a handful of these fruits daily, among which are obviously macadamia nuts.
These nuts help regulate blood glucose , keep it on the sidelines and prevent it from reaching a very high level. The recommended dose is only a handful daily maximum, we should not exceed this measure as we could get other unfavorable results.
Do macadamia nuts cause allergies? Why?
It is very common for allergies to nuts in general, but here there may be a differentiation, since nuts can come from different families, so whoever has an allergy to a type of nut, may not present symptoms before the consumption of another.
However, there are cases where the allergy to a single dried fruit occurs the same with any other case of fruits, that is, there are those who discover an allergy to a dried fruit and at the same time are allergic to several types of fruit more or even to everyone.
In the case of walnuts, there may be an allergy , but this will depend on the body of each person, since everyone reacts differently to the substances in the fruit.
In case you have an allergy to another nut, you should take the macadamia nut consumption with caution , as you could present the same symptoms.
Normally, allergy symptoms towards nuts develop after 3 or 4 years of age, and it is more common to have allergies in those who start consuming nuts from an early age, both raw fruit and products derived from these (butter, oils, etc).
Enter and read this important article Symptoms of spring allergies in children
Cosmetic properties of macadamia nuts
Because it is a fruit with many vitamins (A and B) and unsaturated fatty acids, these nuts are used in many cosmetic products , as their properties help to regenerate, strengthen and improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Likewise, we can use these nuts on our own to benefit any aesthetic aspect that we want, that is, it is not necessary to look for a product, but we can make our home treatment from macadamia nuts or, better yet, from macadamia oil. macadamia nuts that is already an easy element to apply on our hair or skin.
In hair, macadamia nuts can stimulate hair growth , improve its condition, soften it, eliminate frizz, prevent hair loss and hydrate it. For its part, on the skin, this fruit can help reduce scars, stretch marks, moisturize the skin, soften and relieve inflammation and irritation.
In both cases, the use of macadamia nut is very beneficial, since it does not produce any substance that can clog, saturate or clog the pores of the skin, as much as the hair follicles.
Where to buy organic Macadamia nuts
Although it is a fairly easy product to find, it is true that when we want something of higher quality and that they have not treated it badly it is more complicated, in addition to getting them from organic crops or with all the flavor, I leave you the ones that I have tried and recommend:
- Organic Macadamia Nuts (Hulled / Peeled), Raw, Unsalted and Unroasted Macadamia – Gluten Free 125g | Les Accents du Soleil
- 1kg organic macadamia nuts, whole, unsalted and without additives from controlled organic farming
- Gourmet Nuts Roasted Macadamia Nuts with Salt – 100 g
Contraindications of macadamia nuts
Because this fruit is a potential allergen, we should not consume it excessively. It does not matter if we do not have an allergic condition to its consumption , in the same way if we consume it without measure we can suffer from problems in our body.
The problems that we could develop due to excessive consumption of macadamia nuts are:
- Obesity.
- Skin reactions, such as eczema and inflammation.
- Diarrhea and digestive problems.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in the throat and / or mouth.
- General allergic reactions (itching, inflammation, trouble breathing).
- Acne.
Therefore, we should not exceed the daily consumption of this fruit , the maximum recommended is a handful and although they are our favorite fruits, we should not consume them as if there were no tomorrow, because we will saturate our body and suffer the consequences.
Read the article we have on Natural Treatments for Acne
Medicinal recipes with macadamia nuts
Thanks to the fact that it is a fruit with many beneficial properties for the body, we can get the following remedies where the macadamia nut is used :
To reduce muscle pain
Use macadamia nut oil to mix it with several drops of frankincense, sandalwood, and thyme essential oils. Apply the mixture on the affected area and massage. Do this procedure several times a day to reduce pain.
To avoid cracks on the lips
Melt some cocoa butter or beeswax, add a little macadamia nut oil and a few drops of mandarin essential oil. Apply this on your lips and you can moisturize them without equal.
For sagging facial skin
Melt some cocoa butter and lanette wax, add macadamia nut oil, a few drops of cedar oil and sesame oil. Apply to your skin, massage in a circular motion or from the bottom up to improve circulation. Do this treatment a couple of times a week and after a month you will have incredible results.
Gastronomic uses of macadamia nuts
The macadamia nut, unlike the normal nut, is considered a certainly exclusive fruit or even an aphrodisiac, since it is not something that is commonly obtained every day. For this reason, its use in the kitchen is a little reduced or, rather, special in culinary recipes of gourmet haute cuisine.
Normally it is used in desserts as an additional ingredient or companion, it can also be part of a salad or as an annex to an ice cream, yogurt or fruit smoothie.
See here Avocado Smoothie Recipe with Cocoa and its Contraindications and Benefits)
Nutritional value of macadamia nuts
Because this is a fruit whose main composition is fat , we must affirm that it is a very energetic food, that is, it provides a large amount of energy to the body. This is why its consumption is recommended mostly in athletes and children.
This fruit does not contain gluten, among its unsaturated fatty acids the one that stands out the most in quantity is omega-9. It does not contain acids that increase cholesterol. They are low in protein and carbohydrates.
