Sweet in taste, delicious and flavourful macadamia nut or Australian nut is one of the popular edible nuts packed with notable health benefiting nutrients.

Botanically, macadamia belong to the family of Proteaceae, genus: Macadamia. Scientific name: Macadamia integrifolia.
Macadamia are native to east coast rainforests of north eastern parts of Australia. They are now grown widely for their sweet, crunchy nuts in many parts of the tropical and subtropical areas of mineral rich Hawaiian islands, Middle America, Brazil and South African regions.

Macadamia trees grow to about 15 meter in height, usually reach maturity and begin to produce fruits around the age of seven.

There are about seven species of macadamia grown in their wild natural habitat however, only two of which are edible and cultivated in the horticulture farms around the world. Macadamia integrifolia has a smooth shelled nut whereas Macadamia tetraphylla produces nuts with a rough shell.

 During each summer the tree bears elongated chain cream white coloured flower racemes. Each fruit features 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter consisting of husk enclosing single elliptical to conical seed or kernel. The nut has smooth or rough outer surface depending upon the variety and has a tough shell. Inside edible kernel is white, has smooth surface with conical shape.

Health benefits

Macadamia nutshave sweet taste and are rich source of energy, provide about 718 cal/100 g, one of the highest among nuts.

The nuts are packed with many contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

100 g of macadamia provides 8.6 g of dietary fibre and good source of phytosterols and beta-sitosterols but contains no cholesterol.

Macadamia are free in gluten and, therefore are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas.  These formula preparations are in fact healthy alternatives in people with wheat food allergy and celiac disease.

The nuts are rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty like oleic acid (18:1) and palmitoleic acids (16:1). Studies suggest that monounsaturated fats in the diet help to lower total as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the blood. Mediterranean diet which is rich in dietary fibre, monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favouring healthy blood lipid profile.

The nuts are excellent source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. 100 g nuts provide 3.6 mcg of selenium. Selenium is cardio-protective and an important anti-oxidant cofactor for glutathione peroxidase enzyme.

They are also rich in many important B-complex vitamins, vital for body functions. 100 g of nuts provide 15% of niacin, 21% of pyridoxine (vit.B-6), 100% of thiamin, and 12% of riboflavin.

The nuts are also containing small amounts of vitamin-C, vitamin E. Both these fat soluble vitamins are potent anti-oxidant activities which serve to protect cell membranes and DNA from harmful oxygen free radicals.

 Sweet, refreshing macadamias are packed with essential minerals, vitamins and heart friendly mono-unsaturated fatty acids.

Health benefits of Macadamia nuts: Consuming nuts on a regular basis has a positive effect on the health. These sweet, creamy, crunchy, and luxurious nuts are more often than not thought of as high fat indulgence rather than health food. But Macadamia contains variety of nutritious and health-promoting nutrients that make them an important part of our daily diet. A balanced diet containing macadamias promotes good health, longevity and a reduction in regenerative diseases.

Keep the Brain and Nervous System on Point: Copper, vitamin B1, magnesium and manganese found in macadamia nuts help make healthy neurotransmitters, which are actually an important chemicals that our brain cells need to send signals to the brain. Macadamia nuts are also high in oleic acid, which aids in brain health, and they contain palmitoleic acid, which help to protect nerve cells in the brain — thus contributing to healthy brain function.

Prevents Hair Breakage: According to experts, macadamia nut oil helps to keep hair healthy and prevents breaking. It enters hair follicles and the scalp and helps in the improvement of hair elasticity and strength. With so many biological and environmental factors that cause hair breakage, macadamia nut oil is an excellent oil to have to reverse the damage done to your hair.

Dietary Fibre: Macadamias consists of about 7% of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre comprises of complex carbohydrates and includes many types of soluble and insoluble fibre. Dietary fibre promotes satiety, offers roughage, aids digestion and assist in reducing constipation and several other diseases related to it.

Delays Skin Aging: Benefits of macadamia nut oil for skin are surplus. Macadamia nut oil has a high content of palmitoleic fatty acids. This is a nutrient that has great skin benefits as it delays the process of cell and skin aging. Because palmitoleic acid gets depleted fast as skin ages, it is essential to have this oil. This is one of the reasons why macadamia nut oil is a key ingredient in many anti-aging products.

For Weight Loss: People commonly avoid eating macadamia thinking that it is loaded with fats as well as cholesterol. However, the fat in macadamia is monounsaturated fats which encourage weight loss. Macadamia nuts are rich in palmitoleic acid, and omega 7 fatty oil that provide building blocks for the enzymes and control the burning of fat and curb the appetite. Palmitoleic acid helps to increase fat metabolism and reduces fat storage. Their fatty acids content makes them an extremely satisfying food, and you will need only a handful to feel satisfied.

Bone Health: Macadamia nut consists of good amount of phosphorus which plays a variety of roles including bone and teeth mineralization, metabolism, absorption and transportation of nutrients. Calcium helps in the formation of teeth and bones. Manganese in macadamia helps the body to deposit new bone tissue, so that the skeleton stays strong as you age. Omega 3 prevents osteoporosis and decreases the severity of arthritis.

Heart Disease: Macadamia nuts are 100% cholesterol-free and are highly beneficial to decrease cholesterol level. These nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats which are supposed to be cardio protective by reducing cholesterol level and help to clean the arteries. Macadamia also helps to lowers the level of triglycerides, which is a kind of body fat and reduces the risk of coronary disease.

Support the Gut: Macadamia nuts consist of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre that helps you feel full while removing toxins from the body and assisting in good digestion. As a copper-rich food, the macadamia nut helps with the efficient utilization of iron and aids in proper enzymatic reactions.

Provides Hydration: Many factors, including beauty treatments, hot showers, etc. reduce moisture from your hair and skin. To make them healthy, you need to keep them well-hydrated. As mentioned previously, our body naturally produces palmitoleic acid, but it quickly gets depleted with age. The omega-7 that macadamia nut oil provides plays an important role in replenishing palmitoleic acid in your body and keeps your skin and hair hydrated.

Antioxidants: Macadamia consists of high flavonoid content. Flavonoids, which are found naturally in these plants help to prevent cells from damage and protects from environmental toxins. These flavonoids convert into antioxidants in our body. These antioxidants search and destroy free radicals and protect our bodies from numerous diseases and certain types of cancer, which include breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and stomach cancer.

Protects Skin and Hair: Antioxidant properties of macadamia nut oil help to protect your body from free radicals, as well as protect both skin and hair too. Skin and hair are extremely susceptible to the damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants in this oil protect your skin and hair from such damage and ensure health from within. You can get glowing, youthful skin and strong, lustrous hair.