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Native to Australia, Macadamia nuts are now grown and harvested in many parts of the world. They are high in monounsaturated fatty acids and have several health benefits, especially for the heart and eyes.
Let me take you further into the wonders of macadamia nut oil and its benefits. We discuss its uses in the kitchen, your medicine cabinet, and your vanity cupboard.
What is Macadamia Nut Oil used for?
Macadamia nuts are put through a process called cold pressing to extract the oil. It is a mild buttery flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking. You can use it to sear meat, fish, and vegetables to perfection.
It can also be used for oven roasting and deep-frying and works well as a base for vinaigrettes and dressings.
Because of its silky texture, it may also be used as a substitute for butter when baking. It emits the same texture and flavor as butter does in baked goods.
Health Benefits of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia Oil is high in monosaturated fatty acids, so it helps lower bad cholesterol. It is one of the main factors regarding the health benefits as it has a ripple effect, lowering the risk of potential heart attacks and strokes.
It is an excellent source of natural antioxidants such as Omega 3 and 6, which have a powerhouse effect on the body and mind.
Maintaining a healthy balance of antioxidants can also reduce cancer risk and slow the natural aging process. Macadamia oil can help reduce the chances of loss of eyesight due to cataracts.
Some of the highest antioxidants in macadamias include:
- Palmitoleic Acid – has an anti-thrombotic effect, helps regulate, strengthen and maintain a sound immune system, and decreases swelling and inflammation.
- Potassium – helps the body maintain consistent, regular fluid levels inside the cells. It also supports the body’s normal blood pressure.
- Oleic Acid – Recently, macadamia nuts were in the spotlight by holistic healers for their positive effect on inflammatory diseases and cancer. However, this is currently still being studied and tested. However, Oleic acid is also good for the skin, heart, brain, mood, and waistline.
- It also boasts high levels of tocotrienols, a form of Vitamin E. Due to antioxidant properties; it may also contribute to lowering bad cholesterol levels.
How are Macadamia Nuts Used in Cooking?
Macadamia nut is a versatile ingredient that offers flavors to turn your dish into an exotic meal. Lightly toasted in a hot pan till fragrant, it can be chopped or crushed, then thrown into a fresh green salad for texture. Macadamia oil can be used as a base for the salad dressing and to grease croutons to add to the salad.
A couscous and chicken meal in a piping hot wok and a good swig of macadamia nut oil to coat the pan will afford you a delicious summery stir-fry. Also, a simple rice dish can be topped with stir-fried vegetables and nuts and served with a meat of your choice.
You can also make a beautiful fish dish with crushed macadamias called Mahi Mahi. It is done by greasing the top of the fish fillet and lightly pressing the nut over the top. Add some seasoning and pan-fry, nut side up, for a maximum of 9 minutes.
Use macadamia nuts to spruce up your regular cookie dough for an occasional treat. When paired with white chocolate chips in soft cookie dough, this decadent treat is perfect with an after-dinner coffee to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Other benefits of using Macadamia nut oil are:
In Your Vanity
Who would think this little round nut could also have beauty benefits, taking care of your mind and body from the inside out? As discussed earlier, Macadamia nut oil contains high levels of antioxidants. These factors make it an excellent product for even the most sensitive skin types.
Strong anti-inflammatory properties found in macadamia nut oil are lightweight and nongreasy. This factor helps fight acne as it does not block pores. Macadamia oil is known to have a soothing effect on the skin.
Therefore, it is a secret key ingredient in many well-known beauty products.
Adding this oil to your massage routine will also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and light scars. Soothe dry and aggravated skin and restore its natural balance by applying the oil diligently.
Hair repair
By now, many of us have had Covid-19 at some point. One of the long-standing side effects has been dry hair and hair loss. Would you believe it if I told you that macadamia nut oil has powerful properties to repair damaged hair follicles, stimulating new growth?
Well, you better believe it! The high number of fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Oleic acid facilitate the texture and quality of hair. It also offers ultraviolet protection and allows the hair to absorb what it needs to promote hair growth.
Pregnancy
Most moms-to-be are looking for a great natural alternative to medication during pregnancy. Eating Macadamia nuts, or using its oil for cooking with, baking with, or just as a salad dressing, can help keep you and your baby’s heart-healthy.
It comes as fantastic news to new mothers as their body is already under tremendous strain. Macadamia nuts are also low in carbohydrates and sugar. They have a good fiber content for all, let alone moms-to-be.
For Baby
Did you know that if your child does not have a nut allergy, eating the unsalted macadamia variant crushed, is excellent for babies on solid food?
It provides nutrients to ensure optimal growth. The oil is better suited as it poses no choking risk.
Can I use Macadamia Nut Oil instead of coconut oil?
Yes, you most Definity can! It’s important to note that coconut oil has a lower smoke point than macadamia nut oil. Because of this, it is not suitable for deep-frying. The ratio for substituting these oils is 1:1.
Is Macadamia Nut Oil as good as Olive Oil?
According to experts, Macadamia nut oil contains more monosaturated fats than Olive oil does, thus making it a better choice. Olive oil also has a lower smoke point, so you cannot use it to deep fry.
Storage Tips
It is important to remember that Macadamia nuts can go stale, become rancid and taste bitter, and have a nasty smell if not stored correctly.
Once you notice any of this, throw them out immediately. For these reasons, keeping them in an airtight container in a fridge or a freezer for longer-lasting shelf life is best. It can last up to 9 months if stored in a freezer.
The Disadvantages of Macadamia Nut Oil
As with all good things, excessive consumption of macadamia nut oil can have a negative effect. It is imperative for the user to ensure that antioxidants are not over exceeded in their system, as this will have a harmful impact and facilitate certain illnesses.
Also, people with nut allergies should avoid macadamia nuts and oil. Please ensure that your guests are made aware of this if you plan on using it to prepare any dish.
Conclusion
It may be the world’s hardest nut to crack, yet worth the effort as its benefits are evident.
Not only is it an excellent secret ingredient in the kitchen, but it has also earned its place in the medicine cupboard and beauty box.
From good eye and heart health to exotic dishes and decadent treats to reversing the signs of aging naturally, macadamia nut oil is a must-have in every home.
