Where do macadamia nuts come from?
macadamia (or Queensland walnut) refers to a tropical tree originally planted in the rainforests of Australia. Consumed for millennia by Aboriginal peoples, macadamia fruits (nuts) enjoyed a spotlight after their discovery in the 1850s by two British botanists.
Long remained endemic to Australian soil, the macadamia nut is now grown in different parts of the planet. It is quite easily found in New Zealand, Costa Rica, Brazil and even California in the United States. For the many benefits it presents, the macadamia nut is often nicknamed “the queen of nuts“on the old continent.
What are the benefits of macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts boast a list of benefits. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, Ein unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3), in fibres, in amino acids and in proteins (among others), the macadamia nut participates in particular in:
- The drop in the rate of bad cholesterol.
- The regulation of blood pressure.
- Improved functioning of the heart and immune system.
- The fight against fatigue : they act as a “booster” to bring energy to the body thanks, in particular, to their richness in micronutrients and minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorusetc.).
- The action antioxidant trace elements they contain, preventing cellular aging.
- Macadamia nuts are recommended in the prevention of type II diabetes.
- On the digestive level, they are part of the effective fruits and plants to fight against the constipation.
They could even, like other varieties of nuts, reduce the risk of cancer mortality.
To note : many naturopaths point to the health benefits of macadamia nuts. The high micronutrient content of macadamia nuts participates in the activation of targeted neurotransmitters, with a significant impact on mood.
How many macadamia nuts per day, how to consume them?
Although beneficial to health, macadamia nuts are also calories (718 calories per 100g). It is recommended do not eat more than 30g of these nuts per dayor about a handful.
Macadamia nuts are used in food as an oily dry fruit. They are then consumed as they are, most often as an aperitif, in a plain, grilled, sweet or savory version. Beware of additives such as salt, often present in industrial preparations.
Macadamia nuts are also found in a whole host of cookie, cake or ice cream recipes. In the form of seeds, macadamia nuts enhance the flavors of a rice dish or fish.
To maintain their nutritional quality, place the macadamia nuts in a airtight container in the refrigerator.
Macadamia nuts are also used for cosmetic purposes: macadamia oil accompanies all those who aspire to have healthy, nourished and hydrated skin. Many also use macadamia oil as a treatment for dry and/or damaged hair due to its natural content of oleic fatty acids and omega 3, 6 and 7.
What are the contraindications of macadamia nuts, are there any dangers?
Seductive by their multiple benefits, macadamia nuts can be consumed or used by a large part of the population. Only the people allergic to nuts and/or nuts take care to avoid macadamia nuts
Sources:
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2014
- Medical News Today2022
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