Macadamia nuts come from an evergreen tree that is large in stature and native to eastern Australia. Long before the popularity of the nut’s production in Hawaii, it was harvested by the Australian Aborigine Tribes in the rainforests and enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious snack. Macadamias have a somewhat soft texture and a mellow, buttery flavor, making them a perfect addition to savory and sweet dishes alike, ranging from chocolate covered macadamia nuts to being included in cookies, ice cream, cakes, and zucchini peach salad.
Health Benefits
Macadamia nuts contain palmitoleic acid which is a monounsaturated fatty acid shown to increase the metabolism of fat and improve insulin sensitivity. While they do have a high-fat content, because it is monounsaturated, it helps lower the risk of stroke and heart disease as well as lower cholesterol.
- Contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fats: The macadamia nut is unique in its fat ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 and can help reduce inflammation.
- Powerful Antioxidants: The antioxidants present in the macadamia help fight free radicals, offering protection against disease. The flavonoids also protect and repair cells from damage caused by environmental toxins.
- Appetite Suppressant: The natural fat content helps keep you feeling satiated and prevents food cravings. Also, the type of fat, palmitoleic acid helps increase metabolism, meaning that it could actually help with weight loss.
- Strengthen Nails and Hair: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, protein, potassium, and calcium, the macadamia nut can help give your hair a lovely, healthy sheen while strengthening each follicle of hair. These same properties help boost the health of your nails and skin.
- Supports Gut Health: The macadamia nut is rich in copper and fiber, both of which are crucial to proper digestion and a healthy gut. It also contains oleic acid which helps prevent ulcerative colitis.
Nutritional Facts:
The following information is based on a single ounce of raw macadamia nuts.
Calories: 203
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.7grams
Potassium: 104.14 mg
Dietary Fiber: 2.4grams
Protein: 2.2grams
Raw nuts, such as macadamia nuts have been shown to reduce the waistline. In a study conducted over the course of a five-week period, individuals who replaced other foods with nuts or merely added nuts to their diets lost more than one pound of weight and a half-inch from their waists.
Background
As previously mentioned, the macadamia tree actually originated in Australia. While Hawaii is now the largest producer of macadamia nuts, they are also harvested in California and New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa and prefer balmy climates with plenty of water. The trees are massive, reaching 40 feet in height and almost that in width.
The production of the macadamia nut is a rather drawn-out process, with the cracking of the nut making them both expensive and rare, hence the high price of the macadamia nut. But, expensive or not, the flavor of the macadamia nut is like none other.
