Benefits of Macadamia Oil

Macadamia nuts are a type of nut with a subtle, butter-like flavor and creamy texture. This nut oil, known as macadamia oil or macadamia nut oil, is produced by extracting oil from the fruit or walnut of the Australian Macadamia integrifolia tree. Apart from its use in cooking, many people use this oil to treat hair and improve skin health. The oil provides some health and beauty benefits, but not all of them are backed by strong scientific evidence.

Macadamia oil contains a high concentration of palmitoleic acid, which is rich in omega 7. Macadamia nuts are native to Australia, also grown in the temperate climates of California and Hawaii. These nuts have high content of zinc, selenium and fatty acids that help the body burn fat more effectively. Other common names are Queensland hazelnuts, Maroochi hazelnuts, Bush hazelnuts, Hawaiian hazelnuts, Bauple hazelnuts, Australian peanuts, Smooth-shelled Macadamia, Bush nut, Bopple Nut, Poppel Nut, Huile de Macadamia, Macadamia Oil, Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia tetraphylla.

Fats in Macadamia Oil

Macadamia nut oil contains different types of fat, including saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. More specifically, the compounds contained in the oil are as follows:

• Oleic acid (about 55-67 percent): Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that can improve cardiovascular health when used in place of saturated fats or refined carbohydrates.
• Palmitoleic acid (about 18-25 percent): A monounsaturated fatty acid that may have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, cholesterol metabolism.
• Palmitic acid (about 7-9 percent): A saturated fatty acid that can increase LDL cholesterol and negatively affect heart health.
• Stearic acid (about 2-5 percent): It is a saturated fatty acid that can lower LDL cholesterol and is not as effective as unsaturated fats.
• Linoleic acid (about 1-4 percent) or omega-6 fatty acids: These polyunsaturated fats are sometimes associated with weight loss, but evidence is lacking.

Most of the fat in macadamia oil is monounsaturated fat, according to USDA data. The expert at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends choosing foods containing monounsaturated fat instead of saturated fat whenever possible and consuming 15-20 percent of the calorie intake from monounsaturated fat. In addition, some polyunsaturated fat is consumed with this nut oil consumption. Studies have shown that these essential fatty acids can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. Nutritionists recommend that 3-10 percent of daily calorie intake be taken from polyunsaturated fat.

The saturated fat in macadamia nut oil (stearic acid) may have a beneficial effect on heart health, but in general, health experts recommend reducing saturated fat intake, instead consuming mono and polyunsaturated fats. Also, this fat has no carbohydrates or proteins.

Health Benefits of Macadamia Oil

According to the users of the product, macadamia oil benefits the skin and hair, as well as providing anti-aging benefits to those who use the oil. Specifically, the oil is used topically for some purposes and these are as follows:

• Softens and moisturizes aging skin

• Heals mild wounds

• Provides antioxidant benefits

• Softens hair and provides shine

Some of these applications are backed by scientific evidence, but few studies have been done on the cosmetic use of macadamia oil. However, a recent review of the relevant literature found that the fatty acid composition of Macadamia oil has potential in the cosmetic industry. Macadamia oil can reduce triglyceride levels, increase energy level, prevent chronic diseases, stimulate circulation, strengthen the immune system, improve heart health, bone health and digestive process. And it has many health benefits like these and they are as follows:

Protects heart health

Macadamia oil is rich in fatty acids that help reduce the chances of clogging of the arteries, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes. Its high oleic acid content rebalances the cholesterol level and lowers the amount of triglycerides in the blood. It helps balance the presence of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Provides energy

Macadamia oil provides energy to the body, but should be used in moderate amounts as excessive use can cause obesity and weight gain.

Promotes overall health

This oil has tocotrienols, an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which are harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism associated with various chronic diseases such as apoptosis, cancer, and cell mutation. It strengthens the immune system and also cleans the entire system.

Helps maintain skin health

Antioxidants have a significant impact on skin health. It contains squalene, which reduces oxidative stress on the skin and body, and prevents age spots, wrinkles, signs of aging and healing rates.

Moisturizes the skin

Macadamia nut oil is an excellent aftershave moisturizer for men. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin, but also moisturize the skin by making it healthy and smooth.

Protects hair health

Macadamia nut oil strengthens hair follicles by reducing hair loss while helping to increase the shine of hair. It also improves the health and appearance of the lips. It also heals chapped lips and reduces inflammation of wounds and wounds.

Traditional Uses of Macadamia Oil

Besides the health benefits of macadamia oil, it also has traditional uses. These uses are as follows:

• Used to treat cracks, wounds and cracks.

• It is refreshing and calming.

• Can be used for aromatherapy and massage.

• Helps the healing process and also reduces inflammation and itching.

• Provides relief from constipation and supports digestion.

• For hair care, this oil is massaged into the hair and scalp.

• Slows down the aging process.

• It treats minor wounds and heals scars on the skin.

• Good for sunburn

• Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy

Apart from the beneficial uses of macadamia oil, there are precautions to be taken and these are as follows:

• It can cause weight gain.

• Some may experience an allergic reaction.

• It should not be used in case of dermatitis.

• People who are allergic to hazelnuts should not use it.

• Its overuse should be avoided.

However, Macadamia oil is used as salad oil to decorate and fry salads. It also gives foods a light and buttery flavor. Other uses include making lip balms, face creams, body scrubs, soaps, lotions, bath oils, and shampoos. The best way to store macadamia oil should be stored in a cool cupboard away from direct sunlight, and refrigeration is sometimes recommended after opening. Also, when the product is cooled, it must be brought to room temperature before use, and the oil can last up to two years when properly stored.

Cooking Tips of Macadamia Oil

Macadamia nut oil should be used at the end of cooking, rather than frying or heating the food. Many people use it on fish, shellfish or vegetables. According to macadamia nut vendors, the scented oil goes well with citrus flavors, coconut, and even chocolate.

Allergies and Interactions of Macadamia Oil

According to information published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, nuts and peanut oils pose a threat to patients with allergies, depending on the method of manufacture and processing. Therefore, those with nut allergies should be careful when using or consuming Macadamia nut oil.