What is good about chocolate macadamia nuts and how to eat them correctly

Macadamia differs favorably from other nuts in its taste, nutritional and beneficial properties. A diverse vitamin and mineral composition, high concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 make the nut indispensable for maintaining the health of the entire body. But like any product, macadamia has contraindications and can be harmful to health if consumed in excess and for a long time.

What kind of nut is this

Macadamia is a genus of woody plants in the Proteaceae family.. The tree reaches a height of 15 m and begins to bear fruit at 5-7 years. The nut ripens from March to September, but fruiting is possible all year round. The inflorescences have a sweet, pleasant aroma and smell of chocolate.

Harvesting is not easy; it is done by hand. In factories, mechanical rollers are used to open nuts, which break the shell into two halves, while the core is preserved. At home, the nut is opened using a metal key. A special notch is made on each nut, and a metal key is inserted into the package.

Reference. Other names for the nut that opens with a key are nuts, Australian nuts, and king nuts.

Appearance, taste and aroma

The nut is round with a slot, 1.5-2 cm in diameter, covered with a leathery green bivalve shell with a kernel that is difficult to separate from the shell. A pleasant sweet aroma emanates from the fruit. The kernels resemble hazelnuts, but are fattier, with chocolate flavor.

Where does it grow?

Macadamia is cultivated in tropical countries, mainly in Australia. Plant resistant to seasonal changes in environmental factors, withstanding low temperatures up to +3°C. Prefers well-drained soil saturated with organic acids.

Over time, varieties that are more unpretentious to weather conditions have appeared, which makes it possible to grow the nut in Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands.

The benefits and harms of macadamia

Macadamia nut is a nutritious and healthy product. It saturates the body with vitamins, micro- and macroelements, which are necessary to maintain vital processes. Despite the popularity of a healthy diet and the exclusion of fatty foods from the diet, experts recommend consuming nuts daily in limited quantities (30-40 g).

Antioxidants are especially valuable for the body. They protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, slow down the aging process, and reduce the content of bad cholesterol in the body.

Nuts contain a phenomenal amount of vitamins:

1. Thiamine (vitamin B1) supports the health of the nervous and digestive systems.
2. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) regulates the functions of the reproductive system, saturates the blood with oxygen, and takes an active part in the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
3. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) activates the synthesis of adrenal hormones and regulates metabolism.
4. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is responsible for the absorption of proteins and fats, improves the functioning of the nervous system and liver, acts as a diuretic, reduces muscle spasms, and prevents skin pathologies.
5. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is important for the production of hemoglobin and reduces the risk of malignant tumors.
6. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) improves the absorption of iron in the body, strengthens the immune system, protects against infections, and has antioxidant properties.
7. Alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) supports heart function, reduces capillary permeability and fragility, normalizes the condition of the skin, and accelerates the healing of wounds and burns.
8. Nicotinic acid (NA) has a positive effect on digestion processes, improves the condition of blood vessels, relieves swelling, normalizes metabolism and blood microcirculation.

From macadamia, the body receives omega-3 and omega-6, which have a beneficial effect on the entire body:

• increase endurance and performance;
• stimulate metabolism;
• accelerate the process of fat breakdown;
• prevent the development of cancer;
• serve as a good prevention of Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, myocardial infarction, rheumatic pathologies;
• inhibit inflammatory processes.

Despite its high calorie content, macadamia is a popular product during diets. Due to the plant fiber in their composition, nuts provide quick and long-lasting satiety, stimulate physical activity, due to which more energy is consumed than is supplied with food, the body begins to use up fat reserves, and body weight decreases.

By regularly consuming macadamia, you don’t have to worry about the health of your nervous system. B vitamins reduce anxiety and aggressiveness, improve night sleep, stimulate thinking processes, and have a mild sedative effect.

The benefits and harms of macadamia directly depend on the quality of the nut, daily intake, and the presence of contraindications. Long-term and abundant consumption of nuts in those suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke an exacerbation in the form of nausea, vomiting, a feeling of heaviness, and soreness.

Macadamia is highly allergenic, and consumption in excess of the norm can cause the development of allergies. The first signs are itching, urticaria, peeling and redness of the skin, Quincke's edema.

Large quantities of macadamia leads to excess weight gain. Use nuts with caution in the presence of severe renal or liver failure, arterial hypotension, grade 3-4 obesity, or severe diabetes.

Beneficial properties for men, women and children

Macadamia useful for both men and women, regardless of age. By regularly consuming the nut, you can prevent the development of urological diseases in men, and if they exist, alleviate the severity of symptoms and achieve stable remission. The fruits have an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, remove toxic substances from the body, improve blood circulation in the prostate, and protect against infection.

Macadamia for men is valued due to the presence of zinc and selenium.. These substances stimulate the production of testosterone, which is responsible for sexual health and libido, and ensure the growth of muscle mass. Macadamia is a powerful aphrodisiac that increases libido and helps achieve sexual satisfaction.

Macadamia is no less useful for the female body. The rich vitamin and mineral complex supports the functioning of the reproductive system, slows down the onset or eases the course of menopause, and serves as a good prevention of gynecological diseases.

Advice. Experts recommend use macadamia for women when planning pregnancy and while carrying a child. Nuts serve as an additional source of folic acid. Even a short-term deficiency of this substance threatens the development of complications associated with the normal development of the nervous system in the fetus. In addition, folic acid has a beneficial effect on the appetite, mood and psycho-emotional state of the expectant mother.

Another benefit of macadamia for women is maintaining healthy skin. Biologically active components slow down the aging process, tone, moisturize, protect against the negative effects of UV rays, and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

What are the benefits of macadamia nuts for children? Fruits to some extent satisfy the body's needs for ascorbic acid, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. Its deficiency has a bad effect on the condition of the gums, the cardiovascular system and leads to nosebleeds.

This is a good vitamin supplement, especially in the autumn-winter period, reduces the risk of infection, shortens recovery time and eases the course of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, and acute respiratory infections.

Nuts contain calcium. This is an important element at the stage of formation of teeth, bones, and nail plates. A sufficient level of calcium in the body accelerates the recovery of musculoskeletal tissue after fractures and injuries in children.

Compound

Macadamia nuts are superior to other types of nuts in terms of calories and content of biologically active substances. In addition to traditional proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the chemical composition contains (per 100 g):

• dietary fiber - 8.6 g;
• water - 1.36 g;
• ash - 1.14 g;
• starch - 1.05 g;
• sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) - 4.57 g;
• amino acids - 9.63 g;
• fatty acids - 72.44 g;
• omega-3 - 0.206 g;
• omega-6 - 1.296 g;
• vitamin B1 - 1.195 mg;
• B2 - 0.162 mg;
• B5 - 0.758 mg;
• B6 - 0.275 mg;
• B9 - 11 mcg;
• C - 1.2 mg;
• E - 0.54 mg;
• RR - 2.473 mg.

Micro- and macroelements are of biological value:

• iron - 3.69 mg;
• manganese - 4.131 mg;
• copper - 756 mcg;
• selenium - 3.6 mcg;
• zinc - 1.3 mg;
• potassium - 368 mg;
• calcium - 85 mg;
• magnesium - 130 mg;
• sodium - 5 mg;
• sulfur - 79.1 mg;
• phosphorus - 188 mg.

KBZHU

Macadamia has high nutritional value - 718 kcal per 100 g of fruit. Nuts contain large quantities of fats - 75.8 g, smaller amounts of proteins - 7.9 g, carbohydrates - 5.2 g. The nut's glycemic index is low - 15 units, which is especially important for those suffering from diabetes and metabolic disorders.

How to eat macadamia

Macadamia is a very high-calorie product, so nutritionists recommend consuming it in the morning or early afternoon. The kernels contain complex carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy, increase endurance and performance, and reduce appetite.

The nut is eaten fresh or fried in a dry frying pan, added to desserts, caramelized, or covered with chocolate. Small and crushed kernels are added to fruit and vegetable salads and seafood dishes. Oil is obtained from the nuts, which is used in cooking, cosmetology, and folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

As much as possible per day

The daily value depends on the daily calorie intake and the presence of contraindications. Without harm to health, an adult can eat about 30 g per day (this is 10-15 medium fruits), for children the norm is reduced to 15-20 g. It is necessary to limit the amount of macadamia for those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women, and lactating women.

Contraindications

An absolute contraindication is individual intolerance to one or more components in the composition. It is recommended to limit or completely eliminate macadamia from the diet if you have:

• obesity 3-4 degrees;
• liver and kidney dysfunction;
• diabetes mellitus 2 and 3 degrees;
• low blood pressure;
• gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage.

Use in cooking

Chocolate macadamia nuts are a popular product for making desserts, baked goods, and fruit salads. Caramel or chocolate covered kernels are served as a separate dish.

Due to its high cost, macadamia oil is less popular in cooking. They replace olive oil, add to salads, and use for preparing meat and fish dishes, as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

In medicine

To prevent various diseases, experts recommend eating 5-15 nuts daily. Indications for use:

• anemia;
• oncological diseases;
• pathologies of the cardiovascular system: Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, myocardial infarction;
• obesity 1-2 degrees;
• metabolic disorders, in particular diabetes;
• thrombosis;
• avitaminosis;
• arterial hypertension;
• rheumatic diseases: arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis;
• osteoporosis;
• mental disorders;
• dermatological diseases;
• migraine;
• chronic fatigue;
• inflammatory processes in the body.

Used as medicinal raw materials shell. Based on it, a decoction and infusion are prepared for external use and oral administration. The oil has a wide range of actions: anti-inflammatory, tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, hypotensive, immunostimulating, antioxidant, regenerating.

In cosmetology

Since the kernels have a high concentration of fatty acids, essential oil is obtained from them. This popular beauty product helps maintain healthy skin, hair and nails.

The oil takes good care of the skin:

• stimulates collagen production;
• eliminates dryness;
• tones;
• improves complexion;
• accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Macadamia oil is good for the skin of the body. It moisturizes, reduces the appearance of cellulite, promotes good functioning of the lymphatic system, and relieves puffiness.

The oil is rubbed into the scalp for seborrhea, dandruff, and eczema. Active biological components accelerate hair growth, improve nutrition of hair follicles, and increase blood supply in this area. As a result, the scalp is restored, hair begins to grow more intensively, becomes stronger and healthier. A visible effect is possible if the procedures are performed regularly.

Advice. It is recommended to keep masks with essential oils for no more than 15-20 minutes, otherwise there is a high probability of developing scalp irritation.

How to select and store nuts

For maximum benefit, nutritionists recommend buying nuts in shells. They contain the maximum amount of substances valuable to the human body, and the shell protects against the penetration of microbes, dust and other toxic elements. In-shell macadamia nuts can be stored for a year in a cool, dry place.

If the choice is made in favor of peeled macadamia, pay attention to the appearance of the kernels, storage conditions, and expiration date. Nuts of proper quality have a round shape, uniform color, without signs of spoilage, damage or extraneous unpleasant odors.

Cleaned kernels are packaged in vacuum bags and stored at temperatures from 0 to +5°C for 6 months. Without a vacuum, shelf life is limited to 1-3 months.

Conclusion

The benefits of macadamia for humans are priceless. It saturates the body with vitamins, fatty acids, micro- and macronutrients, improves the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. By regularly consuming macadamia, you don’t have to worry about the health of the nervous, urinary, digestive systems, heart and blood vessels. However, for greater benefits, it is important to consume the nut correctly: in limited quantities and mainly in the first half of the day.