Products
Macadamia nuts and macadamia nut oil are available in grocery stores and specialty stores. Unlike other nuts, macadamia nuts are expensive. Macadamia is also known as the “queen of nuts“.
Stem plant
The parent plants are and of the silver tree family (Proteaceae), which are native to eastern Australia in New South Wales and Queensland. They grow to a height of about 15 meters. The trees are grown in various regions of the world, including Hawaii in particular. The plants were named in the 19th century in honor of John Macadam, a Scottish-Australian chemist and politician. However, the nuts were used earlier by the Aborigines.
Medicinal drug
The dried kernels (cotyledons) of the macadamia nuts, freed from the hard shell, are used. They are also colloquially referred to as “macadamias.” They are also used to make macadamia oil (macadamiae oleum).
Ingredients
The ingredients of the nuts include:
- High in fat (> 72%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA: palmitoleic acid, oleic acid).
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fibers (dietary fiber)
- Vitamins, minerals
- Antioxidants
- Phytosterols
- Water
Effects
Macadamia nuts have lipid-lowering, cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant properties. They are considered healthy and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Indications for use
- As food and for the production of processed foods. Macadamia nuts can be consumed raw, roasted, salted or coated, among others.
- For personal care products (macadamia oil).
Dosage
Recommended 20 to 30 g of nuts per day.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Macadamia nuts have a high caloric value and consequently many calories (> 700 kcal / 100 g). Caution: Dogs do not tolerate macadamia nuts. They react with weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, gait disturbances, tremors and hyperthermia (selection), among other symptoms.
