10 beneficial properties of macadamia nut for health and contraindications

Macadamia nuts (Australian nuts, kindal) are the fruits of an evergreen tree of the Proteaceae family, which have a subtle buttery taste and creamy texture. They grow in the Australian, African, Vietnamese tropics, as well as in the USA, China, Brazil. They appeared on the shelves of stores in the CIS countries not so long ago, but quickly gained great popularity.

Due to the abundance of beneficial properties, macadamia nuts are appreciated not only in cooking, but also in medicine. When taken regularly, they reduce the risk of developing many common diseases, improve skin condition and even help to reduce weight.

10 useful properties

10 theses on the benefits of macadamia nuts for the human body (based on research) are discussed in detail below.

1. They are a source of valuable substances

Macadamia is a very high–calorie product. In 100 grams contains 718 calories, as well as the following nutrients:

The composition contains valuable monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial are reflected at the level of cholesterol in the blood and provide prevention of the development of diabetes mellitus.

Nuts also contain a small amount of carbohydrates and are moderate rich in fiber , which makes them an extremely useful product for people with type II diabetes.

2. They have an antioxidant effect

Macadamia, like most other nuts, is rich in antioxidants.

Proven that antioxidants inhibit chronic inflammation (especially in the tissues of the large intestine) and neutralize free radicals that can provoke cell death or their malignant transformation.

It is antioxidants that, due to the suppression of free radical mechanisms and chronic inflammation, fight various diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular, endocrine and central nervous systems.

Especially valuable antioxidants in the nut are flavonoids, tocotrienols (a special form of vitamin E), which also help reduce cholesterol concentration in the blood and provide additional protection against coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and strokes.

3. Improve the health of the cardiovascular system

The inclusion of macadamia in the diet reduces the risk of developing leading pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

According to the data Australian and American experts, daily consumption of these nuts (from 8 to 42 grams) reduces the level of total cholesterol by 7-12%, LDL ("harmful" cholesterol) – by 10%.

The positive effects of macadamia conditioned not only reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, but also by increasing the resistance of the vascular endothelium to the introduction and deposition of cholesterol crystals.

As a result, the nut prevents the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arterial vessels and reduces the risk of developing diseases caused by their appearance (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke).

Austrian scientists underline the special role of monounsaturated fats, which are part of these nuts. They found that including them in the diet reduces the risk of death from all causes by 11%, from heart and vascular diseases by 12%. The probability of myocardial infarction is reduced by 9%, and stroke – by 17%.

Nuts are also effective in reducing blood pressure and preventing the development of hypertension due to the abundance of magnesium, manganese and potassium. These minerals cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the vessel walls and, consequently, the expansion of their lumen.

Macadamia is recommended for use by all persons suffering from abnormalities of the cardiovascular system or having an increased predisposition to them.

4. Fighting metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a term combining:

• Increased visceral fat volume;
• Growth of insulin resistance (insensitivity of tissues to insulin);
• Increased production of endogenous insulin.

Such disorders alter the metabolism of lipids (cholesterol in the blood increases), carbohydrates and purine bases in the body (gout develops), and increase blood pressure.

Research show that the systematic inclusion of macadamia in the diet reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome (especially in people with type II diabetes mellitus).

According to the information specialists from Canada, the consumption of this type of nuts is associated with the normalization of cholesterol levels, a decrease in the concentration of fasting glucose and HbA1c in the blood.

Macadamia is recommended for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus or having excessive accumulations of visceral fatty tissue.

5. They help you lose weight

Despite the enormous energy value, macadamia nuts can provide significant help in weight loss.

They are rich dietary fiber and proteins , which, after entering the stomach, inhibit the activity of hunger centers in the brain. As a result, the craving for food decreases for the next few hours and, as a result, the total amount of food eaten per day decreases.

Separately, part of the fats should be noted remains in the walls of the nut and is not absorbed by the body.

Experiments on mice show that the addition of even large amounts of macadamia nut oil, saturated with fats, does not cause an increase in the volume of fat cells in the body, but on the contrary leads to a decrease in their number.

In moderation, macadamia is recommended for the prevention and treatment of obesity, as well as to combat excess body fat. The effect is equally pronounced in both women and men.

6. Improve bowel function

Macadamia is rich fiber . Dietary fiber is necessary for the coordinated work of all departments of the digestive system and the maintenance of the composition of the microflora.

Eating nuts leads to an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria in the lumen of the colon, as well as to inhibition of the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms.

Against the background of an adequate composition of the microflora, nutrients are better absorbed, constipation is less common, and the condition of the skin and hair improves.

An additional advantage of cellulose is the production of acetate, butyrate and propionate during its fermentation by friendly microorganisms. Such substances normalize metabolic processes in colonocytes, reducing the risk of their malignant degeneration. This information lead Italian experts.

7. Reduce the risk of developing cancer

As already mentioned, macadamia is a unique source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and other substances that normalize the activity of chronic inflammation and neutralize free radical mechanisms.

This action is realized against the background of the entire body, therefore, the risk of cancer of any organ, especially the colon, is reduced.

Nuts not only provide cancer prevention, but also cause inhibition of division and spread of any malignant processes. Such data is provided by scientists from Italy and of Estonia .

8. Improve brain health

Antioxidant substances in macadamia support supply of the cells of the central nervous system with nutrients and oxygen, neutralize the action of free radicals.

Similar effects allow Improve cognitive performance (memory, attention, thinking) and significantly reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative pathologies (Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease).

The effectiveness of nuts during pregnancy is also emphasized. Antioxidants and folic acid have a positive effect on the physical and mental development of the unborn child during the first few years of life.

9. Strengthen the immune system

Macadamia contains vitamin E, manganese and selenium. These substances, according to the data American scientists, Improve immunity , stimulate the production of antibodies when foreign agents are introduced into the body.

Such properties make it possible to prevent autoimmune diseases and increase resistance to external pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).

It should be noted that direct bactericidal properties of nuts have not been noted in any of the studies conducted.

10. They provide prevention of anemia

Macadamia contains iron (a valuable element for Hemoglobin building ) and vitamin C (necessary for the full absorption of iron by the body). These substances are necessary for the constant creation of new red blood cells and replenishment of iron reserves.

Nuts are especially necessary in the course of severe infectious diseases, bone marrow pathologies, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and blood loss.

They should also be included in the menu of the elderly, who have iron deficiency anemia much more often.

Possible harm

Macadamia is considered a safe product, however, in rare cases, it can cause significant harm to health. The most common side effects include:

1. Obesity. Nuts help to reduce body weight only if taken in small amounts (about 50 grams per day). If this limit is exceeded, due to their high energy value, they can provoke excessive formation of fat deposits.
2. Dyspeptic disorders. An abundance of fiber and proteins can disrupt the natural intestinal motility and activate the processes of fermentation and putrefaction. This will manifest itself in the form of diarrhea, bloating, and spastic pain.
3. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulation of the glands of external secretion. In the presence of gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis and cholecystitis in the acute stage, nuts are contraindicated.
4. Allergic reactions. The product rarely causes allergopathology. However, the manifestations are, as a rule, of a pronounced systemic nature and proceed according to the type of anaphylaxis.

None of the studies found a negative effect of nuts during pregnancy. On the contrary, only positive effects are emphasized.

Tips for use

Macadamia nuts are recommended to be consumed fresh (whole or ground), preferably without shells.

They should not be subjected to any heat treatment (roasting, baking, prolonged drying, boiling, etc.), which significantly reduces the volume of biologically active substances.

Recommended daily allowance:

• For healthy young people and adolescents – up to 50-75 grams per day;
• For the elderly – no more than 50-55 grams;
• For women during pregnancy – up to 35-40 grams.

Exceeding these indicators is fraught with the risk of developing obesity and other side effects.

Nuts are best eaten in the middle of the day (lunch, afternoon snack, snacks) or in the morning for breakfast, but together with other products (for example, porridge).

The use of nuts at night can cause an overload of the digestive system and, due to increased blood flow to the intestines, cause problems with going to bed.

You should not eat nuts on an empty stomach, this can provoke irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum.

Macadamia can be consumed both in its pure form and as part of various dishes. It goes well with vegetable salads, fish and meat dishes. Nuts can also serve as decorations for cakes, pastries, and pastries. Recently, they have often been included in drinks (including alcoholic ones).

Funds based on them

Macadamia nut products are widely used to alleviate a number of diseases, eliminate stress and fatigue . Below are some of the most common recipes:

1. "Immune mixture". Mix 100 grams of nuts, ½ lemon (with zest), 100 grams of prunes, 50 grams of dried apricots and raisins each. Chop all the ingredients in a meat grinder and pour 3-5 tablespoons of honey. Place in a glass jar with a tight lid and leave for 24 hours in the refrigerator (subsequently store there). Take 2 tablespoons in the morning after meals in order to Enhance immunity in the spring and autumn period.
2. Tincture. Pour 20-25 grams of macadamia shell with 250 ml of vodka. Place in a glass container with a tight lid and leave in a dark, cool place for 10-12 days, strain. Take 1-2 tsp. 2 times a day. The main indication is a decrease in cholesterol levels in the blood.
3. Infusion. The recipe is as follows: pour 10 grams of shell with 200 ml of water, bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Then let cool for 15-20 minutes. Strain the finished solution and take 100 ml 2-3 times a day. Used for Performance improvements and fight against high cholesterol in the blood.
4. Nut butter. Is manufactured in industrial conditions. It is indicated for topical application (on the skin of the face and scalp). Improves metabolism, provides tonic and anti-aging effects, makes hair more attractive by reducing breakage and enhancing natural shine.

Conclusion

1. Thus, macadamia is rich in nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber), which improve the health of almost all body systems.
2. Nuts are able to prevent the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, provide prevention of type II diabetes mellitus and obesity, and improve the functioning of the immune system and gastrointestinal apparatus.
3. Possible side effects should be considered, as well as follow the rules of administration.