Why is chocolate macadamia nut good and how to eat it correctly

Macadamia compares favorably with other nuts in 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 whole organism. But like any product, macadamia has contraindications and, with prolonged and abundant use, can be harmful to health.

What is this nut

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

Harvesting is not easy, they do it by hand. In factories, mechanical rollers are used to open the nuts, which break the shell into two halves, while maintaining the core. At home, open the nut with a metal key. A special incision is made on each nut, and a metal key is inserted into the package.

Reference. Other names for a nut that opens with a key are kindal, Australian walnut, royal.

Look, taste and aroma

Round walnut with a slot, 1.5-2 cm in diameter, covered with a leathery bivalve shell of green color with a kernel that is poorly separated from the shell. A pleasant sweet aroma comes from the fruit. The kernels resemble hazelnuts, but fatter, with chocolate flavor.

Where grows

Macadamia is cultivated in tropical countries, mainly in Australia. Plant resistant to seasonal changes in environmental factors, withstanding low temperatures up to + 3 ° С. 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 healthy eating and the exclusion of fatty foods from the diet, experts recommend eating a nut daily in a limited amount (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 phenomenal amounts of vitamins:

1. Thiamin (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, regulates metabolism.
4. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) - responsible for the absorption of proteins and fats, improves the functioning of the nervous system and liver, acts as a diuretic, reduces muscle spasm, 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, accelerates the healing of wounds and burns.
8. Nicotinic acid (PP) has a positive effect on digestion processes, improves the condition of blood vessels, relieves edema, 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 work capacity;
• stimulate metabolism;
• accelerate the breakdown of fats;
• prevent the development of oncological diseases;
• 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 dietary supplement. Due to the vegetable fiber in the composition, nuts provide quick and long-term satiety, stimulate physical activity, due to which more energy is consumed than it comes from food, the body begins to spend fat reserves, and body weight decreases.

By consuming macadamia regularly, there is no need to worry about the health of the nervous system. B vitamins reduce manifestations of anxiety, aggressiveness, improve night sleep, stimulate thinking processes, and have a weak sedative effect.

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

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

Macadamia in large quantities leads to weight gain. Nuts are used with caution in the presence of severe renal or hepatic failure, arterial hypotension, grade 3-4 obesity, and severe diabetes mellitus.

Beneficial properties for men, women and children

Macadamia useful for both men and women, regardless of age... Regular use of the nut can prevent the development of urological diseases in men, and if present, relieve the severity of symptoms and achieve a 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 in the composition... These substances stimulate the production of testosterone, which is responsible for sexual health and sex drive, and ensure the growth of muscle mass. Macadamia - a powerful aphrodisiac - enhances libido, promotes sexual satisfaction.

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

Council. Experts recommend eat macadamia for women when planning a pregnancy and while carrying a child. Nuts are an additional source of folate. 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 health benefit of macadamia for women is skin health. Biologically active components slow down the aging process, tone up, moisturize, protect against the negative effects of UV rays, and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

How is macadamia nut good for children? The 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 badly affects the condition of the gums, cardiovascular system and leads to nosebleeds.

This is a good vitamin remedy, especially in the autumn-winter period, reduces the risk of infection, shortens the recovery period and facilitates the course of influenza, ARVI, ARI.

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

Composition

Macadamia is superior to other types of nuts in calorie content 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;
• sugar (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;
• PP - 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 a high nutritional value - 718 kcal per 100 g of fruit. Nuts contain a large amount of fat - 75.8 g, in a smaller amount of protein - 7.9 g, carbohydrates - 5.2 g. The glycemic index of the nut 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 eating it in the morning or in the morning. The kernels contain complex carbohydrates that 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, and covered with chocolate. Small and crushed kernels are added to fruit and vegetable salads, seafood dishes. Oil is obtained from nuts, which is used in cooking, cosmetology, folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

How much can a day

The daily allowance 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 rate is reduced to 15-20 g. It is necessary to limit the amount of macadamia for those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women, lactating.

Contraindications

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

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

Cooking applications

Chocolate macadamia nut is a popular product for desserts, baked goods, fruit salads. The kernels covered with caramel or chocolate are served as a separate dish.

Due to its high cost, macadamia oil is less popular in cooking. They are replaced with olive oil, added to salads, used to prepare meat and fish dishes, as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

In medicine

For the prevention of various diseases, experts recommend eating 5-15 nuts daily. Indications for use:

• anemia;
• oncological diseases;
• pathology of the cardiovascular system: Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, myocardial infarction;
• obesity 1-2 degrees;
• metabolic disorders, in particular diabetes mellitus;
• 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... On its basis, a decoction, infusion for external use and ingestion is prepared. The oil has a wide range of actions: anti-inflammatory, tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, hypotensive, immunostimulating, antioxidant, regenerating.

In cosmetology

Since the nuclei 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 face skin:

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

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

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

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

How to choose and store nuts

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

If the choice is made in favor of a peeled macadamia, pay attention to the appearance of the kernels, storage conditions, shelf life. Nuts of proper quality have a round shape, uniform color, without traces of spoilage, damage and foreign unpleasant odors.

Peeled kernels are packed in vacuum bags and stored at temperatures from 0 to + 5 ° C for 6 months. Without vacuum, the 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, nails. Regularly consuming macadamia, you can not worry about the health of the nervous, urinary, digestive systems, heart and blood vessels. However, for greater benefit, it is important to consume the nut correctly: in limited quantities and mainly in the morning.