Macadamia Research Paper

Macadamia oil is the non-volatile oil expressed from the nut meat of the macadamia tree. The nut is a native Australian nut. Macadamia oil is sometimes used in Macadamia nuts and it contains over 75% of their weight as oil. The macadamia kernels is known to contain vitamin A1, B1, B2, niacin and essential elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. The oil is a triglyceride oil and contains primarily monounsaturated fats up to 80-84 %. Macadamia oil as compared to other oils such as olive oil and canola oil, it contains the highest percentage of mono-unsaturates.

The macadamia Australian tree has holly-like leaves that grow well in a moist organic soil and will survive temperatures of 24 °F. Seedlings bear in 5–7 years.

Extracted from the nut meat of the macadamia tree which is indigenous in Australia, macadamia nut oil was then considered an exotic product. However, the crop eventually got propagated and cultivated in other parts of the world. Hawaii became the country’s main producer of macadamia, and California and Florida soon followed suit in commercially growing the crop, due to the robust local production of macadamia, it is now easily accessible. Macadamia nut oil has a properly balanced omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids content as well, which is at a ratio of 1:1. Both are considered essential fatty acids, thus they are not manufactured by the body, and consequently have to be supplemented through the diet. Omega-3 acts as an anti-inflammatory, while omega-6 functions more as a pro-inflammatory. When these fatty acids are not balanced it might lead to chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is of paramount importance to include the macadamia nut oil in the diet on a regular basis to achieve the essential fatty acid

Phytochemicals protect against oxidation of this edible oil, making it suitable for unrefrigerated storage for up to two years. What’s best, these very same phytochemicals, when the phytochemicals are ingested by including macadamia nut oil in the diet, they help reduce oxidative stress.

PRACTICAL USES OF MACADAMIA NUT OIL

• Beauty aid – the oil gets easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling.

• Moisturizer – it can be used as moisturizer for the skin and hair.

• Cosmetic- it can be combined with organic beeswax for a homemade lip gloss.

Macadamia nut oil has a significantly high smoking point 210 degrees Celsius making it a great substitute for frying and