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What Is Macadamia Nut Oil? A Product From Mysterious Australia

what is macadamia nut oil

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Everyone in their life has come across macadamia nut at least once. They are delicious as a snack and perfectly go with Ben & Jerry ice-cream. But what is macadamia nut oil exactly and why is it so beneficial and unique?

Macadamia nut oil

This oil, as according to Wikipedia, is derived from the nuts of macadamia tree and is widely used for both cooking and cosmetic purposes. Due to its unique composition, it is very popular in Australia and is starting to gain popularity all over the world. Macadamia nut oil contains up to 85% of monounsaturated fats which are considered “good” fats for our body. Among the benefits of these fats is their ability to decrease the level of “bad”, or LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and thus, monounsaturated fats contribute to the cardiac health and disease prevention. In addition, this oil has a perfect ratio 1:1 of Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are essential substances for our well-being. However, the proportion of these fatty acids has to be balanced in order to benefit our health, and the best ratios are either 1:1 or 2:1 (Omega 6 to Omega 3). Macadamia oil is also rich in oleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin E, which is considered one of the best anti oxidants.

 

SEE ALSO:  Macadamia Nut Oil Nutrition Facts You Should Be Aware of before Consuming the Oil

Macadamia nut oil in cooking

Macadamia nut oil is a perfect choice to use in your cooking due to a number of reasons, as explained by Doctor Oz:

  • High smoking point

This oil has unusually high smoking point in comparison with other cooking oils, which is 234oC. Thus, it is perfect for stir-frying, sautéing and other cooking methods. There are a lot of recipes with the oil. With such smoking point, the oil does not burn the food but gives it pleasant crunch and color.

  • Taste

Macadamia oil has a unique nutty taste, which reminds of butter. It can be used not only for frying but as salad dressing as well.

Cosmetic use

  • Moisturizing

Because of the essential fatty acids present, macadamia nut oil has an ability to moisturize our skin and keep it hydrated, which contributes to the skin health and therefore, our overall well-being.

  • Revitalizing and anti oxidant properties

Macadamia oil contains vitamin E, which is known as one of the best for our skin and hair. It has anti-aging effect as well as the ability to regenerate skin cells.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties

Oleic acid found in this oil has anti-inflammatory properties and thus can help in either prevention of skin conditions or their improvement.

 

RELATED:  What is Argan Oil?

How to choose the right oil

It is advised to choose organic cold-pressed macadamia nut oil, as such oil will have the biggest amount of beneficial nutrients and the highest value. Organic means that no chemicals or pesticides were involved in the planting, growing and production process. Cold-press is the method of oil extraction at very low temperatures, which allows preserving the oil’s nutritional value. In addition, only in cold-pressed oil vitamin E is found in sufficient amount.

Where to buy macadamia nut oil

The best option to buy this oil would be via Internet, on such websites as Amazon.com or various beauty websites. As well you can ask your local retailers, as big grocery chains do not seem to have macadamia nut oil in stock.