Macadamia Oil – Equatorial Nuts

The Macadamia Oil

Macadamia kernels contain high oil content (> 60%) and one of the commonly used techniques to recover oil from its kernel is cold pressing. Cold-pressed macadamia oil is composed mostly of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), with oleic and palmitoleic acids as the main fatty acids. The oil also contains bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols. Cold pressing of macadamia kernel generates defatted macadamia meal as a by-product. The defatted macadamia meal contains high protein and carbohydrate levels and can be utilized to produce an array of food products.

Macadamia oils contain 83–85% unsaturated fatty acids and 15–17% saturated fatty acids . The predominant fatty acids are oleic (56-65%), palmitoleic (18–23%), and palmitic (7–9%) acids

Macadamia oil health benefits

Heart health improves with monounsaturated oils

Our cold-pressed extra virgin macadamia nut oil contains one of the highest levels of monounsaturated fats amongst all food oils, and at 84%, is even higher than Olive Oil. And while it may sound bad to have high levels of fat, it is the type of fat that matters. These types of fats (monounsaturated) actually help to lower the bad type of cholesterol (saturated).

This is great for heart health because LDL cholesterol (the bad type) contributes to plaque in the arteries, and the HDL cholesterol (the good type), carries the LDL type back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed through the body. This lowers your bad cholesterol and results in less chance of heart disease or stroke.

Macadamia nut oil gives great results for your skin

The great thing about using macadamia nut oil for your skin is it can be taken internally or topically for great results. Each drop is rich in essential fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid, which helps prevent premature aging, and Oleic Acid, which helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), making it perfect for moisturizing dry, sensitive skin.

Macadamia nut oil is also high in phytosterols, which are the building blocks of our cellular membrane and structure. Phytosterols work the same way that cholesterol does in our skin, which is one of the reasons why macadamia nut oil is known to help repair the skin’s barrier function.

Healthy Hair is given an extra boost with macadamia nut oil

Hair follicles produce natural sebum which contains palmitoleic, one of the aforementioned fatty acids. As we grow older, our body produces less and less of this substance, and as a result, our hair begins to lose its strength and shine.

As macadamia nut oil contains a high proportion of this omega-7 monounsaturated fat, it gives the hair an extra boost, either when ingested or rubbed into the hair directly.

Macadamia oil contains natural antioxidants

Macadamia oil is also very high in natural antioxidants and contains Omega 3 and Omega 6, which can have a powerful effect on the overall health of the body. Antioxidants fight off free radicals, dangerous atoms in the body which have a spare electron and want to attach to something. They are dangerous because once they attach to you, they can corrupt your DNA, causing cancer.

A healthy balance of antioxidants can reduce cancer risk, slow the aging process and lessen the risk of vision loss due to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Macadamia nut oil is a great source of fiber to increase energy levels

Like most nuts, macadamia nuts are a reliable source of fiber and calories. Just a dozen nuts (30 grams) contain about 10 percent of your daily fiber needs. Fiber is important in your daily diet because it not only aids digestion but also slows the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream. Their high-calorie content also gives a boost of energy “on the go”, perfect if you don’t have time to stop for a meal.