Macadamia nut, the beneficial properties of which are diverse, has recently become a popular therapeutic and cosmetic product. This plant is quite whimsical and problematic in terms of growing, which is due to its considerable cost. Macadamia nut, the price of which is now about $ 30 per kilogram, is considered the most expensive in the world.
But people who can afford such expenses, are happy to purchase this product, and not only because it is prestigious and exotic. In fact, this plant has certain beneficial properties and is used both in cooking and for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Habitat
This plant was first discovered in Australia by a botanist named Müller. It was he who first described this amazing nut and named it in honor of his friend, the chemist John McAdam. This tree belongs to the Protein family, and now 9 of its species are known. Five of them grow exclusively on the lands of Australia, two species are cultivated artificially.
Today in the world you can count not so many places where macadamia nut (cultivated) grows. These include: California, Hawaii, Brazil, and South Africa.
Growing difficulties
One of the main problems in the cultivation of macadamia is that a tree fully begins to bear fruit only in the 7-10th year of life. But reaching a tree of a certain age does not guarantee that it will bring a long-awaited harvest. The reason for this is the fact that the Australian nut (one of the most common names for macadamia) is constantly at risk of falling under the destructive effects of ocean winds that have hurricane power.
But even in those cases when the tree manages to grow and give a full crop, a number of problems arise with the collection of its fruits. Macadamia can reach a height of 15 meters and it is very difficult to reach its top without special devices. The nuts themselves are covered with a very hard shell, which is difficult to separate from the fruit. So these nuts are not only difficult to collect, but also very problematic to peel.
That is why the most expensive among the currently known in the world is macadamia nut. The price of it, of course, decreases every year, because the number of plantations is increasing and the production volumes of these fruits are growing, despite all the difficulties. But on average, a kilogram of this product costs the end customer $ 30.
General description of the plant
As we already mentioned, an adult tree can reach 13-15 meters in height. The flowers of this plant are quite small, have a white-cream or pink color. When they bloom, their inflorescences outwardly resemble spikelets, while exhaling a light sweetish aroma.
This smell attracts bees, which are natural pollinators of the plant. As a rule, the fruits ripen fully in the period from March to September, but under favorable conditions, macadamia nut (whose beneficial properties will be discussed below) can bear fruit for a whole year. These fruits have an almost perfect round shape and can reach 2 cm in diameter.
What it tastes like
Macadamia nut, whose taste resembles a simple hazelnut, is often criticized for its exorbitant price. But real connoisseurs say that this fruit is a little sweeter and more aromatic. At the same time, those who are not true gourmets and connoisseurs of nuts simply do not understand why they pay a lot of money for goods that are no different from ordinary hazelnuts.
It is for this reason that macadamia nuts, reviews of which are different, are often criticized for the high price. But do not forget that this product has the highest calorie content, and also has a rich and useful chemical composition.
Plant composition
Macadamia nut, the useful properties of which are determined by its composition, contains a lot of useful substances, among which:
- fats and organic acids, proteins, fiber, carbohydrates;
- oils;
- vitamins (C, E, B 1 , B 2 , B 5 , B 6 , B 9 );
- trace elements (selenium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese);
- macrocells (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium).
Due to its composition, the fruits of this plant have a certain healing power.
Macadamia nut: beneficial properties
This product is appropriate to use for vitamin deficiency and for its prevention. Also, these nuts are recommended to eat at an increased risk of developing tumor diseases. It is believed that the use of macadamia can relieve migraines and help with a number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and arthrosis. Also, this nut can be used as an addition to the main therapy during the treatment of tonsillitis and meningitis.
Despite the fact that macadamia is very high-calorie, with obesity, nutritionists recommend replacing one of full-fledged meals with a handful of this nut. A very small amount of macadamia can saturate the body with the necessary energy and at the same time nourish it with all the micro and macro elements necessary for full activity. In addition, this product enhances the blood circulation in the human body and eliminates excess cholesterol, due to which general anti-aging processes occur.
Macadamia oil, the properties and application of which are manifold, have been successfully used to treat burns of varying degrees. The ability to restore the skin is due to the fact that the composition of this oil includes various unsaturated fatty acids, among which are palmitic acid. As you know, it is also contained in the composition of human skin. That is why oil can accelerate skin regeneration and promotes the rapid healing of various burns and wounds.
Macadamia oil: properties and applications in cosmetology
Due to its ability to restore skin, this product is successfully used in cosmetology. Oil is considered very effective both in its independent use, and as part of various creams and masks. With regular use for cosmetic purposes, the following effect is observed:
- facial skin is noticeably tightened, small wrinkles disappear and become less noticeable, the complexion is leveled;
- when using oil to massage the body, the skin turgor is noticeably strengthened;
- As a result of using this product as a base with the addition of various essential oils, cellulite disappears, the body becomes more toned.
It is worth noting that this nut oil is excellent for caring for very delicate and thin skin. In cosmetology, it is successfully used to care for lips, cuticles and the area around the eyes.
In addition, due to the ability to enhance blood microcirculation, this natural remedy is used to stimulate hair follicles in case of alopecia and with active hair loss. Oil is also part of various shampoos, masks and is often introduced into the composition of hair colors.
Danger to dogs
Despite the fact that this product has so many beneficial properties for the human body, it can cause serious harm to our four-legged friends, namely dogs. The composition of this product does not yet contain studies of the toxin, which adversely affects the canine organism. After one nut is eaten, the dog's well-being may deteriorate to such an extent that he may not rise to his feet for the next 12 hours. The animal may experience heavy breathing and swelling of the limbs. It is believed that after a dog tastes macadamia, it is fully restored only after 48 hours. And if the animal manages to eat 5-7 nuts, then it is likely that this will lead to death.
For this reason, all lovers of this exotic nut who have dogs at home should be extremely careful.