Magical Macadamia Nut Oil

Macadamia Nuts, usually quiet an overlooked and ‘expensive’ nut to many but such a healthy and multi-talented contender in the health race!This nut and the oil you extract from it boasts an array of interesting health and beauty benefits including superior moisturising properties for your skin and protection against oxidative stress - which causes diseases like cancer.

Macadamia Nut Oil, like the nut itself is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and is noticeably low in saturated fatty acids. The high oleic acid content in Macadamia Nut Oil (even higher than olive oil) re-balances cholesterol levels and actually reduces the amount of triglycerides in the blood, resulting in lowering LDL (the bad one) cholesterol. It also boasts a balance of and one to one ratio of omega - 3 to omega- 6 fatty acids, which the body needs supplementation for in our diets. The ratio in which these fatty acids occur in Macadamia Oil is uniquely beneficial in helping to prevent chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The oil is also rich in phytochemicals like squalene, tocopherols and tocotrienols which not only preserves the oil (you can keep Macadamia oil unrefrigerated for up to two years) but because of these phytochemicals oxidative properties, can help to prevent cancer.

Thanks to the free-radical-neutralizing process of the antioxidants found in the oil links have been found to preventing macular degeneration and slowing the developments of cataracts. The squalene mentioned earlier is a rare find and has a strong effect on human skin, preventing wrinkles, age spots, helping the skin heal and recover and fight the signs of ageing. Mix some Macadamia Nut Oil into natural shampoos to increase shine, strengthen follicles in their beds - reducing hair loss and add health to your hair. Using Macadamia Nut Oil cosmetic products allow for rapid healing, reducing redness and inflammation of any sores or wounds. A wonderful local product made in Sheffield Beach called GUNWAX uses a mix of all natural bees wax and Macadamia Nut Oil for men’s grooming, healing and lip balms (website for orders at the end of the article).

An usual but noteworthy advantage of using macadamia nut oil in cooking is that is has a higher smoke point than vegetable and olive oils (and is cheaper in supermarkets than good quality extra virgin olive oil). This means that when you cook with the oil you are less likely to burn off the beneficial fats and it increases its flavour (one of my favourite reasons for using it in my cooking). Like any oil please remember that it is a fat and therefore needs to be used sparingly and in moderation.

A Delish Salad Dressings to Try:

3 tbsp Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice

1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard, (Optional)

3/4 cup Macadamia Nut Oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Technique

Follow the general preparation technique by combining all the ingredients except the oil and then adding the oil slowly while whisking vigorously. Using a blender will help to emulsify the vinaigrette. Shake well before using.

For something different add the Grated zest and juice of 1 orange;

and 1 tsp chopped rosemary; Simply prepare classic lemon juice vinaigrette and add the grated zest and juice of one orange and 1 tsp chopped rosemary. Let infuse overnight for a better taste.

For the cosmetic products mentioned above please visit www.gunwax.co.za and order yours online today.