If you haven’t visited the cooking oil section of your grocery store recently, you’ve probably come across the shelves of macadamia nut oil, increasingly recognized for its flavor and health benefits. Featured on the Hamptons Diet in-bloom, macadamia nut oil compares favorably with its peers, including olive and canola oil. Macadamia nut oil is a heart-friendly cooking oil that has a solid kitchen sink and a dual flavor.
Macadamia Nut Oil and Health: How’s it different?
Extracted primarily from Australian and Hawaiian macadamia nuts, this oil boasts a higher percentage monounsaturated-fat”>a>monounsaturated than even olive. contains palmettolic acid, which is one of the unsaturated fats that results in lower cholesterol Monounsaturated fats are considered better than polyunsaturated-fat”>polyunsaturated fats because they tend to decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels. cutting “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels. Put another way: macadamia nut oil and palmetto acid-like oil with its oleic acid – it’s better for you than even canola, soybean, and corn oil. Most macadamia nut oils sold range from 75%-80% monounsaturated fat, typically beating olive oil by a few hundred points.
Macadamia Nut Oil and Health: What does it taste like?
So it’s a little better for the cardiovascular system than other oils, but you might be surprised by the taste. The taste of macadamia nut oil is actually lighter than other oils, with a hint of buttery undertones, that is, nice and subtle, rich but not overpowering. It pairs well with fish, chicken, and vegetables. Another side benefit of macadamia nut oil is its higher smoking point (about 400 degrees). This makes it friendlier to pans in hot temperatures, and if you sometimes insist on a batch of cheese like I do, you’ll want to try this substitution despite its cost.
Macadamia Nut Oil and Health: Can I do anything else with it besides cook?
The answer, which I was also surprised by, is yes. While you’d probably never think of using canola oil or corn oil in a spa setting, it turns out that macadamia nut oil fits the bill. Some aromatherapy providers, including Nature’s Gift, recommend macadamia nut oil for toning and softening the skin, and providing a relaxing scent that doesn’t overpower. Macadamia nut oil is also included in various lip balms and other skin care products. It’s always fun and exciting.
Macadamia Nut Oil and Health: What about production methods?
Some manufacturers of macadamia nut oil use only “pure, nonhybridized” nuts. Others print an “organic” label on the bottle, but don’t provide any explanation. If the method of production is important to you, contact the producer/distributor for details about their macadamia nut oil. They use nuts, where and how they are ripe and processed, they can know; whether they were pressed by cold; if any menses were used, etc.
