The evergreen tropical tree from the Proteaceae family is very finicky, but farmers are willing to tolerate this due to the meticulous care required for the most expensive nut on the planet. The healing power of macadamia is well-known: its vitamins and trace elements positively affect the cardiovascular system, and it is effective in the complex therapy of diabetes and other diseases.
Distribution
The macadamia nut, also known as king nut, kindal, or Australian nut (Macadamia integrifolia), originates from Australia, where it is locally called mullimbimbi. Indigenous people regarded macadamia as a sacred tree due to the unique properties of its fruits, which energize the body and strengthen health. Before European colonization, the nuts were used as currency.
In 1857, German scientist Ferdinand von Mueller described the plant, naming it after his friend, John Macadam, a talented Australian chemist of Scottish origin.
From the “green continent,” kindal was introduced to Hawaii, where the soil and climate proved to be quite suitable for the nut. At the end of the last century, the plant began to be widely cultivated in Jamaica, Brazil, Costa Rica, China, New Zealand, South Africa, and certain states in the USA. Some varieties have adapted to India and the Mediterranean.
Of the 9 varieties of macadamia, 5 grow exclusively in Australia. The tree cannot withstand cold temperatures and dies at +3°C.
Benefits
The taste of the fruit is reminiscent of a cross between roasted chestnuts and hazelnuts, with a pleasant, subtle aroma. In 100 grams of kernels, there is up to 80% oil and up to 8% sugar.
Macadamia is used in medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. It is recommended for restoring hormonal balance, boosting immunity, alleviating depression, combating fatigue, migraines, diabetes, cancer, and addressing liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system disorders. It is rich in monounsaturated acids, B vitamins, vitamins C, E, and minerals (calcium, selenium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, etc.).
Kindal is used to prepare desserts, salads, and is added to fish and meat dishes, and baked goods.
Macadamia: An Essential Product for Women
Australian nuts are not only very tasty but also dietary, despite their high calorie content. 100 grams of kernels contain 700 calories, and just 30 grams a day will provide the body with what it needs.
The value of kindal for women includes:
- Antioxidant properties, which help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, heart pathologies, and breast cancer.
- Strengthening blood vessel walls, preventing varicose veins, angina, and hypertension.
- Supporting proper fetal development and maintaining good well-being during pregnancy.
- Pronounced anti-tumor properties.
- Enhancing memory, concentration, and regulating the central nervous system.
- Normalizing metabolic processes and enriching bones with calcium, making it especially recommended for women over 55.
- Regenerative properties that slow the aging process.
- Inclusion in many weight loss diets, replacing higher-calorie foods and suppressing hunger for extended periods, while also breaking down stored fats.
Macadamia fruits are not a panacea and should be consumed wisely, without exceeding the maximum allowable amount. Excessive consumption can lead to increased stress on the liver and pancreas. Diabetic and gout patients should consult their doctor.
Macadamia oil is popular in cosmetology. It moisturizes all skin types without clogging pores, prevents hair loss and dandruff, removes scars and acne marks, alleviates skin inflammations, and improves nail condition. The oil is a key ingredient in creams, masks, shampoos, balms, and other skincare products.
Kindal: Men’s Strength
The zinc in the fruit improves sperm quality and mobility. Macadamia is also known as an excellent remedy for enhancing potency, reducing inflammation of the prostate gland, and positively affecting the urinary system. This is just a part of its benefits for maintaining male strength and health.
Statistics show that women are less likely to suffer from heart pathologies compared to men. Australian nuts lower bad cholesterol levels, and regular consumption strengthens the heart muscle and reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Metabolic syndrome is a metabolic disorder that can lead to type 2 diabetes and a range of cardiovascular diseases. Causes include excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. Kindal is an effective preventive measure, capable of alleviating symptoms and preventing strokes.
Macadamia contains fiber, a natural prebiotic that restores normal digestive and pancreatic function.
For elderly men suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, consuming the fruit of this exotic tree is highly beneficial for stimulating metabolic processes in bones and cartilage.
Macadamia Nut: A Vitamin Treat for Children
A growing child’s body needs adequate nutrition. The brain and heart are actively developing, requiring fatty acids, which are present in macadamia nuts at 75%. The nut also contains valuable minerals:
- Phosphorus, calcium — forming tooth and bone tissue.
- Magnesium — regulating metabolism.
- Iron — boosting immunity and combating anemia.
- Manganese — necessary for nervous system function.
- Copper — stabilizing digestive and immune systems.
Previously, pediatricians believed that kindal should not be given to children under 3 years old due to possible allergic reactions. However, modern doctors recommend giving 1 teaspoon of grated nuts every other day starting from 6 months of age. First graders can consume 5-7 kernels daily.
10 Interesting Facts about the “Royal Nut”
- Kindal is traditionally called a nut, although it belongs to fruit trees, and its fruit is actually a seed of the fruit.
- The macadamia nut is one of the most expensive nuts in the world due to the difficulty of cultivation. The plants are very vulnerable to pests, reach a height of 20 meters, and the harvest is collected every 4 years. Moreover, the kernel does not separate easily from the very hard shell, which has to be cut.
- The Australian nut pairs perfectly with coffee and sherry.
- Macadamia starts bearing fruit at 6-7 years old and continues to delight gourmets for up to a century.
- Annually, 200,000 tons of nuts are harvested worldwide.
- The fruit kernels are dangerous for dogs: they cause severe poisoning, rapid heartbeat, and temporary limb paralysis.
- Only two varieties of macadamia are edible; the others are technical varieties.
- Kindal improves the absorption of beneficial nutrients from other foods.
- The largest producer of macadamia is South Africa, with a 27% share of the global market, but China is catching up and plans to become the absolute leader by 2025.
- Strong hurricanes destroy significant areas of macadamia plantations, with the damage from the elements far exceeding that from diseases.