14 Facts About Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil has grown in popularity worldwide thanks to its delicious flavor and array of culinary, health, and beauty benefits.

Discover everything you need to know about this nutritious golden oil with these fascinating facts.

Introduction to Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil comes from the pressed nut meat of macadamia trees¹. Macadamia trees originate from the subtropical coastal rainforests of Australia. The indigenous people of Australia have enjoyed eating macadamia nuts for thousands of years.

Although macadamia trees grew in the wild, the first commercial plantations began in Hawaii in the 1880s due to the nuts’ sweet flavor and rich oil content.

Today, major producers of macadamia oil include Australia, South Africa, Kenya, the United States (Hawaii), and regions of Asia like China and Malaysia.

Keep reading to learn all about the composition, benefits, uses, and more of macadamia nut oil.

Composition of Macadamia Oil

1. High in Monounsaturated Fats

The predominant type of fat in macadamia oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. MUFAs comprise roughly 75-85% of the fatty acid profile.

MUFAs are heart-healthy fats that can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Multiple studies show diets high in MUFAs support better heart health.

2. Polyunsaturated Fats

The oil also contains 5-10% polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These PUFAs provide anti-inflammatory effects in the body².

3. Phytosterols

Macadamia oil provides high levels of phytosterols like sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. Phytosterols are plant compounds that mimic cholesterol in the body.

Research indicates phytosterols can lower LDL cholesterol by blocking its absorption in the digestive system.

The phytosterol content makes macadamia oil heart-healthy.

4. Vitamin E

Macadamia oil delivers a fat-soluble antioxidant called vitamin E. The vitamin E in macadamia oil exists as tocotrienols and tocopherols.

These vitamin E compounds fight inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage.

5. Palmitoleic Acid

Palmitoleic acid is an omega-7 monounsaturated fat that makes up 1-3% of macadamia oil. Studies show palmitoleic acid supports skin health by³:

Protecting skin cell membranes
Promoting wound healing
Hydrating and smoothing skin
Reducing water loss and fine lines

This fatty acid gives macadamia oil exceptional cosmetic benefits.

Health Benefits of Macadamia Oil

Thanks to its stellar nutritional profile, incorporating macadamia oil into your diet offers the following wellness perks:

6. Boosts Heart Health

As mentioned, the high MUFA content coupled with phytosterols gives macadamia oil heart-protective effects.

Replacing saturated fats with macadamia oil may:

Lower LDL and total cholesterol
Raise HDL (good) cholesterol
Reduce triglycerides

By improving these heart health markers in the blood, macadamia oil helps decrease your overall cardiovascular disease risk.

7. Fights Inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a role in many modern health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and more.

The omega fatty acids and vitamin E in macadamia oil provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities to help suppress this underlying inflammation.

8. May Support Brain Health

Emerging research shows the palmitoleic acid in macadamia oil may also boost brain health⁴.

In studies on mice, palmitoleic acid helped prevent cognitive decline and reduced brain inflammation. More studies are needed to confirm effects in humans.

9. Boosts Magnesium Intake

Macadamia oil delivers dietary magnesium – an essential mineral many people don’t get enough of.

Magnesium plays a multitude of roles like regulating blood pressure, blood sugar control, supporting muscle and nerve function, energy production, and more.

Getting enough magnesium from foods like macadamia oil ensures your body functions optimally.

Beauty Benefits of Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil and Macadamia nuts on a wooden background.

In addition to its nutritional advantages, macadamia oil offers an array of topical skin and hair benefits.

Here are 5 reasons to add it to your beauty routine:

10. Deeply Moisturizes Skin

The fatty acid composition allows macadamia oil to deeply penetrate skin layers without leaving an oily residue.

It delivers long-lasting hydration while reducing inflammation and redness. This makes it ideal for dry, mature, and sensitive skin types.

11. Soothes Sensitive Skin

Jindilli - Pure Macadamia Oil for Hair and Skin

Macadamia oil calms inflammation that causes sensitivity and easily irritated skin. The palmitoleic acid and omega fatty acids help normalize skin cell function for a more balanced complexion.

12. Boosts Skin Elasticity & Collagen

Vitamin E and fatty acids like palmitoleic acid promote collagen production – the protein that keeps skin firm and youthful looking.

Macadamia oil protects against collagen breakdown. This makes it helpful for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

13. Softens & Strengthens Hair

The emollient oil moisturizes dry hair and scalp to boost shine, smooth flyaways and prevent damage from heat styling and UV rays.

It also fortifies hair strands against breakage. For best results, apply to damp hair before heat styling.

14. Speeds Up Wound Healing

Interestingly, early research indicates macadamia oil may accelerate wound healing. When applied topically, it enhanced tissue regeneration and healing in cell and animal studies.

More studies are needed, but they show promise for healing cuts, scrapes, or burns.

Cooking With Macadamia Oil

Close up of single peeled macadamia nut background.

Aside from health and cosmetic advantages, macadamia oil deserves a spot in your kitchen as well.

It works beautifully in cooking thanks to its:

High smoke point – With a smoke point of 410°F, macadamia oil maintains integrity across most cooking methods like baking, sautéing, stir-frying, and more. This high heat tolerance prevents oxidation.
Neutral flavor – While nutty, macadamia oil has a mild, delicate, buttery flavor. It won’t overpower dishes like some stronger oils can.
Long shelf life – Due to the oil’s vitamin E content it is resistant to rancidity with a shelf life of around 2 years.

Here are some delicious ways to use macadamia nut oil at home:

Drizzle over fish, chicken, or veggies before roasting or grilling
Use for searing meats before braising or slow-cooking
Saute vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
Toss with fresh pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes
Blend into hummus, pesto, or salad dressings
Bake into bread, cookies, or granola

And much more! Get creative with this versatile, premium oil.

Is Macadamia Oil Safe For Frying and High-Heat Cooking?

With a smoke point of 410°F, macadamia oil is suitable for most high-heat cooking methods including:

Stir-frying
Pan/skillet frying
Deep frying
Air frying
Baking

When buying macadamia oil, be sure to choose a high-quality, 100% pure oil. Adulterated oils with cheaper filler oils may have lower smoke points.

As long as you get 100% pure macadamia nut oil and don’t overheat it past its smoke point, it stands up excellently to high temperatures.

Buying & Storing Macadamia Oil

Cosmetic macadamia nut oil on a grey concrete background.

When shopping for macadamia oil, purchase cold-pressed and unrefined oil. This oil is merely pressed and filtered without high heat or chemicals.

Cold-pressed macadamia oil retains the most nutrients, flavor, and freshness compared to refined varieties.

For storage, keep macadamia oil sealed in a cool, dark place like a cupboard for maximum shelf life. Light and heat hasten spoilage through oxidation.

Properly stored, it will keep for 1-2 years past the production date – allowing you ample time to enjoy it!

Discard if you notice any odor changes, discoloration, or cloudiness as this indicates spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is macadamia oil healthy?

Yes! Macadamia oil delivers heart-healthy fats and antioxidants that provide well-documented health benefits. From supporting brain function to smoothing skin, it’s an incredibly healthy, functional food.

Does macadamia oil go bad?

Yes, macadamia oil has a shelf life of around 12-24 months when stored properly in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Discard if the oil smells bitter or rancid, or if you notice any changes in appearance (cloudiness, free fatty acid particles, darkening color).

Can macadamia oil clog pores?

Macadamia nut oil has excellent absorption into the skin without obstructing pores, making it suitable and beneficial for nearly all skin types. Those prone to oily or acne-prone skin can safely use macadamia oil.

Conclusion

From antioxidant content to culinary versatility, macadamia oil should have a coveted spot in your pantry.

It provides an array of science-backed wellness, beauty, and cooking advantages. So do your body and tastebuds a favor by drizzling this premium oil into stir-fries, smoothies, salad dressings, or DIY body scrubs.

Thanks to the oil’s moisturizing fatty acids, you can even use macadamia oil as a natural facial oil or intensive hair treatment for glowing skin and strands.

Now that you know all about why macadamia nut oil deserves praise, explore using this liquid gold to enhance your favorite recipes and self-care rituals today.