Macadamia Nut
OTHER NAME(S): Australian Nut, Bopple Nut, Bush Nut, Huile de Macadamia, Macadamia Oil, Noix d'Australie, Noix Macadamia, Noix de Macadam, Noix de Macadamia, Noix de Queensland, Noyer du Queensland, Nuez de Macadamia, Queensland Nut, Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia tetraphylla, Macademia Nut, Nuez de Macadamia (Nueces de Macadamia), Noix de macadamia
Overview
Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) are a type of seed native to Australia. More than 85% of the energy in macadamia nuts is from monounsaturated fat.
Roasted macadamia nuts are a popular snack. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in macadamia nuts might lower cholesterol levels.
People use macadamia nuts for high cholesterol, heart disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Macadamia nut is a tree nut. Tree nuts are considered major food allergens in the US. Macadamia nut contents must be labeled on packaged food and supplement products.
Uses
Possibly Effective for
- High cholesterol. Eating macadamia nuts as part of a healthy diet seems to lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels.
There is interest in using macadamia nut for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Macadamia nuts are commonly consumed as food. But some people are allergic to macadamia nuts and have had serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening breathing problems.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Macadamia nuts are commonly consumed as food. But some people are allergic to macadamia nuts and have had serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening breathing problems.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Macadamia nuts are commonly consumed as food.
Allergies to peanuts and tree nuts: People with peanut allergies are more likely to be allergic to nuts called "tree nuts." Macadamia nut is a tree nut. People who are allergic to one tree nut are also more likely to have an allergy to at least one other tree nut. Avoid eating any tree nuts unless you know that you are not allergic to them.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Macadamia Nut overview.
Dosing
Macadamia nuts are commonly eaten in moderation as part of the diet. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what amount might be best for a specific condition.
References
- Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RB. Macadamia nut consumption lowers plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic men. J Nutr 2003;133:1060-3.
- Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, et al. Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1154-8.
- Lerch M, Egger C, Bircher AJ. Allergic reactions to macadamia nut. Allergy 2005;60:130-1.
- Pallares DE. Allergy to macadamia nut. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000;85:385-6.
- Teuber SS, Brown RL, Haapanen LA. Allergenicity of gourmet nut oils processed by different methods. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:502-7.
- Knight TE, Hausen BM. Dermatitis in a nutshell: occupational exposure to Macadamia integrifolia. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;35:482-4.
- Moodley, R., Kindness, A., and Jonnalagadda, S. B. Elemental composition and chemical characteristics of five edible nuts (almond, Brazil, pecan, macadamia and walnut) consumed in Southern Africa. J Environ.Sci.Health B 2007;42(5):585-591.
- De Knop KJ, Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Stevens WJ, Ebo DG. Macadamia nut allergy: 2 case reports and a review of the literature. Acta Clin Belg. 2010;65(2):129-32.
- Griel AE, Cao Y, Bagshaw DD, Cifelli AM, Holub B, Kris-Etherton PM. A macadamia nut-rich diet reduces total and LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. J Nutr. 2008;138(4):761-7.
- Randhawa I, Morphew T, Marsteller NL. Correlation of negative skin-prick test results for tree nuts and successful tree nut challenges among children with peanut allergy. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2018;39(6):456-460.
- Polk BI, Dinakarpandian D, Nanda M, Barnes C, Dinakar C. Association of tree nut and coconut sensitizations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;117(4):412-416.
- Ekbote A, Hayman G, Bansal A. Macadamia nut allergy: potentially misleading specific IgE results. Allergy. 2010;65(10):1345.
- Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH. Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-7.
- Herbst RA, Wahl R, Frosch PJ. Specific IgE reactivity and identification of potential allergens in macadamia allergy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(11):1361-3.
- FDA. RE: Petition for a Qualified Health Claim for Macadamia Nuts and Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (Docket No. FDA-2015-Q-4850). July 2017 . Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/106201/download. Accessed on March 6, 2020.
- Food and Drug Administration. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA); Public Law 108-282, Title II. Accessed on May 19, 2021. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa.