Health & Well-Being A-Z

Macadamia Nut

Macadamia Nut in Macadamia tree
Description

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.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • 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.

Is it Safe?

Safety

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.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

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.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Macadamia Nut interacts with any medicines. Before taking Macadamia Nut, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

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.

Other names

Australian Nut, Bopple Nut, Bush Nut, Huile de Macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia Oil, Macadamia tetraphylla, Noix d'Australie, Noix Macadamia, Noix de Macadam, Noix de Macadamia, Noix de Queensland, Noyer du Queensland, Nuez de Macadamia, Queensland Nut.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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