ACHIEVING PERFECT BALANCE ( Article from Focus Magazine )

Macadamia Nut Oil provides Nature’s most ideal ratio of EFAs

For years researchers have been uncovering the health benefits of monounsaturated fats. Numerous studies have shown that monounsaturated fats lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes. And while extra virgin olive oil has long been considered the “gold standard”among monounsaturates, there is a new oil that is poised to take over top billing.

Macadamia Nut Oil, the key ingredient in the popular Hampton’s Diet, has been garnering a lot of attention for its apparent fat burning effect and its rich, slightly buttery flavor. But perhaps the oil’s best feature is its nutritionally ideal omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acid ratio of 1 to 1 and the fact that it contains more heart-healthy monounsaturated fat than any other oil—even olive oil. That’s right, when it comes to the good monounsaturated fats macadamia nut oil contains between 80-85% while olive oil is roughly 70-76%. And while this higher level of monounsaturated fat is indeed significant, macadamia nut oil’s greatest benefit to human health lies in its perfect balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. Why? New research suggests that changing the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids has a profound effect on one’s health—our bodies are much healthier when there is a perfect 1:1 balance—the precise ratio found in macadamia nut oil.

Though research on macadamia nut oil is relatively new, preliminary studies indicate it is as heart-friendly as other monounsaturated fatty acids, with some additional, rather surprising benefits. A study conducted at the University of Newcastle, Australia showed that a relatively high fat diet featuring macadamia nuts was beneficial for men with high cholesterol. Furthermore, researchers observed that the participants of the study showed significant improvements in markers for oxidative stress, clotting tendency, and inflammation. Another bonus—weight loss was also observed in the men despite an increase in the total amount of fat consumed. How can you eat more fat and lose weight? The answer to that conundrum lies in a component of macadamia nut oil—palmitoleic acid—an omega 7 fatty acid that supports cell regeneration and aids in fat metabolism. Scientists believe palmitoleic acid may actually reduce stored body fat. The good news doesn’t end there. Macadamia Nut Oil also boasts a higher smoke point than many oils, including olive oil, which means that its beneficial fatty acids resist degradation during cooking. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a smoke point of 325 º F whereas Macadamia Nut Oil has a smoke point of 410º F—making it versatile enough to sauté, bake or stir fry with. Of course it is also delicious in salad dressings, pasta salads and other recipes. However you choose to use macadamia nut oil make sure you purchase a brand that has been minimally processed and cold pressed to ensure you obtain all the remarkable health benefits this unique botanical has to offer.

Written by Pamela Durkin

Research Notes:

Journal of Nutrition 2003 April 133 (4): 1060-3

Internal Medicine 2000 April 24 160 (8) 1154-8

Cancer Research 1998: 58: 3312-3319

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000: 71 (suppl) 179s-188s

JAMA Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol 158 pp41-45

Journal of the American Medical Assoc. Nov. 16th 2005