Fatty acids composition in macadamia sedes oil (Macadamia integrifolia) from Ecuador

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acids composition in a Macadamia seeds oil sample cultivated in Ecuador. Methods: Macadamia oil was obtained of Macadamia seeds using the cold pressing method. Fatty acids analysis was performed using the gas chromatography method with a mass selective detector and using the database library NIST14.L to identify the compounds. Results: Macadamia seeds have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids with 41.36% of oleic acid. Macadamia seeds oil has 37.77% of polyunsaturated fatty acids of which 3.79% ɷ-6 α-linoleic and 33.98% of ɷ3 α-linolenic. Macadamia seeds only have 9.33% of palmitic acid. Conclusions: Macadamia seeds are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids with a good content of ɷ-6 α-linoleic. This profile enables their use as a good and healthy oil to be used in the food industry in Ecuador.