9 Surprising Benefits Of Cashews

The health benefits of cashews include a healthy heart, strong nerve and muscle function, aid in the formation of red blood cells, and an improved bone and oral health. They also provide relief from diabetes, anemia, and gallstones. By offering an antioxidant defense, they also encourage a better immune system.

What are Cashews?

Cashews are super nuts belonging to the family of Anacardiaceae, which includes mangoes and pistachios. They are originally native to the coastal areas of north-eastern Brazil. They are kidney-shaped seeds and are widely cultivated in places that have tropical climates. Cashews are grown in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Tanzania. The nuts stick to the bottom of the fruit, known as a cashew apple, and have diverse uses, particularly in Brazil, Asia, and Africa.

Cashews Nutrition Facts

Cashews are very nutritious and are a powerhouse of proteins and essential minerals including copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Sodium is also present in very small quantities. Cashews also contain vitamins such as vitamin C,  vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone). They are a source of oleic acid and provide a good quantity of monounsaturated fat and low amounts of polyunsaturated fats with no harmful cholesterol if consumed appropriately.

Health Benefits of Cashews

Health benefits of cashews are incredible and mentioned below are the reasons why you should add them to your diet:

1. Prevent Heart Diseases

Cashews are a good source of healthy dietary fats, which are essential for our body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and vitamin K and produce fatty acids that are vital for the development of the brain and blood clotting. These healthy fats include monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA).  They are good for the heart and help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) if consumed in appropriate amounts, even in diabetics.

LDL cholesterol can rise as a result of excessive consumption of saturated fats, posing a major threat to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis or the hardening of arteries. Studies have demonstrated that choosing unsaturated fats over saturated fats enhances the levels of HDL cholesterol, reduces triglyceride levels, and beneficially lowers the blood pressure as well.The inclusion of nuts such as cashews, fish, and vegetable oils like olive oil and canola oil in the diet can provide these healthy unsaturated fats to the body.

2. Healthy Muscles & Nerves

Cashews are a good source of magnesium, which is vital for the healthy development of bones, muscles, tissues, and organs of the body. Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure, boost the immune system, maintain the nerve function, and keep the bones strong. It also is involved in metabolic functions, influences the insulin activity and regulates the blood sugar levels of the body. A deficiency of magnesium alters the metabolism of calcium and the hormones responsible for its regulation. 

3. Reduce Risk of Diabetes

The presence of very low amounts of sugar and no harmful cholesterol in cashews makes them safe for diabetic patients! This even helps in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Cancer Chemopreventive Agent

Research has shown that the wealth of antioxidants like anacardic acids, cardanols, and cardols in cashews make them effectivefor people undergoing treatments for tumor and cancer.  Ground cashews are a comparatively simple absorbed form of protein and are safe for patients as well.

5. Promote Formation of RBC

Cashews are rich in copper, which helps in the metabolism of iron, aids in the formation of red blood cells (RBC), and helps in keeping the bones and immune system healthy. It is also vital for the nervous and skeletal system of the body. A deficiency of copper in the body may result in osteoporosis, irregular heartbeats, and anemia.

6. Boost Bone & Oral Health

Cashews provide phosphorus, which is essential for the healthy development of teeth and bones.  Phosphorus also aids in protein synthesis, absorption of carbohydrates and fats, and the maintenance of cellular health.

Image: Cashew nut help boost bone & oral health

7. Reduce Risk of Anemia

Cashews are a source of dietary iron which is vital for carrying oxygen around the body and aids in the functioning of enzymes and the immune system. A deficiency of iron in the diet can lead to fatigue, anemia, and an increased susceptibility to infections. 

8. Prevent Gallstones

Gallstones are stone-like deposits that usually consist of cholesterol, which accumulates in the gallbladder.  A regular inclusion of healthy nuts like cashews can help lower the risk of formation of gallstones.

9. Boost Immune System

Cashews contain zinc, which plays a vital role in the strengthening of the immune system against microbial infections, protein synthesis, and the healing of wounds. It is extremely important during pregnancy for the growth of the baby and the developmental years of childhood to maintain a healthy body.

Souce : https://www.organicfacts.net