Health Benefits Of Cashew
The cashew is scientifically known as the ( Anacardium occidentale ), it’s a kidney-shaped seed which the juicy fruit grows at the top of it which is the cashew apple fruit, this is also a tropical evergreen tree which is native to the south America. cashew is mostly consumed as snacks like cashew nut and can also be used to produce cooking ingredients like cashew butter, used in meals and it give amazing deep delicious taste.
In the past years, India and Ivory coast have being the major distributors and large producers of cashew globally. both the cashew fruit and nuts have essential health benefits and the seed shell contains derivatives which is used in the production of oil for paints and lubricants too.
Nutritional Content Of Cashew
Cashew contains rich nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates. which makes it nutrient packed . in this article we will go through the health benefits of cashew.
here are some of the nutritional compound packed in cashew below;
- Carbohydrate
The carbohydrate level in cashew is low which makes it a very good choice to reduce high blood pressure and sugar level. Carbohydrate helps in energy production process in the body.
2. Protein
Protein is high in cashew, protein contains hemoglobin which help the red blood cell formulate and transport energy to the blood. cashew is also a great source of protein and a very good recommendation for people who are on a plant based diet.
3. Vitamins
Here are some of the group of vitamins cashew contains;
- Vitamin E
Essential for the prevention of free radicals from harming the vital organs in the body.
- Vitamin K
Improves bone health and protects the immune system for harmful toxins.
- Vitamin B
Improves digestion processes and help reduce the risk of heart complications.
4. Minerals
Cashew contain notable minerals namely below;
- Zinc
important for wound healing, help fight off virus and aids in eye sight.
- Magnesium
Improves a health immune system and helps moderate blood sugar level.
- Phosphorus
Essential for repair and replace of blood tissues and DNA synthesis
- Manganese
Improves calcium absorption, help moderate blood sugar level and help in carbohydrate metabolism.
- Copper
Essential for the formulation of the red blood cells and maintain healthy immune system.
5. Healthy Fat
Health fats help absorb essential vitamins in the body , low amount of fat is required in the body which cashew contains.
6. Oil
cashew contains essential oil which is processed and used in paints
12 Health Benefit Of Cashew
- Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes
Cashew contains essential health beneficial nutrients which are vitamins and magnesium, these compounds help moderate the blood sugar level. cashew help lower the chances of getting diabetes type 2.
2. Promotes The Formulation Of Red Blood Cells
Copper is a rich nutrient in cashew, copper helps in the formulation of the red blood cells and the red blood cells is one of the vital cells that helps with the functions of the body and keeps the immune system healthy. A required amount of red blood cell in the body can enhance the better functions of the organs.
3. Boosting Immune System
Cashew contains zinc, this essential mineral promotes the boosting of immune system. It strengthens the immune and helps it fight off free radicals from the body, Moderate consumption of cashew can help boost immune system and keep it healthy.
4. Improves heart health
The high content of magnesium in cashew improves the heart functioning and help fight off bad toxins in the body, reducing the risk of chronic heart diseases. healthy consumption of cashew nut can increase the magnesium level in the body which helps maintain a healthy heart.
5. Essential for bone health
cashew contains minerals such as phosphorus and magnesium, which are very essential in the formation of bones and assembling calcium in the body.
6. Reduces the risk of gallstones
Gallstones are pigment deposits that form stones in the gallbladder, this happens when the cholesterol is excess in the body and stays too long then it forms a stone like structure in the gallbladder, A healthy consumption of cashew can reduce the risk of gallstones.
7. Essential anti-cancer properties
cashew is one of the best recommendations to cancer or tumor patients because it contains a good amount of protein which the body absorbs. cashew is also rich in antioxidants which is vital to patients on cancer or tumor treatment.
8. Antioxidant properties
Cashew contains antioxidants, antioxidants is very vital to the body to help fight off free radicals and keep the system functioning better.
9. Improves weight loose
The cashew tends to contains high protein, protein content can help reduce hunger and make one feel full and all these can reduce excessive fat in the body.
10. Nutri-rich components
cashew is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin and minerals which include ( vitamin K, vitamin B and vitamin E) the minerals also include (calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese) and all these nutrients are very vital to the body system.
11. Subdues the risk of anemia
A moderate consumption of cashew or in your diet regularly can help prevent the risk of Anemia and other chronic diseases.
12. Anti fungal and anti parasitic properties
cashew leaves contain anti fungal and anti parasitic compounds which enhances anti bodies to fight off free radicals from the system.
Incorporating Cashew In Diet
Adding cashew to your meals would enhance the nourishing flavor it gives to your taste buds, it can also be used to make delicious recipes, below are some of the way to incorporate cashew into meals.
- Add to stir fry or fried rice
Adding little roasted chopped cashew nut or juice into fries so as to give that delicious sweet aroma, can also be used in fried rice too.
2. Smoothie and juice
Sprinkling some roasted chopped cashew nut on your smoothie can add great and delicious taste, blending the cashew apple fruit can also fill up that sweet and refreshing feeling
3. Puree into butter
roasted cashew nuts can be used to make cashew butter which can serve as replace to peanut butter as it add flavorful delicious taste to your meal.
4. Cashew yogurt desert
sprinkle some roasted chopped cashew nuts on yogurt with some granola for a sweet and smooth refreshing parfait.
5. Snacks
Cashew nuts can be lightly roasted and eaten raw or taken along with a glass of juice. A moderate snacking of it can improve protein level.
6. Nutty sauce
Cashew can be grounded to make a very sweet delicious spicy sauce, can be used as a barbeque spicy sauce.
FAQs
How can i add cashew to meals?
Cashew can be used in so many recipes such as curries, stir fries and deserts too. they can also be used to mix up spicy sauce and can also be added as toppings in deserts.
Can cashew be used in baking confectionaries?
Cashew is also used for baking, where its being grounded or chopped and used as toppings on baked products or snacks.
Does cashew have other varieties?
yes, cashew has different forms they can be enjoyed. cashew can be enjoyed roasted, toppings, flavored and can be enjoyed raw too . Adding good options for culinary use.
Does cashew contain protein?
Cashew contains high protein, cashew is a good source of protein and to be consumed in moderation due to its fat and calories properties.
Is cashew effective for the control of diabetes?
some researches have proven that cashew have positive effect on blood sugar however making it a very good health nut for diabetes patients, Cashew also contains dietary fiber and fiber help reduce the absorption of sugar. a moderate consumption should also be put into consideration due to it’s calories properties.
What is the best way to store cashew
Cashew is best stored in a tightly covered container to retain its delicious taste, its can be store din a cool dry place or can be kept in the refrigerator.
Can people with allergies be able to eat cashew?
cashew can not be truly called nuts they are more like a seed, someone who has nut allergies should first consult a healthcare professional and should be consumed moderately.
Conclusion
cashew nuts and its leaves have vital health benefit and very nutritious to the body as the contain potential minerals and vitamins which help in the formulation and functioning of the brain and cells. they are packed with antioxidants, anti parasitic and anti fungal properties which help fight off dangerous toxins from the body.
Incorporating cashew into your meals should be recommended by a healthcare professional and should be consumed in moderately. cashew apple juice is best served chilled as it gives a very refreshing taste and feeling. cashew also add beauty and flavor to what ever its being made with.