Health benefits of Cashewnuts

In the 16th century the Portuguese introduced cashew tree to India and some African countries, But the cashew tree is native to Brazil. Cashews are rich in iron, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. They are also good sources of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and protein. The fruit of the cashew tree, cashew nuts are actually seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple. Proanthocyanidins, the substance found in cashew nuts, are a class of flavonols which help fight against tumor cells by stopping them to divide further. These Substance and the high copper content in cashew nuts help fight against cancerous cells and keeps you away from colon cancer. Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, approximately 82% of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids, plus about 66% of this unsaturated fatty acid content are heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil. Studies show that monounsaturated fat, when added to a low-fat diet, can help reduce high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a form in which fats are carried into the blood, and high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disease.

 Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins like riboflavin, thiamin, niacin etc. These vitamins keep you safe from diseases like anemia, pellagra, etc. Cashew nut consumption helps the body utilize iron, eliminate free radicals and helps in developing bone and connective tissue and produce skin and hair pigment melanin. Cashews are cholesterol free and their high antioxidant content helps lower risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. The magnesium in cashews helps lower blood pressure and helps prevent heart attacks. Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, It also contains oleic acid, the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. Studies show that oleic acid promotes good cardiovascular health and reduce triglyceride levels, high levels of which are associated with an increased risk for heart disease. These nuts are low in sodium and high in potassium and thus keeps blood pressure under check.

Cashew nuts are indeed relatively high in fat, but it is considered “good fat.” This is attributable to the ideal fat ratio in the nut, 1:2:1 for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated, respectively, Cashew nuts contain less fat than peanuts, pecans, almonds and walnuts. Cashewnuts are dense in energy and high in dietary fiber, making them a very valuable snack for managing weight gain. Everyone knows that calcium is necessary for strong bones, but magnesium is also vital for healthy bones. About two-thirds of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones. Some helps give bones their physical structure, while the rest is found on the surface of the bone where it is stored for the body to draw upon as needed.