Due to its delicate flavor, cashews are the favorite snack of many, and can be bought in almost every supermarket throughout the year.
Cashews are used not only as a snack, but also in salads, sweets, spreads and vegetable dishes. Butter is also made from cashews, which has a delicious flavor.
Cashew is not really a nut, but a seed of the cashew apple -- the fruit of cashews.
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a small evergreen tree, with a height up to 12 m, originating in Brazil.
Cashew is now cultivated in many tropical areas of the world because of its fruit and seeds. The fruit of its tree is called a cashew apple and is popular in Brazil and the Caribbean, where it is considered a delicacy.
Unlike cashew apple, the seeds of this fruit – the cashew -- is known around the world for its taste and nutritional properties.
For cardiovascular health
Cashews contain much less fat than other nuts (which is particularly suitable for diets for losing weight).
Two-thirds of the fat in cashews are unsaturated fatty acids. 75% of these unsaturated fatty acids make the oleic acid (olive oil contains it too), known for its beneficial impact on the health of the heart.
Beneficial effect on diabetes
The unsaturated fatty acids in the cashews have beneficial effects on diabetes, help to lower the triglyceride level and thus protect it from further complications associated with high levels of sugar and cholesterol.
The regular consumption of cashews significantly reduces the risk of occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidant
Cashews are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are a group of different natural compounds in the human body which play an important role to protect against free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron and therefore are extremely reactive.
Free radicals today are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, a gray cataract, cancer, joint diseases and many other health disorders.
Copper
The cashew is rich in copper, which plays an important role in the health of our body.
Copper participates in a number of physiological processes of the body, including the absorption of iron, the fight against free radicals, the development of bones and connective tissues, the production of melanin -- the pigment that gives skin and hair its natural color.
Magnesium
Cashews contain high amounts of magnesium, which is necessary for the operation of our organism.
Magnesium is very important for metabolism, plays a role in bone formation, proteins, fatty acids, has effects on blood clotting, muscle relaxation and so on.
The regular intake of magnesium may protect against high blood pressure, muscle cramps, headaches, chronic fatigue.
Weight Loss
It is often recommended to take cashews as part of healthy diets. Cashew nuts do not contain cholesterol, are rich in dietary fiber and provide a lot of energy.
Moderate consumption of these foods during the diet give a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
Prevention of gallstones
The regular consumption of cashew nuts significantly reduces the risk of gallstones. This fact is confirmed by a study, which involved more than 80,000 women who regularly consumed cashews.
Health of teeth and oral cavity
Cashews keep the health of teeth and gums in such a way that they destroy the bacteria caused by dental caries, gum diseases, acne, tuberculosis and other diseases.
Nutritional value
Average nutritional value for 100g of fresh cashews:
Fats- 43.85 g
Protein- 18. 22 g
Thiamine- 0.423 mg
Niacin – 1.06 mg
Riboflavin -0.058 mg
Calcium -37 mg
Magnesium- 292 mg
Phosphorus -- 593 mg
Energy value -- 576 kcal
How to consume cashews?
It is not recommended to consume large amounts of cashew nuts at once, but to add them gradually to your diet.
If you consume cashews alone, it is recommended that you eat per 30gr, three times a week (approximately eighteen nuts).
source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com
