Benefits Of Cashew Nuts | Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
You've probably heard the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." That saying should be interpreted to mean that apples are one of the most beneficial foods you can eat. If you don't know already, apples contain vitamins and minerals such as C, E, iron, and fiber. It seems strange that we know a lot about fruits, yet they remain so underrated with respect to their nutritional value.
But apart from being delicious and easily accessible fruits, fruit is also among the world's highest sources of natural antioxidants (alongside grapes, for example). And let us not forget about cashews either! They have tons more benefits than most people think too! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 benefits of eating cashews and why you should start doing so more often if you aren't already doing so regularly.
With the growing popularity of cashew nuts, there has been a surge in nutritional benefits. This is not surprising with their versatility. They are used in many dishes, sweets, beverages, and cosmetics. In addition to this, they also have health benefits. But how can you get the most out of this nutritious nut? Read on to learn more about its nutrition facts, health benefits and ways to incorporate it into your diet.
Nutrition Facts Of Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are packed with numerous essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids, making them a perfectly healthy food option for the body. The natural oils in cashew nuts are the primary source of monounsaturated fats, which helps increase blood flow, thereby preventing cardiovascular diseases. There are various nutrients present in cashew nuts that are good for the health, and some of them are given below:
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Folate - This is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for the growth of new cells. It is also known as vitamin B 9.
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Vitamin A - This fat-soluble vitamin has anti-epileptic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties.
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Vitamin E - This is an antioxidant vitamin that prevents diseases caused by oxidative stress.
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Magnesium - This nutrient is essential for the normal function of the nervous system and metabolism.
Health Benefits Of Cashew Nuts
These cashew nuts are among the highest sources of dietary antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body by neutralizing molecules called free radicals that can lead to unhealthy aging and diseases. Although cashews are rich in fatty acids, they are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and contain more monounsaturated fat than saturated fat.
They are loaded with vitamins and minerals. These nuts are also an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, copper, and magnesium, which play critical roles in metabolism, bone, and digestive health.
Moreover, cashew nuts are rich in dietary fiber that can prevent the development of chronic diseases and has anti-diabetic properties. These nutritious nuts are also a good source of protein and are thus suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and people on weight loss diets.
The healthy fats in cashew nuts are suitable for the heart and have antioxidant properties, thereby preventing various diseases. Vitamin A is another essential nutrient in cashew nuts, responsible for healthy vision and immunity.
1.Rich In Fatty Acids:
Unlike other nuts, cashews are loaded with healthy fats, and cashews contain healthy fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential as they play a role in building and repairing cells in the body.
Additionally, fatty acids are essential for metabolic function, immune system health, and brain function. Moreover, fatty acids prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer.
2.Rich In Fiber:
As discussed above, cashews are among the highest sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is a type of Carbohydrate that works by going through the digestive system relatively unchanged. This means that it doesn't give you the same amount of energy as carbohydrates like sugar and bread, but it does provide health benefits.
The Health benefits of fiber include preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and constipation. In addition, fiber also promotes good gut health and prevents many diseases.
3.Good For Weight Loss:
Another fantastic benefit of cashews is that they are rich in protein. A sufficient amount of protein is critical to weight loss because it aids in creating and repairing tissues in the body. Protein is found in lean muscle tissue and is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Furthermore, eating protein with vegetables, nuts, and other healthy food sources helps keep you satiated for more extended periods. Because cashews are high in fiber, they also promote gut health and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
4.Good For Bone Health:
Cashews are that they are rich in minerals that help promote strong and healthy bones. Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Iron are minerals found in cashews and are all essential for bone health.
Due to their high vitamin and mineral content, cashews are an excellent choice for those looking to improve their bones' health.
5.Promotes Gut Health:
Studies have shown that people who consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and pickles are less likely to develop constipation. Due to their dietary fibre content, cashews are great for promoting gut health. Furthermore, cashew nuts contain protein, vitamins B and E, and minerals that help protect the gut from pathogens. These properties make cashew nuts a great addition to anyone's diet as they promote gut health and weight loss.
6.Reduces Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels:
Cashews are rich sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and these nutrients help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that consuming cashews can lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They have also been shown to help prevent coronary heart disease in people who are at risk of developing it.
7.Prevents Constipation and Helps Manage Inflammation:
The minerals and vitamins in cashews are also good for the gut and promote weight loss. These properties make cashews an excellent choice for anyone who wants to prevent constipation, manage inflammation, and promote gut health. Studies have also shown that consuming cashew nuts can help prevent and manage gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
These fantastic benefits make cashews an excellent choice for a healthy diet. These nutritious nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Furthermore, cashews are delicious and sweet-tasting, making them easy to incorporate into any diet plan.
FAQ'S
1.Are cashews healthy for you?
Cashews are low in fat and high in fiber, both of which contribute to a healthy digestive system. They are high in vitamin B6 and provide a good source of potassium. In addition to their high fibre content, cashews are low in fat. Therefore, they are an excellent addition to a weight-loss diet.
2.Does eating cashews increase sperm count?
It is said that eating cashews can improve fertility and sperm count in males, and it is said to do so due to the presence of zinc, an essential nutrient for sperms. The zinc in cashews improves the motility of sperm and boosts sperm count. Many qualified individuals recommend eating cashews before trying conception due to their multiple benefits.
3.How to Roast Cashews?
When buying cashew nuts, make sure that you get raw-shelled ones. Once you get them home, you can roast them as per your preference.
To roast cashews, take a bowl and pour enough water to cover them. Let them soak for at least 2-3 hours.
It is better to leave them overnight. After soaking, drain them and take them to a pan.Add enough oil to coat the cashews as well as the pan. Now roast them on a low flame till they are golden brown in colour. Roasted cashews can be consumed immediately, or you can store them in an airtight container to serve later.
4.Can you salt your cashews?
Boil water and put nuts in it. The steam will coat the nuts with a layer of sticky water. Sprinkle them with salt, shake the machine, so all nuts are evenly coated, and enjoy.
Final Words
Cashew nuts have numerous health benefits and are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. They are packed with protein, and monounsaturated fats that promote healthy heart function and dietary restrictions can be removed to reap maximum benefits. They can be consumed as a snack or as a healthy dessert. You can also use them in various recipes like cashew nut chutney, yeast-nut bread, cashew or almond milk, or cashew or almond butter.
Buying cashew nuts from the market is quite expensive and can be a hassle, so it is better to make them at home. These are rich in nutrients and are low in calories, making them a perfect snack or a healthy dessert option. They are rich in minerals and vitamins and are great for your heart health, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a nutritious yet healthy snack.