The origin of cashew is Brazil and it is very rich in minerals. This article talks about the health benefits of eating cashew. The cashew tree grows to irregular trunk and not to exceptional heights. Its juicy apples hang from the tree branches and the cashew nuts attach themselves under them.

Many manufacturers of curries make use cashew and you can roast it and eat it dry. Cashew nuts have a lot of health benefits and this shows the reasons to eat it regularly.

The Definition Of Cashews

Cashews are nuts that belong to the Anacardiaceae family having the shape of kidney. Pistachios and mangoes also belong to that family.

The Nutritional Content Of Cashews

Cashews are nutritious and contain proteins and minerals which include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and phosphorus. They contain sodium in little quantities and vitamins.

Cashews contain vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine.. Others are vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), vitamin K and folate. They contain oleic acid with no harmful cholesterol.

Ways Of Using Cashews

You can use cashews by roasting it with salt or without salt. Another way of using it is by adding it to non vegetarian and vegetarian diets. You can also eat the cashew fruit just the way it is as a fruit delicacy. Other uses of cashew include making vegetarian milk and creamy sauces. One ounce of cashew is 160 calories so you can eat a handful each day.

The nut shell liquid is a source of phenol and is a raw material for making insecticides, paints, drugs, resins and anti term it treatments. Cashews possess antibiotic effects. Its leaf and bark have medicinal function.

Benefits Of Eating Cashews

Prevention of blood disease

Eating cashews regularly can cut down blood diseases since they contain enough copper. Copper has a particular function in the body and this function is to remove free radicals. Lack of copper in the body can cause anemia. You should have enough copper in your diet and one way of doing this is to eat cashew.

It also produces fatty acids which is necessary for blood clothing and the brain. These fats consist of Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats. Cholesterol increases from too much eating of fats which leads to cardio vascular diseases and hardens the arteries.

Eye protection

Excessive pollution especially in the urban environment can cause certain infections. Cashews possess Zea Xanthine and this is very powerful pigment for anti oxidation. There is absorption of this pigment directly and readily. This creates a layer of protection on the retina and this protects the eye from toxic UV rays.

It is useful for elderly people since it reduces macular degeneration and promote eye health.

Beneficial to the heart

Cashews are beneficial to the heart and can cut down cholesterol. They cause a lowering effect on cholesterol and this makes cashews part of a healthy diet. Cashews have some benefits on vascular reactivity, oxidative stress and inflammation. They can increase HDL and lower LDL cholesterol. This HDL absorbs cholesterol in the heat and then transports for disintegration to the liver.

Doctors recommend eating cashew nuts as a way of reducing respiratory, and heart diseases. Nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and unsaturated acids protect the heart. These nutrients in cashew nuts have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties.

Promoting skin health

Cashew oil is very good for the skin and rich in iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. They are also a great source of antioxidants, proteins and phytochemicals. Adequate selenium is good for the skin and can prevent cancer.

Source of fibres

Cashew nuts contain much fibres and these are dietary fibres. These fibres are body requirements since the body does not produce them and have to get it from external source. Dietary fibres promote digestion of food but the consumption should take place in proper quantities.

Consuming cashew nuts can cut digestive diseases but too much of it may increase more intestinal gas and cause bloating. They are a good source of fibres which are necessary for the body to absorb vitamins D, E, A and K.

Reduction of weight

People who take more nuts on a regular and moderate bases can experience a faster reduction of weight. Evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies confirm that consumption of nuts have effects on the weight. Cashew nuts can cut down weight since they can help in burning fat. People who want to lose weight should eat cashew nuts.

Good for the hair

Cashew nuts is good for the hair and the use of scalp and cashew oil makes the hair healthy.

Healthy nerves and muscles

Cashews are rich in magnesium and this promotes the health of tissues, bones, body organs and muscles. Magnesium helps the immune system and blood pressure. It influences metabolism, insulin activity and regulates the sugar level of the blood. Lack of magnesium alters the hormones and calcium metabolism.

Reduction of diabetes

Low quantities of sugar and no harmful cholesterol makes it suitable for diabetic patients. This lowers type 2 class of diabetes.

Enables red blood cells

Cashews contain copper and this promotes iron metabolism and helps red blood cells to form. It keeps the immune system and bones healthy and this is necessary for the body skeletal and nervous system.

Prevention of gall stones

Gallstones are deposits like stones made up of cholesterol and this is then accumulated inside the gall bladder. Cashew nuts help to cut gallstones.

Serves as immune booster

Cashews boot the immune system and helps to strengthen it against protein synthesis, heals wounds and microbial infections. It is useful for pregnant women and little children.

Healthy teeth and gums

Cashews contain magnesium which is good for the teeth and gums. It makes the teeth healthy and strengthens the gums.

Proper sleep

Cashews promote sleep and helps to support the body.

Eliminate free radicals

Cashew nuts eliminate free radicals and can help the body to make proper use of iron.

Protein from macular regeneration

Cashew nuts can filter the ultra violet rays of the body from macular degeneration.