Cashew

Posted by: Tanveer Rauf on: July 27, 2014

In: Education | Health
4 Comments

Cashews are actually a seed despite being popularly known as a nut. These seeds are found on the end of cashew apples in parts of South America closest to the equator. Cashews contain 5 g of protein per ounce and are a source of good fats, making them a healthy snack choice in moderation. However, cashews can also have adverse side effects for those who have allergies or need to avoid magnesium-rich foods. Cashew plant is native to northeast Brazil the Portuguese took it to India. From there it spread throughout Southeast Asia and eventually Africa.

Sodium Content

Too much of a good thing can be bad for your health. Unless you are diligent in seeking out unsalted cashews

Cancer Prevention
Cashews actually starve tumors and stop cancer cells from dividing. Studies have also shown that cashews can reduce colon cancer risk. Their high copper content also endows the seed with the power to eliminate free radicals

Heart Health
Cashews are wonderfully 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.

Hair and Skin Health
Cashews are rich in the mineral copper. An essential component of many enzymes, copper plays its part in a broad range of processes. One copper-containing enzyme, tyrosinase, converts tyrosine to melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair and skin its color. Without the copper cashews are so abundant in, these enzymes would not be able to do their jobs.

Bone Health
Cashews are particularly rich in magnesium. It’s a well-known fact that calcium is necessary for strong bones, but magnesium is as well. Most of the magnesium in the human body is in our bones. Copper found in cashews is vital for the function of enzymes involved in combining collagen and elastin, providing substance and flexibility in bones and joints.

Good for the Nerves By preventing calcium from rushing into nerve cells and activating them, magnesium keeps our nerves and muscles relaxed.

Magnesium helps weaken the frequency of migrane attacks, loowers blood pressure and helps prevent heart attack.

Prevent Gallstones

Data collected on 80,718 women from the Nurses’ Health Study show that women who eat an ounce of nuts each week, like cashews have 25 % lower risk of developing gallstones

Weight Loss

People who eat nuts twice a week likely to gain weight than those who hardly ever eat nuts. Cashews are high in GOOD FAT. They are dense in energy and high in dietry fiber.