Cashews – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Tim Wesley

Cashews are popular snacks for many and it’s not hard to see why. They’re tasty. They can be consumed as is or added to other dishes like salads and stir-fry dishes. These have a sweet and salty taste and a very unmistakable shape. But more than these, cashews are packed with health benefits.

List of known nutrients

This versatile nut is packed with a lot of nutrients that all contribute in keeping the body free from certain diseases.

Biotin
Boron
Copper
Folate
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Zinc

Medicinal uses of cashews

Frequent consumption will help decrease the risk of contracting heart diseases. They lower bad cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Their effects on oxidative stress levels are quite impressive and can treat inflammation and ensure healthy arteries. Cashews help lower triglyceride levels which leads to a minimized risk of heart attacks and stroke.

You’d be glad to know that cashews are also helpful in preventing certain types of cancers. Nuts are excellent sources of antioxidants like tocopherols and certain phenolic compounds, which are commonly found in the shells of nuts. These protect the body from free radical damage, which is a common cause of cell mutation, DNA damage, and malignant tumor formation.

Another pleasant health benefit of eating cashews is that they are good for the brain. They support healthy cognitive functions. Some dietary components of cashews improve cognitive abilities by regulating neurotransmitter pathways, membrane fluidity, and synaptic transmission. Regular intake can help you avoid risks of mental disorders like dementia, dyslexia, anxiety or depression, and ADHD.

Cashews also have anti-diabetic properties thanks to the hydroethanolic extract which stimulates glucose transport and control. Studies showed that a diet rich in nuts lowers the circulation of inflammatory biomarkers that contribute to insulin resistance. These nuts are also known to treat complications of diabetes like obesity and hypertension.

Cashews are also rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These all contribute to better, healthier bones. These protect the bone from demineralization and maintain healthy bone density so you don’t become susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis.

The list of health benefits doesn’t end there. Cashews are also ideal for maintaining weight. These nuts are made of almost 46 percent fat but are also nutrient-dense. You can find a lot of important minerals and fatty acids that are essential in aiding weight loss. When you eat cashews, you’ll feel fuller after a meal, which means you’re less likely to binge or overeat. This should also keep you from snacking on unhealthy stuff.

Additionally, cashews are helpful in maintaining healthy skin. The fatty acids found in them keep skin hydrated and free from flaking, irritation and premature aging. There’s also abundant supply of copper, a mineral that helps produce melanin and collagen.

Body systems supported by cashews

Cashews are great for the nervous system. They provide the essential nutrients to keep the brain healthy and functioning properly. Similarly, they help regulate heart health. Antioxidants are responsible in ensuring you have healthier arteries and normal blood pressure levels, keeping you safe from heart attacks and stroke.

These are also beneficial to the skeletal system. They promote mineralization and help ensure bones are dense enough to avoid fractures. At the same time, the nutrients found in cashews stave off osteoporosis.

Ways to use cashews

Some could go nuts over this type of nut simply because, aside from the fact that it’s great to munch on, cashews are very healthy. The good news is, you don’t have to get bored munching on them because there are several recipes you can use.