Health Benefits of Cashew

Cashews are the bean shaped nuts which grows on the tropical evergreen trees. This tree is associated with poison ivy and cashew nuts shell contain an irritating poison. Those who touch the shell may sometimes experience blisters or skin rashes. So cashews are always sold dried and shelled. Also the so called “raw cashews” have been actually roasted for removing all the toxic or poison resin from the nuts. These nuts have high amounts of copper, magnesium and monounsaturated fats. Read on to know more about the

health benefits of cashew.

Nutritional Values of Cashew:

Following are the list of nutrients present in 100 grams of cashews:

• Calories – 578
• Protein – 18.5 grams
• Carbohydrates – 27 grams
• Fat – 48.2 grams
• Phosphorus – 428 mg
• Calcium – 46 mg
• Niacin – 2.1 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.19 mg
• Thiamine – 0.63 mg
• Protein – 18.22 mg

Health Benefits of Cashew:

Following are some of the health benefits of cashew

Diabetes:

Diabetics found high amounts of monounsaturated fat for working beneficially for their lipid profile. These nuts aid in reducing triglyceride levels in diabetes patients, that protect them from further cholesterol and sugar related problems. Cashews if incorporated in your diet can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes type 2.

Heart Health:

Cashew nuts contain ample amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and mono unsaturated fat (oleic acid) that promote cardiovascular health. Often high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disorders and mono unsaturated fats reduce triglyceride levels.

Antioxidants:

These nuts are rich antioxidants that are essential for eliminating free radicals. Free radicals are harmful to the cells. Damaged cells and free radicals cause some cancer form, thus it is essential to inhibit their growth.

Weight Control:

Often, cashews are recommended for several diet plans, which are a part of weight reduction programs. These have 0% of cholesterol. As cashews are rich in dietary fiber and energy density, if consumed in moderate amounts they may be satisfying and filling.

Copper:

Cashews have high amounts of copper that aid in energy production and melanin. Melanin is a hair and skin pigment. Copper helps in several physiological processes in body, cross linking of elastin and collagen, development of connective tissue and bone, iron utilization and in the elimination of free radicals, that gives greater flexibility in the blood vessels.