Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts

Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts

The cashew, Anacardium occidentale, is a tree in the family Anacardiaceae. Its English name derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, caju (Portuguese pronunciation, which in turn derives from the indigenous Tupi name, acajú. Originally native to Northeastern Brazil, it is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew apples and nuts.

Cashew is a bean shaped nut that grows on a tropical evergreen tree. The cashew tree is related to poison ivy and the shell of the cashew nuts contains an irritating poison. People who touch the shell sometimes develop skin rashes/blisters; this is the reason why cashew nuts are always sold shelled and dried. Even the so called "raw" cashews have actually been roasted to remove all the poison/toxic resin from the nuts. Cashew nuts has a high content of monounsaturated fats, copper and magnesium.

Nutritional Content: Per 100 gms. 

• Thiamine: .63 mg.
• Riboflavin: .19 mg.
• Niacin: 2.1 mg.
• Calcium: 46 mg.
• Phosphorus: 428 mg.
• Fat: 48.2 gm.
• Carbohydrates: 27 gm
• Protein: 18.5 gm.
• Calories: 578.

Health Benefits

1. Good body builder.

2. Cashew has no cholesterol.

3. Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.

4. Cashew is an energizing food.

5. Cashew contains healthy monounsaturated fat that promotes good cardiovascular health, because monounsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride levels which are associated with increased risk for heart disease.

6. Cashew is rich in antioxidants that help in the elimination of free radicals that may cause some cancer.

7. Magnesium works with calcium to support healthy muscles and bones in the body. It also helps promote normal sleep patterns in menopausal women.

8. Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high amount of dietary fiber, both have been attributed to a beneficial effect on weight management, but only when eaten in moderation

9. Cashew's has high copper content is vital in energy production, greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints.

10. Cashew nut consumption helps the body utilize iron, eliminate free radicals, develop bone and connective tissue, and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin.

Storage tips: Cashews spoil quickly at room temperature and should be refrigerated. If refrigerated in a tightly sealed container, they will keep for six months or up to a year if frozen.