Cashew is a type of nut having a shape of a bean. The nut is derived from cashew plant, a tropical evergreen tree. Cashew nut is a popular snack food and is consumed by people all over the nut. Cashew is rich in mono saturated fat that helps lower the cholesterol level. However, the cashew shell contains harmful toxins and if touched of smelled accidentally, may lead to skin rash or blisters. Cashew is usually taken out from the shell, dried, and roasted and then sold in the market because of this poisonous shell. Once the cashew is roasted, the poisonous toxin goes away and cashew can be consumed safely. Cashew is loaded with essential minerals and nutrients and thus has high dietary value. The nut is a chief source of magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, selenium, and important antioxidants that provide protection to the body from various diseases. Storing cashew properly is vital because the nuts get spoiled soon in room temperature. Ideally, cashew should be stored in airtight container and should be refrigerated.
Cashew Health Benefits
- Cashew has plenty of health benefits. The nut is rich in protein that helps in protecting the skin, hair, and nails. From one ounce of cashew almost 4 gram of protein is derived that help us to meet our daily requirement of protein.
- The rich content of copper in cashew helps in strengthening bones and joints. Further, it provides flexibility to the blood vessels.
- Like fruits and vegetables, cashew is also loaded with beneficial antioxidants that help eliminate harmful free radicals from the body and thus reduce the risk of cancer.
- Cashew has no cholesterol and can be consumed as healthy snack food.
- The healthy monosaturated fat present in cashew helps improve your cardiovascular health by reducing the level of triglyceride in the body.
- To have healthy teeth and gum, chew a few cashew nuts daily.
- Cashew nuts when consumed in moderation can be beneficial for those who are seeking for weight reduction program. The dietary fibers present in cashew help in weight management.
- Cashew is a rich source of selenium. From one ounce of cashew we can derive almost 3.3 mcg of selenium. This essential mineral helps the body to stay fit and healthy.
- Magnesium is another vital mineral present in abundance in cashew. From one ounce of cashew you can derive almost 74 mg magnesium. Magnesium plays an important function in helping the heart to function normally. Plus, it also helps in strengthening the bones and muscles. Regular intake of magnesium is necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
- Cashew is rich in omega-3 fatty acid which is good for your heart. The omega-3 fatty acid reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and promotes overall heart health.
Like any other food, eating too much of cashew is also not good for health and may lead to health ailments. You can only observe the health benefits of cashew when taken in a moderate amount. However, it is always strongly recommended to consult your nutritionist and discuss the probable side effects if you wish to add daily consumption of cashew in your diet plan.
