If you have ever bought cashew nuts, you have probably noticed their higher price compared to other notes. In fact, they are one of the most expensive varieties in the world because of a labor -intensive process that is needed to remove them from a toxic outer scale attached to a fruit.
But once processed safely, their health benefits make them a valuable investment – with few potential disadvantages. Keep reading to explore the pros and cons of cashew nuts and how they can be included in your diet in your diet for maximum benefits.
Health benefits of eating cashew nuts
Here are a few of the most remarkable ways in which these seeds can support your well -being.
Offering essential nutrients
Cashew nuts are a wealth of vital nutrients. Only one us offers:
- Protein: 5 grams
- Healthy fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated): 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Vitamin B6: 7% of the daily value (DV)
- Zinc: 15% of the DV
- Buyer: 69% of the DV
- Magnesium: 20% of the DV
Like other nuts, cashew nuts are also an excellent source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and carotenoids. These connections help to neutralize DNA damage of free radicals in your body, fight:
- Inflammation
- Oxidative cell damage
- Chronic conditions, including cancer
Can help you lose weight
Although cashew nuts contain many calories, studies show that they can actually support weight loss. Their fibers, proteins and healthy fats promote saturation, which may reduce the total calorie intake.
Snack on a handful of cashew nuts between meals to curb hunger pans and achieve your goals for weight loss.
Can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes
Cashew nuts can be especially useful if you manage or worry about developing type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that consuming 10% of your daily calories from these notes leads to lower insulin levels, indicating more stable blood sugar levels.
Researchers have attributed this effect to the high fiber content of cashews, which helps to manage blood sugar peaks. Replace cashew nuts for snacks with higher carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar on an even keel.
Can improve the health of the heart
The antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties of cashew nuts are crucial for cardiovascular well -being. Research shows that inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked to heart conditions and cashew nuts help combat these problems.
Moreover, the healthy fats in cashew nuts – especially oil acid – can help prevent cardiovascular diseases:
- Lower the total cholesterol
- According to one study, with almost 5%, with almost 5%reduced levels of cholesterol (LDL) – by almost 5%
- Increasing good cholesterol (HDL)
They are also a good source of magnesium. This mineral regulates blood pressure by lowering the calcium levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, allowing your vessels to broaden.
Promote bone health
As mentioned above, cashew nuts are an excellent source of magnesium and copper, which are essential for healthy bones.
Magnesium reinforces calcium absorption, supportive bone strength, while copper helps with collagen and elastin formation – two important proteins involved in bone:
- Structure
- Flexibility
- Renovation
- Regeneration
For these reasons, enjoying cashew nuts can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis every day.
Reinforcement of immunity
The zinc and antioxidants (including vitamin E) in cashew nuts are fantastic for your immune system.
Zinc plays a crucial role in immune cell function and wound healing. Antioxidants help protect immune cells against damage caused by free radicals, which preserves their effectiveness in combating pathogens.
Protect cognitive and mental health
Cashew nuts also benefit cognitive and mental health – great because of their zinc and magnesium content. These two minerals are essential for the right neurotransmitter function, which is the key to health:
- Nervous
- Brain communication
- Cognition
Magnesium supports mood regulation, reduces stress and fights depression and anxiety. The vitamin B6 in cashew nuts also helps with the production of atmosphere balancing neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
Studies show that healthy fats such as those in cashew nuts further support the cognitive function and memory.
Potential side effects of cashew nuts
Although cashew nuts are extremely healthy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Calorific
Cashew nuts can support weight loss, but still contain a lot of calories and fat. Consuming too much can be removed from a calorie deficiency, with the opposite effect on your goals for weight loss.
Only an ounce of cashew nuts contains around 157 calories, so enjoy it in moderation for the best results.
Digestive problems
In general, the high fat and fiber content of cashew nuts can also cause digestive problems for some people. Stay with a one-back portion to prevent symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Bloated
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Allergic reactions
Cashew nuts are technically speaking seeds of the cashew apple. But they contain similar connections such as tree -made – specific, two important allergens called 13s Globulin and 2S albumins.
If you have a nut allergy, play it safely and stick to other options such as sunflower seeds.
Potential for reduced mineral absorption
Cashew nuts contain phytic acid, an antinutrient who hinders the absorption of essential minerals such as iron and zinc. Thus, consuming surplus can lead to lower mineral levels in your body.
Cashew nuts are, however, considerably lower in phytic acid than almonds, with 0.19-4.98% in contrast to 0.35-9.42%. It is therefore less worrying and you can still soften this problem by soaking or roasting your cashew nuts.
Tips for adding cashew nuts to your diet
Cashew nuts are a wonderful and useful addition to every diet – and they are incredibly versatile.
Try to mix them in a smoothie for extra creaminess, sprinkle them on salads for crunch, or use them to make a path with other nuts and dried fruit. They are also delicious in rudder flow or soil and spread on apple slices.
So take advantage of the many health benefits of these seeds. You support your heart, brain and many other aspects of your well -being with every tasty bite.
References:
Cashewnut and Cashew Apple: A scientific and technological monitoring worldwide assessment – PMC
High oil -acid in olive oil -fought diet improved omega -3 -fatty acid in rats blood plasma -PMC
Nuts, energy balance and body weight – PMC
The effect of fibers on saturation and food intake: a systematic review
An update about magnesium and bone health – PMC
Copper and synthesis of elastin and collagen.
Functional components of vegetable foods stimulate immunity against acute and chronic disorders PMC
Zinc in human health: Effect of zinc on immune cells – PMC
Free radicals, antioxidants and functional food: impact on human health – PMC
Diet fiber intake and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: an umbrella review of meta-analyzes-PMC
Nut and Human Health Results: A Systematic Review – PMC
Zinc in the central nervous system: from molecules to behavior – PMC
Magnesium role in neurological disorders – PMC
Vitamin B6: A new approach to lowering fear and depression? – PMC
The role and effect of magnesium in psychological disorders: a systematic review – PMC
Impact of nut consumption on cognition during lifetime – PMC
Characterization of the soluble allergenic proteins of cashew nut (Anacardium occidental L.)
Reduction of phytic acid and improving organic available micronutrients in food grains – PMC
Phytic acid: from antinutritional to multiple security factor of organic systems