Health Benefits of Cashews



I have termed this article so because the cashew fruit hangs up side down like the bat. Nevertheless its health benefits are beyond evil. See for yourself.

Health Benefits of Cashews

High in Monounsaturated Fats: 
Cashews are a good source of unsaturated fats, which are essential for our body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and produce fatty acids that are vital for the development of the brain and blood clotting. These healthy fats include Monounsaturated fats (MUFA) andpolyunsaturated fatsor (PUFA). They are good for the heart and help to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) if consumed in appropriate quantities, even in individuals with diabetes. LDL cholesterol can rise as a result of excessive consumption of saturated fats, posing a major threat for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis or the hardening of arteries. Studies have demonstrated that choosing unsaturated fats over saturated fats enhances levels of HDL cholesterol, reduces triglyceride levels, and beneficially lowers the blood pressure as well. The inclusion of nuts such as cashews, fish, and vegetable oils including olive oil and canola oil in the diet can provide these healthy unsaturated fats to the body.

Healthy Muscles and Nerves:
Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, which is essential for the healthy development of bones, muscles, tissues, and organs of the body. Magnesium helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, sustain the immune system, maintain nerve function, and keep the bones strong. It also is involved in metabolic functions, influences the insulin activity and regulates the blood sugar levels of the body. A deficiency of magnesium alters the metabolism of calcium and the hormones responsible for its regulation.
Research shows that the wealth of antioxidants like anacardic acids, cardanols and cardols in cashews make them effective for people undergoing treatments for tumors and cancer. Ground cashews are a comparatively simple absorbed form of protein and are advised to be safe for such patients as well.
Red Blood Cells: 
Cashews are rich in copper, which helps in the metabolism of iron, aids in the formation of red blood cells and helps in keeping bones and the immune system healthy. It is also vital for the nervous and skeletal system of the body. A deficiency of copper in the body may result in osteoporosis, irregular heartbeats, and anemia.
Bone and Oral Health:
Cashews are also good sources of phosphorous, which is essential for the healthy development of teeth and bones.Phosphorous also aids in protein synthesis, absorption of carbohydrates and fats and the maintenance of cellular health.
Cashews are a source of dietary, iron which is vital for carrying oxygen around the body and aids in the functioning of enzymes and the immune system. A deficiency of iron in the diet can lead to body fatigue, anemia, and an increased susceptibility to infections.
Immune System:
Cashews contain zinc, which plays a vital role in the strengthening of the immune system against microbial infections, protein synthesis and the healing of wounds. It is extremely important during pregnancy for the growth of the baby and the developmental years of childhood to maintain a stable state of the body.
Weight Loss:
The proposed cause of the greater fat burn is vitamin C. Cashew apples are known for being high in vitamin C, to the tune of about five times the quantity found in an orange. That’s nowhere near a supplement level dosage, but from diet alone that’s alot. Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor in the formation of the amino acid L-carnitine. The body can make carnitine on its own, so it isn’t considered an essential amino acid. But problematically, the body’s capacity to produce carnitine has limits. This is important because carnitine is a required part of the fat-burning process. People on a weight loss diet and avid exercisers most probably have passed their body’s limit for carnitine synthesis which makes it essential.

Sexual Enhancement:

A nutritionist, Jummai Abdul, has recommended the consumption of cashew fruit juice for enhanced sexual activities, including energy boost in males and females during intercourse. She said that the juice also helps in the prevention of heart diseases and stroke. Ms. Abdul, a nutritionist at the Wuse General Hospital, made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
“Cashew fruit contain fats that promote healthy hearts, and reduce high triglyceride level that is associated with increased risk of heart diseases.
“Excess calories are stored as triglycerides in the body. Triglycerides provide much of the energy for cell function,’’ she said.
The nutritionist noted that eating a handful of cashew nuts a day would provide enough essential minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium for deficiency disease prevention. She also said that cashew fruits were rich in calcium that enhanced healthy muscles and bones in the body, including vitamin C which, she said, was a powerful remedy for colds.
“The cashew fruit juice is now popping up in herbal formulas designed to boost energy and sexual function; it also helps to promote normal sleep patterns in menopausal women.
“Cashew fruit has high copper content that is vital in energy production, greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints and also high in calories.
“Cashew fruits are also rich in many essential vitamins that help to maintain healthy gums, teeth and numerous health promoting phytochemicals that protect one from diseases and cancers,” she said.
So don’t hesitate to treat yourself to these lovely fruits, but be careful because the juice after it stains the clothe never comes off.
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