Unfortunately, only a very small percentage of the natural medicines database is dedicated to Cashew Nuts, which is considered by many to be one of the healthiest foods. To grow, they need a hot and humid climate and this is the reason why countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Brazil are producing the largest quantities of Cashew Nuts.
5 Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts
#1. These nuts are packed with calories. About 50 grams of Cashew Nuts contain 275 calories. In addition, they are rich in vitamins, soluble dietary fiber, minerals, and many phytochemicals that prevent diseases, including cancers. #2. Cashews are also packed with monounsaturated fatty acids good for heart health like palmitoleic and oleic acids. They belong to the group of essential fatty acids that can decrease the level of harmful LDL cholesterol and increase the level of good HDL cholesterol in our blood. Scientific studies have shown that the so-called Mediterranean diet which is mostly based on monounsaturated fatty acids can help the system protect itself from strokes and coronary artery disease by supporting the blood lipid profile. #3. These tasty nuts are rich in essential minerals too. Some of the most useful minerals found in cashew nuts are magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, and iron. Only a handful of these nuts daily can provide the necessary amount of these minerals and protect you from deficiency-related diseases. Selenium is a very important micronutrient and it works as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes like Glutathione peroxides known as one of the strongest antioxidants in the human body. Copper acts as a co-factor for many important enzymes too like superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c-oxidase. Zinc plays the same role together with enzymes that are responsible for the regulation of the growth and progress of digestion, gonadal function, and DNA synthesis. #4. Cashews can be quite useful in numerous essential vitamins like pyridoxine or vitamin B6, pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, thiamin or vitamin B11, and riboflavin. Just 3.5 Oz (100 gr) of nuts provide about 30% of the daily recommended levels of B6 (that’s about 0.147 mg). B6 significantly lowers the chances of developing sideroblastic anemia and homocystinuria. On the other hand, niacin improves the protection against pellagra or dermatitis. In addition, the aforementioned vitamins are crucial for the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbs at a cellular level. #5. Furthermore, cashews also contain a small quantity of zeaxanthin, a very important pigment of flavonoid antioxidant, which is selectively absorbed inside the retinal macula in our eyes. It is believed that it provides protective and antioxidant UV ray filtering features and protects us from ARMD or age-related macular degeneration in old people. Besides all these benefits they bring, Cashew Nuts are considered to be the best alternative treatment for depression.How to Naturally Treat Depression – A Basic Guide to Cashew Nutrition
Cashew nuts are an excellent source of tryptophan, a vital amino acid that we need to take through our food. This amino acid helps children grow and develop, regulates our mood, improves sleep, balances our behavior, and significantly lowers the level of stress, depression, and anxiety. Only two handfuls of cashews contain between 1.000 and 2.000 mg of tryptophan, which has proven to be equally successful as prescription antidepressants in many cases and the only difference is that you will avoid the antidepressant side effects. Of course, this is something that big pharma hides from us. According to David Adams, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy who was part of the Drug Information Association Annual Meeting in 1993, we must pay close attention to the things that are happening around dietary supplements and the legal arena. If the producers of natural remedies manage to get the support, there will be a completely new class of products that will be competing with existing drugs. This is why there is a need for a special law that will regulate the supplements.An Introduction to Cashew Nut Allergy
Besides almond, walnut, and other similar allergies, cashew nut allergy is one of the most frequent food allergies in both adults and children. Just like peanuts, cashews can lead to very severe allergic reactions, even if an individual has taken a small quantity of cashews. Cashew nuts are a hidden ingredient in many common foods like ice cream, Asian meals, and cakes. You should look for professional help whenever you experience some of the symptoms of cashew nut allergy.Symptoms of Cashew Nut Allergy
- A few minutes after you eat or touch cashews or food that contains cashews, you may experience tingling or itching around or in your mouth. Red, raised, itchy welts of different sizes may form at different parts of the body.
- Vomiting and/or stomach cramps. Some more serious symptoms may include projectile vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. It is good to point out that a swollen throat or tongue may interrupt the airway.
- Asthma or hay fever in cases of airborne cashew nut allergens inhalation. AANS, itchy nose, eyes, coughing, and itching on the top of the mouth are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction in the nose and nasal passages. Whistling and wheezing sounds heard while breathing out is a clear sign of problems with the airways. Some other symptoms related to asthma attacks caused by cashew allergy include chest tightening, shortness of breath, and chest pains.
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