Nuts are a unique element of a healthy diet. And they are all good in their own way, but exotic sweet cashews, shaped like a comma, are extremely useful, versatile.
How special properties and composition create the benefits of cashew
Cashew trees are grown only in tropical climates.
Each nut is attached to the lower part of the overgrown peduncle, which takes the form of a pear-shaped fruit of red, orange or yellow color.
The so-called apple-kazha, sweet-sour in taste, is processed into juices, jellies and jams, but this "fruit" practically did not become known for the regions where nuts were grown; it, unlike cashews, is not exported.
You may notice that cashews are sold only in peeled form, and there is a serious reason for this. The fact is that a fresh nut between the shell and the nucleolus has a layer of specific poisonous oil, even when in contact with human skin, causing severe burns. Therefore, cashews in the production are carefully cleaned and thermally processed in a special way to neutralize the substance.
Ready-to-eat cashews are eaten just like that, added to confectionery, sauces, pastries, they are very popular in granola and mixes of nuts and fruits for a healthy snack, they are also tasty as an appetizer - fried and salty.
Like all nuts, cashews have a high energy value - about 600 kcal per 100 g. In comparison with other nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), cashews contain a little fat (about 42%), but protein (25%) ) cashew nuts are twice superior to pine nuts.
Their plus is the lack of cholesterol, which allows them to have a dietary table for diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Cashews are highly rated for their vitamin content:
· Thiamine (B1) is involved in protein metabolism, heals the intestinal microflora and is necessary for brain activity;
· Riboflavin (B2) maintains the nervous system in order, helps the absorption of iron, protects the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and regulates the activity of the thyroid gland;
· Niacin (B3) is required for protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism, improves blood microcirculation and is involved in collagen production;
· Tocopherol (E) is indispensable for young healthy skin and the effect of the well-known vitamin in nuts in cosmetics is supported by the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, powerful antioxidants that prevent aging of the body;
· Calciferol (D) is involved in the exchange of phosphorus and calcium, improves their digestibility, is indicated for skin diseases, and supports gum health.
The high iron content creates the ability of cashews to increase hemoglobin in the blood, act as a means of preventing anemia, cashews reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood and accelerates the production of red blood cells.
The combination of magnesium and the amino acid tryptophan increases the production of serotonin, which affects the improvement of the psychoemotional state, increase stress resistance and normalize sleep.
Cashews can and should be eaten with type 2 diabetes, because they normalize blood sugar levels and, through the properties of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, reduce the resistance (resistance) of cells to insulin.
How exactly is the use of cashews
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cashews are largely explained by proanthocyanidins, cashews can be recommended to increase immunity and prevention during the flu epidemic.
If you mix nuts with honey - you get a remedy for inflammation of a sore throat.
In diseases of the respiratory tract (including bronchitis and pneumonia), cashews act as a bronchodilator, antitussive and sputum-removing agent.
Cashews are extremely beneficial for oral health:
· Phosphorus and calcium strengthen teeth;
· A number of biologically active compounds destroys bacteria that cause tooth decay and other common dental diseases;
· The condition of the gums improves, including the reduction of inflammatory processes in them and bleeding disappears;
· Tooth enamel becomes less sensitive to hot and cold nutrition.
The benefits of cashews will be appreciated by those who want to quit smoking, as this nut reduces cravings for nicotine.
Also, the benefits of regular cashews are expressed in the following:
· Increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and cleansing them of cholesterol plaques;
· Reducing the risk of gallstone disease;
· Normalization of production and acidity of gastric juice;
· Strengthening the joints;
· Increased production of melanin, which protects the skin with UV radiation;
· Normalization of a constant level of blood pressure and the prevention of its differences.
And only cashews among all nuts have a unique property to regulate the activity of the sweat glands of a person, that is, to reduce sweating.
Cashew is a tonic and vigorously replenishing food that is recommended to people in the period of serious illness and in the rehabilitation period after them, after operations.
For women planning a pregnancy and during it, cashew nuts will be very useful because they have a positive effect on the reproductive system, actually rejuvenating it, increasing the likelihood of conception, as well as:
· Improve the work of the heart of a woman;
· Reduce the manifestations of toxicosis and relieve heartburn;
· Contribute to the formation of immunity and the skeletal system of the child.
Nuts, finally, are an excellent source of minerals (potassium, phosphorus, iron), the need for which increases during pregnancy. For example, in 100 g of cashews, the copper content provides 200% of the daily requirement for an adult.
Regular consumption of cashews during breastfeeding activates the production of milk and increases its fat content.
The benefits of cashews for a slim figure
Surprisingly, cashews can be present in diverse diets - for weight loss and for gaining it, but this is explained quite simply, because cashews:
· Even in a minimal amount nourish the body with a large supply of vital energy and saturate for a long time;
· Normalize appetite, preventing its painful leaps towards overeating, but also preventing loss of interest in food;
· Accelerate metabolism, and a quick metabolism is necessary to remove toxins and wastes from the body, excess water and extra pounds;
· Contribute to the burning of fats.
Are Cashews Harmful?
Despite the above benefits for losing weight, cashews are still quite high-calorie and fatty, so in order to avoid excessive weight gain and the development of obesity, you should not get carried away with them.
But even faster than weight gain, the harm of cashews when they overeat is manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, sometimes shortness of breath and severe dizziness.
We must not forget that nuts are a highly allergenic product and, of course, if you are intolerant of any of them, it is very likely that cashew harm will take the form of an allergy.
Due to the content in cashews of oxalates, which, in combination with calcium, can form sand and kidney stones so that there is no harm from cashews, the amount of nuts eaten must be minimized in case of disorders in the genitourinary system
