Facts, Benefits, and Uses of Cashew Nut

The cashew nut is known globally as the most popular tree nut – a versatile one, surprisingly. Why? The reason is, it can be eaten as a snack or incorporated as a constituent in a variety of foods. 

Cashew comes from the subtropical land of Brazil. It ranks third in world economic importance amongst tree nuts such as Almonds and the Brazil nut. This boxing-glove-shaped nut is a powerhouse of all kinds of nutrients. People from all walks of life use the previously-mentioned feature wherever possible. But the main questions are: how does this nut get to you? How can it be used in so many ways, so effortlessly? 

Let’s dive into the details!

How is a Cashew harvested for the market?

Are you craving a cashew nut right now? Have you ever thought about how these tree nuts are getting to you? Harvesting this kidney-bean-shaped bean is an extraordinarily labor-intensive activity. As cashews do not ripe at one time, harvesting them may stretch over 35 to 75 days. It is better to let the fruit that has the apple attached fall when it has riped. Shaking the branches to knock them down will only result in immature nuts having more moisture content. When mixed with already grown dried nuts, this makes it difficult to ensure uniform drying. Hence, negatively influencing the following steps in processing for the market. 

Preserving and transporting is the first step when it comes to utilizing cashews. If not, they are left on the soil for the animals to devour. The cashew nut is proven to have a great shelf life as it is a dry fruit specifically available all year. This bulk of raw cashews is then forwarded to a processing plant to remove any or all toxins left in the nut and make it safe to consume. These cashews are then packaged and sent to the market. 

Can cashews be deemed beneficial for us?

It is so much easier to take a handful of cashews over reaching out for junk food. These tree nuts supplement so many different kinds of nutrients that only good can come from consuming them. Although various types of nuts are available, considering cashews as a relatively better choice is the way to go.

• Cashews are an abundant source of vitamin E and minerals, mainly Zinc and Magnesium, and many more. Moreover, they are rich in vitamin B plus C. 
• Cashews can be called the healthiest dry fruit. An ounce of them contains approximately 1.68 g of sugar, 0.9 g of fiber, 157 calories, 12.43 g of total fat, 8.56 g of carbohydrate, 1.89 mg of iron, and 10 mg of calcium, in addition to many other nutrients. 
• The kernel of cashew can be roasted and eaten. These alone have an unprecedented combination of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. 
• Consuming cashews regularly but in a limited manner helps considerably in avoiding blood diseases. 
• Cashew nuts are plentiful in copper, which plays a significant role in the riddance of harmful toxins from the body. The deficiency of copper can lead to iron insufficiencies such as anemia that is certainly not the way to go. 
• This nut contains 46.5 percent fat, but 82 percent of this fat is unsaturated fatty acids, and therefore can be considered not to worsen any cholesterol problems. It links healthy fat to having a healthy heart. They also provide essential nutrients to boost the functioning of the heart.
• Cashews have 50% of good fats, which are crucial for a healthy body. This fat content is responsible for reducing bad cholesterol. They give you a lot of energy and help to keep you satisfied for a long time as you munch on them all day long. Therefore, it is advisable to consume at least 3-4 cashews each day. 
• Cashews help lower LDL – the bad cholesterol; and increase the carrying potential of the HDL – the good cholesterol. HDL is responsible for reabsorbing the heart’s cholesterol and taking it to the liver that breaks it down. All of this helps to reduce the risk of heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, and even strokes. 
• According to recent researches, cashews have a high percentage of dietary fibers. These two fundamental dietary fibers, Palmitic acid, and Oleic acid, required by the body, are not produced internally but should be consumed externally. It helps in digesting food better. 

Nonetheless, excessive consumption may cause significant intestinal gas production and would also lead to bloating. Consumption of nuts such as cashews is related to reduce cases of several digestive complications.

All in all, Cashews provide an array of benefits for the human body. May it be internally or externally. These are just many ways in which they can help. Despite what many people believe that cashews can make you gain fat, having a considerable amount of these nuts in your diet can provide you with many health benefits coupled with innumerable uses. 

Can cashews be used apart from their sole purpose of being a dry fruit?

Processing raw cashews in bulk is a smart move if you want to incorporate them in various kinds of recipes. You can make cashew milk by using lots of these tree nuts. Making homemade cashew butter is also a bold choice for dairy products for those who are on a vegan diet. These both prove to be extremely nutritious and flavorful. 

Refining cashews to make cashew flour helps in producing large amounts of supplements to your baking. However, the kitchen is not the only place where these nutritious nuts come in handy. They are brimming with the goodness of copper and antioxidants. These nutrients help to make your skin look glow and radiant and reduce the signs of aging. Copper with other enzymes produces collagen proves effective in enhancing the elasticity of the skin. 

Moreover, Cashews contain immense amounts of essential antioxidants that guard our eyes against getting damaged. Therefore, ensuring healthy eyesight. They comprise a wide array of vitamins and minerals. Consuming this healthy nut will ensure that you have a metabolism in good condition. Due to the abundance of antioxidants and various kinds of enzymes, cashews help in boosting your immunity. Cashews nuts should always be eaten fresh and unsalted. They are essential constituents when it comes to weight loss and proper weight management. Cashews not only impact your nerves and bone functioning but also improve your blood pressure. So, eating these nuts routinely will guarantee you have an appropriate balance of magnesium, and thus, this will limit intense migraines and bodily pains. 

Last Words

In conclusion, the cashew nut is a great snack, a healthy appetizer, an excellent nerve relaxant, and an energizer. They help to build muscle mass and lose weight. It is an excellent source of all the nutrients in the food pyramid, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating cashews in your diet will not individually help you stay healthy; also enrich your organs with sufficient nourishment to function better. 

Keeping some cashews in your pocket and just in reach while munching on them throughout the day will keep you in touch with your healthy roots and help give you a kick of energy at the same time. So get yourself some cashews and get a head start on an active and healthy life!