The benefits and harms of cashew nuts for the human body

Description of cashew

Cashew is an evergreen tree native to Brazil. The plant's closest relatives are mango, pistachio tree and poison ivy.

Its fruit has an unusual appearance, since it consists of two parts: a large juicy orange-colored stalk, called an acaju apple, and a nut in a strong brown shell. When peeled, cashews are shaped like a small boxing glove and are pale yellow in color.

Its inner skin contains phenolic resin, which is dangerous for the epithelium, which eliminates the possibility of self-cleaning. The fruits are collected with protective gloves to avoid burns and heated in a special solution to ensure the fragility and harmlessness of the shell.

Chemical composition and calorie content of cashews

Compared to other nuts, healthy cashews are low in calories, which vary depending on the level of ripeness. The energy value of the product per 100 g is:

Ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates:

In addition to increased taste, the product has a number of healing properties, which are caused by the content of vital vitamins and minerals, micro- and macroelements.

What are the benefits of cashews?

The benefits of cashew nuts for the human body are justified by their balanced chemical composition and increased nutritional value. Research work carried out by Indian and Chinese scientists has shown that the properties of nut kernels are capable of:

• stabilize blood pressure, expand the internal lumen of blood vessels;
• normalize blood sugar levels;
• strengthen the immune system, protect against seasonal colds;
• support heart function and regulate cholesterol levels;
• speed up metabolism, get rid of excess weight;
• tidy up hair, nails, teeth, improve the condition of bone tissue;
• stimulate regeneration at the tissue level;
• increase concentration, strengthen memory;
• relax after heavy mental stress;
• exclude the formation of cancer cells;
• restore the body after surgery, severe inflammatory processes;
• regulate acidity and juice secretion in the stomach.

Due to the rich vitamin and mineral composition of the nut, it is worth introducing it into your diet for good health, maintaining tone and increasing vitality.

Details about the benefits and harms of cashew nuts:

For women

The weaker sex needs more nutrients to maintain reproductive function. The nut is endowed with all the necessary components that can bring invaluable benefits to the female body, namely:

• eliminate increased epithelial greasiness and the formation of acne during puberty;
• restore hemoglobin level during menstruation;
• increase fertility levels;
• relieve constipation and improve intestinal motility.

The healthy nut should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the large number of allergic components it contains.

For men

The healthy cashew nut should be included in the diet of men who have problems with potency to improve reproductive efficiency. The benefits of the nut for the stronger sex are irreplaceable, since it can:

• increase the level of male libido and sex drive;
• accelerate the movement of sperm;
• prevent hair loss;
• get rid of nicotine addiction.

Recommended for use by men who go to the gym to relieve muscle fatigue and excessive sweating.

For pregnant and lactating women

In the absence of significant contraindications, the product can become an ideal source of nutrients for both mother and baby during pregnancy and lactation. Compared to other nuts, cashews are not harmful to humans because they do not cause allergic reactions. Moderation and regular use will ensure strong immunity and good mood.

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Cashews during pregnancy

Tropical cashew fruits have the following effects during pregnancy:

• blood pressure stabilization;
• preventing a decrease in blood hemoglobin;
• vitamin D replenishment;
• increasing immunity;
• elimination of viral infections;
• prevention of vitamin deficiency;
• used as a remedy for heartburn in pregnant women;
• helps young mothers while breastfeeding to ensure adequate nutrition for their baby.
• the high content of magnesium and calcium ensures the prevention of caries, preserving tooth enamel.

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At what age can you give it to a child?

Before the age of two, healthy nuts are strictly contraindicated for a child. Pediatricians are of the opinion that the ideal age to start using cashew nuts is 3 years. When including a food product in a child’s menu, you need to take into account that the benefits of cashews for children significantly outweigh the harm. A healthy and nutritious nut can:

• form and strengthen bones;
• increase hemoglobin;
• accelerate the synthesis of hormones and enzymes;
• normalize mental development;
• activate rapid regeneration at the cellular level.

If the child’s liver function is weak, vomiting may begin due to the high fat content. In this case, nut consumption should be reduced, but not eliminated.

Important! Product intolerance manifests itself in swelling of the respiratory tract, skin rash, and sneezing.

Harm of cashews

Even such a popular product, rich in vitamins and microelements, can be harmful to the human body. The harm with cashews is that they can cause severe allergies. It should not be abused; it should be added to the diet gradually.

Children can eat Indian nuts only with a doctor's permission. If you really want to give them to your child, you can buy baby food that contains a finished product based on it. However, it has individual intolerance and can also affect liver function. It is not recommended to eat cashews in the third trimester of pregnancy. People who have kidney problems and a tendency to form stones should not take it. The benefits and harms of cashews need to be known before using them in food.

Are cashew nuts good for weight loss?

Cashews are of great importance in the diet because they contain a large amount of nutrients that can saturate the body without harming the figure. Many nutritionists claim that cashews are the only healthy nut that can not only maintain normal weight, but also provoke weight loss. In the eighties, Italian experts proposed completely replacing meat and meat products with cashews. This diet is still used today without harm to health.

In the course of long studies, it turned out that the product has the ability to quickly and permanently suppress the feeling of hunger, since it is quickly absorbed by the body. This helps to further reduce the portion, and with it the calorie content. It is recommended to consume nuts with dairy products, vegetables and fish to speed up metabolism.

Cashew nuts for weight loss

You can “sit” on a nut diet for 2 to 4 days. This is a high-calorie product, but it is able to provide the body with everything necessary for good health. To create a dietary menu, you should take 100 g of nuts every day and divide them into five meals.

• In the morning it is recommended to eat 30 kernels, washed down with kefir.
• For a snack, one cucumber and 10 g of cashews are suitable.
• For lunch, you can indulge in boiled fish or turkey meat with 20 g of nuts.
• It is recommended to make an afternoon snack of only 10 g of cashews or add 1 boiled egg to the diet.
• For dinner you should limit yourself to tea with 30 g of nuts.

Water, green tea and herbal decoction can be drunk in unlimited quantities.

This is a very complex and limited diet, so you should not get carried away with it. Just 3 days of such nutrition will allow you to get rid of excess moisture in the body and fat.

For liver and stomach diseases, such a diet is contraindicated, and cashews can only be consumed in quantities of up to 30 g per day.

The use of cashews in traditional medicine

Cashews are actively used in folk medicine to eliminate many skin diseases, as well as to maintain beauty and restore skin and hair. The most commonly used essential oil is cashew, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Non-traditional methods of using nuts are effective in the following cases:

1. Eczema, psoriasis. To do this, rub the healing composition onto the problem areas of the skin.
2. Burns. A healing composition of 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 drops of rose and geranium should be applied to the damaged area.
3. Constipation. For intestinal problems, take 1 teaspoon of oil on an empty stomach.

There are many recipes and ways to improve the condition of your facial skin at home and saturate it with all the necessary components:

• Rejuvenation mask: Mix 1 tbsp. l. avocado pulp with 3-4 drops of cashew oil, sandalwood and 1 tsp. rosewood oils. Apply to face and rinse with warm water after 15 minutes.
• Mask to eliminate pimples and blackheads on the face: combine 4-5 drops of cashew oil with avocado oil. Apply to facial skin with massage movements and rinse after 10 minutes.

The product is able to give the skin softness, ensure a healthy appearance, and eliminate the formation of age spots and acne.

Benefits of cashew nuts

Now let's find out how this unusual nut is useful for the human body. Due to its significant content of vitamin E, it activates strength, gives energy and stimulates the functioning of the reproductive organs.

A special advantage of the nut is its low allergenicity, so it can be consumed by those who are not suitable for walnuts or almonds.

It is also indicated for overweight and anemia. The product has such a calorie content that it can sometimes replace a meal. So, let’s note the healing properties of the nut from a medical point of view:

• helps to establish metabolic processes in the body;
• suitable for treating gums and teeth, since the kernels contain components that eliminate bacteria that destroy enamel;
• helps improve immunity. Antimicrobial and antiseptic properties are necessary for the treatment of viral and infectious diseases;
• normalizes cholesterol levels, vascular and heart function;
• used to treat diseases of the digestive system and kidney problems.

Interestingly, cashews are used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. A special oil is made from the kernels, which is included in anti-aging creams, lotions and masks.

The product is also used to perform massage procedures. Applications have also been found for shells. It is crushed and then added to solutions that are used to treat wood against bark beetles.

By the way, regular use of cashews has a positive effect on memory.

Benefits for men's health

Now let's find out how this product is useful for men. First of all, it contains vitamin E, which has a positive effect on the health of the genital organs.

In addition, it is a powerful natural aphrodisiac. The beneficial components in the nut regulate blood circulation and the state of the nervous system. The composition also contains a component such as tryptophan, which reduces the effects of nicotine on the body. It especially helps those who smoke, as it neutralizes harmful components and toxins in nicotine. In addition, regular consumption of this healthy product will help strengthen your hair and protect it from loss. It will also allow you to recover from physical activity.

Why do women eat cashews?

Let's find out why nuts are good for women. The composition contains magnesium, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the genitourinary system. Also, the composition of cashews has a beneficial effect on blood circulation and helps with menstrual irregularities. The healing product also helps in caring for the appearance.

It is used as an ingredient in hair washes, as well as for the body and face.

The anti-aging properties of the product are due to the content of antioxidants, saturated fats and healthy acids.

Kernel extract is suitable for skin and hair. For example, a high copper content accelerates hair growth. Nutritionists advise taking into account your health characteristics before using this product.

Is it possible to have cashews for diabetes, gastritis and pancreatitis?

Cashews for diabetes eliminate sudden changes in sugar levels in the body. Systematic use of the product reduces the risk of developing diabetes-related diseases such as muscle dystrophy and visual impairment.

A person who has diseases associated with digestion tries to pay special attention to the preparation of his menu, turning to nutritionists for help. For pancreatitis and gastritis, there are lists of useful foods and those that it is advisable not to eat. The nut is not on both lists, since its use should be discussed with your doctor.

Which cashew is healthier: roasted or raw?

When heat treated, the cashew nut loses many substances useful for the body’s vital functions, so for medicinal purposes it is better to consume the nut fresh. But the taste properties of fried cashews are much higher, which is why they are popular in the culinary industry.

The healthy roasted nut is used to make snacks and salads, and is also added to desserts and baked goods. The calorie content of cashews after roasting is practically no different from the raw product. It has a number of beneficial properties and helps in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

Recommendations for admission

Most often, cashews are consumed raw, dried or heat-treated.

Fried, baked or boiled cashews have significantly fewer nutrients, but fresh fruits can be hazardous to health.

Drying will destroy potentially toxic ingredients but will have little effect on the nutritional content.

You can also bake nuts. To do this, you need to clean them and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 100-150 degrees.

The maximum daily intake is 30-40 grams. Exceeding this indicator can adversely affect the functioning of the digestive and endocrine systems.

It is recommended to eat cashews in the morning for breakfast and in the afternoon (together with other foods). Consumption in the evening, and especially before bed, can cause problems with going to bed due to overload of the gastrointestinal system. You should also not eat nuts on an empty stomach.

Cashews can also be combined with many dishes. They are added to porridges and soups, any beef and chicken dishes, desserts (cookies, ice cream).

Following simple recommendations will allow you to unlock the full biological potential of nuts and avoid harm.

How many cashews can you eat per day?

The daily intake rate has different indicators depending on the individual characteristics of the person. Regular use of the product has a positive effect on the functionality of the body, since the benefits of cashews are much more diverse and advantageous than other nuts. Abuse can cause poor health and heaviness in the stomach, as well as the likelihood of gaining extra pounds.

Important! The recommended maximum dose per day is 30 grams, namely 10 nuts.

After use, you should drink it with mineral water to enhance the beneficial properties and activate the recovery processes in the body.

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Cashew oil: benefits and applications

Oil from peeled nuts is used in many fields, namely medicine, cosmetology and cooking, due to the large number of beneficial properties. Natural cashew oil can:

• reduce blood pressure and improve the functioning of the entire circulatory system;
• normalize cholesterol levels;
• eliminate toothache and headache;
• prevent overeating, saturate the body for a long period;
• have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• eliminate the possibility of respiratory system disease;
• maintain healthy skin, nails and hair.

Cashews are naturally sweet and soft, making the butter tastier and sweeter than other types of nuts.

Cashews in cooking

The nut goes well with meat, vegetable and fish products. It is actively used in Asian cuisine for preparing main dishes and desserts. In European countries, cashews are consumed as a snack for beer, and also as a topping for ice cream.

Cashew milk

Plant milk has a unique composition and low calorie content. The main argument in favor of the drink is cleansing the intestines, accelerating metabolism and significantly reducing inflammatory processes. Its presence in the diet will ensure the health of the nervous system and improve overall well-being.

To make your own cashew milk you need:

• soak 25 g of raw nuts in water overnight;
• grind them in a blender with 100 ml of water;
• strain through cheesecloth to remove small particles.

The process is very simple, and the result, in addition to its pleasant taste, will be endowed with natural healing potential.

Cashew urbech

Paste made from raw walnut kernels is endowed with healthy fiber, a variety of vitamins, and many macro- and microelements. Fights diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, improves memory, vision, attention, eliminates depression and aggressiveness. Urbech is prepared by grinding cashews on stone millstones for a long time until a thick, homogeneous mass is formed. The procedure lasts more than three hours.

The result is a tasty and healthy paste that can be eaten with the addition of sugar, honey or melted butter.

Benefits of cashew honey

In combination with honey, the nut can expand the range of its effects on the body. Honey enhances both the taste properties and the benefits of the product for the body, because:

• strengthens blood vessels, prevents heart attack;
• eliminates migraines and activates brain activity;
• normalizes intestinal motility, accelerates the process of food digestion;
• improves the condition of the nervous system, relieving insomnia and fatigue;
• increases the functionality of the reproductive system.

The dessert contains the maximum amount of useful components that affect the health and functioning of the body, without any harm to the figure.

Important! Healthy cashews with honey should be consumed by people with increased physical and mental stress to restore strength and energy.

Beneficial properties of cashew nuts

The variety and high concentration of nutrients in these products determine their benefits for human health.

• Scientists have reliably proven the positive effect of the product on:
• activation of brain activity, improvement of memory and concentration;
• reducing the content of bad cholesterol in the blood, which helps prevent and treat atherosclerosis;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• stimulation of blood circulation;
• increase in hemoglobin content in the blood;
• strengthening the immune system;
• optimization of blood sugar levels;
• strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel;
• treatment of respiratory tract diseases and prevention of influenza;
• preventing the occurrence of high blood pressure;
• successful treatment of skin diseases and improvement of skin condition;
• inhibition of aging processes in the body;
• optimization of nervous system activity;
• improved sleep;
• eliminating depression;
• prevention of osteochondrosis;
• overcoming intestinal disorders;
• successful menstrual cycles;
• stimulation of the production of female hormones and lactation functions;
• favorable fetal development during pregnancy;
• improving the appearance of hair and skin;
• eliminating constipation;
• rapid recovery of strength after heavy physical exertion;
• increased potency;
• stimulating the production of high-quality sperm.

Among the variety of nuts that exist on the planet, cashew is the only one that ripens outside the fruit, and not inside it.

Harm of cashews and contraindications

The nut is safe for the human body, but in some cases it can cause harm. They should not be overused, and should also be minimized in case of an allergic reaction. Main contraindications to the use of cashews:

• sand, kidney stones;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• obesity;
• diseases of the liver and pancreas.

If you are not careful and do not control the amount of nuts you eat, problems can worsen.

Important! If you experience a rash accompanied by itching and diarrhea after taking cashews, you should consult a doctor.

How many cashews can you eat per day?

Cashews differ from other nuts in the minimal amount of fat, so their energy value is much lower. But to get benefits for the body, you need to adhere to the daily norm.

The maximum permissible daily intake is 30 grams. For a child, no more than 20 grams are allowed, since abuse of the product can cause disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Important!

Before taking cashew nuts, you should consult your doctor, as there may be individual contraindications.