Native to Brazil, more specifically from the Northeast coastal region, cashew is the second fruit with the largest area planted in the country, second only to orange.
Besides the favorable conditions for its planting, one of the reasons for this is the great appreciation that people around the world have for the so-called cashews, which is the true fruit of the cashew tree. That's right: the base we know as fruit is actually its pseudo-fruit.
Nomenclatures aside, the fact is that both chestnut and pseudo-fruit, the cashews are unique, delicious and, at best, full of health benefits!
9 Amazing Benefits Of Cashew
The first benefit of cashew pseudofruit requires no scientific research, only empirical: a fleshy fruit with a very distinctive smell and an astringent flavor. A delicious fruit to eat pure or incorporated in food or drink recipes.
But science has also shown that its benefits extend far beyond taste. "Cashews have a lot of essential nutrients," says Ione Leandro, nutritionist at the Onodera Aesthetics clinic. Below she lists some of the main health benefits of cashew.
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1. It strengthens the immune system
With five times more vitamin C than orange, cashew pseudo-fruit is very rich in antioxidants. These substances fight free radicals, protecting cells and preventing premature aging.
2. It helps protect the heart
According to studies, cashew consumption has a positive effect on lowering triglyceride levels, which helps lower the incidence of cardiovascular problems and the risk of heart disease.
3. It aids in healing processes
The substances behind the benefit are copper and vitamin K. In addition to speeding up blood clotting, they work with the immune system to recover the body.
4. It makes skin and hair healthier
Also because of copper, cashews assist in the production of melanin while maintaining the luster of the skin and hair. Vitamin C, rich in antioxidants, is essential in preventing premature aging.
5. Has beneficial effect on nervous system and reduces PMS
Do you know that inexplicable urge to eat candy in the days before menstruation? It is your body asking for magnesium, a mineral associated with proper release of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Because it is rich in substance, cashews provide a feeling of well-being.
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6. It helps control glycemic index
With good soluble fiber rates, cashew consumption enables slower carbohydrate absorption, which in turn avoids insulin spikes and helps regulate glycemic index. However, because it has fructose, it is recommended its consumption in moderation by diabetics.
7. He is an ally in cancer prevention
The secret is in flavonoids such as lycopene and beta carotene. These substances have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties that decrease the so-called oxidative stress of cells.
8. It provides good doses of energy.
Rich in branched chain amino acids known as BCAA, cashews facilitate the process of utilizing fat during exercise, ensuring more energy and disposition.
9. It can help in weight loss
By stimulating fat burning and controlling glycemic index, cashews facilitate weight loss in a healthy way. In addition, it also has a low calorie index. That's about 35 to 40 calories per 100 gram unit.
When choosing cashew nuts, it is best to be soft, but without dark spots on the shell. Because it is highly perishable, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days.
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Cashews: More Benefits for Your Health
A true cashew fruit, cashews are undoubtedly one of most people's favorite oilseeds thanks to their crispness and slightly sweet taste.
Are you part of this team that loves cashews? So you can celebrate, as it is also an ally of good body health. Check out some of the benefits of cashews:
- Assist in the treatment of diabetes: With low carbohydrates, the nut has a low glycemic index and also has oleic acid, responsible for the reduction in triglyceride levels.
- Protect the arteries: Free of cholesterol, cashews have a substance called arginine that prevents the narrowing of the arteries.In addition, nuts also have vitamin E, which prevents the accumulation of arterial plaque.
- Strengthen the bones: Like pseudofruit, cashews are rich in copper, whose deficiency is associated with low bone density. The magnesium present in them is important in the calcium absorption process.
- Help in treating some cancers: Studies show that thanks to their antioxidant vitamins, cashews help prevent cell mutation and DNA damage. Other studies also suggest that the acid present in them would be able to stop the cancer cell cycle.
- Stimulate memory and concentration: Because they have vitamin E, as well as essential minerals such as iron, nuts improve cellular oxygenation, increasing concentration and helping to prevent age-related memory loss.
- Protect the digestive system: The antioxidants in cashews act on the stomach, even protecting it from damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
According to Dr. Ione Leandro, the ideal is to consume 3 to 5 units a day. "Preferably salt-free in snacks and salads," she adds.
Delicious Cashew Recipes
Fortunately, in addition to having many benefits, both pseudo fruit and cashews are quite easy to incorporate into cooking for reasons ranging from taste to texture. Because it is very fleshy, pseudo fruit, for example, is great for vegan or vegetarian dishes. Cashew nuts can range from milk to crumbs, depending on the preparation.
1. Cashew Moqueca: The traditional fish moqueca is replaced by the so-called cashew meat, obtained by squeezing the fruit until its juice. That done, you should season the meat? and proceed to the normal preparation of moqueca, with coconut milk, palm oil, tomatoes, peppers and coriander.
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2. Cashew empanadinho with green mango salad: The same process of squeezing the cashew until you get its juice to keep your spongy meat goes for this dish, which serves it breaded in panko flour. The acidity of the green mango salad with lemon balances the frying fat.
3. Cashew Ceviche: For those who don't like the astringent taste of cashew, one of the advantages of this recipe is that it makes a marinade with lemon, pepper, salt and coriander that detract from this feature. Super tasty, it is also very easy to make and is a great entry option.
4. Cashew Milk: A healthy alternative to cow's milk, whether lactose intolerant or not, cashew milk is easy to make. The only caveat though is that the nuts should soak for at least 8 hours. Then just strain and beat the blender with water.
5. Cashew Nut Crusted Salmon: Did you think you would only see vegetarian recipes here? Well know that cashews mainly combine a lot with fish, as in this recipe. The cashew flour is the special touch of the dish, and is the type of spade when it comes to making. Just mix the ingredients and bring to the frying pan.
6. Cashew Mayonnaise: Because it is very oily, cashews can be beaten to a creamy consistency. In the case of this recipe, it really becomes a well seasoned mayonnaise, as it also takes olive oil, garlic and lemon in its preparation.
7. Cashew Jam in Syrup: A recipe that can spark the affective memory of many people, this cashew jam uses only three ingredients and is ready in no time. After putting everything in the pan, just wait for pressure and wait 8 minutes. Easy easy!
8. Creamy Cashew Jam: Another classic of simple, interior-style candies, the creamy cashew candy is similar to jam, but in this recipe the cashew must be whipped before going into the pan with water. and sugar
9. Ginger Cashew Popsicle: The Secret to Texture? Professional? this popsicle, that is, to make it not look like a jelly, is to use concentrated cashew juice and invert sugar, which you also learn to make in this recipe.
10. Lockless Cashew Juice: One of the most appreciated forms of cashew consumption is fruit juice. You like it, but do you mind that residue that ties your mouth in the end? The secret is in putting lemon juice. Check out the recipe for a perfect cashew juice!
Consumption Alerts
Before you throw yourself into cashews, it's worth a few caveats. First, cashews, like other nuts, are known to cause allergies in some people. Therefore, make sure it is not your case before consuming. Also, it is important to be aware of the quantities.
In excess, cashews can cause diarrhea and increase blood sugar, and are extremely caloric. Already the cashew pseudo-fruit, although low calorie, is rich in fructose, so it requires moderate consumption by those with diabetes.
Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Cashew Nuts (May 2024)
- Food, Wellness
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