Cashew nuts are one of the healthiest foods in the world. Unfortunately, not many of you know the numerous benefits they offer, and only a very small percentage of the natural medicines comprehensive database is dedicated to them.
Countries like my great Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique and Brazil are the biggest producers of cashew nuts, mostly due to the fact that they need hot and humid climate in order to grow.
Health benefits of cashew nuts:
Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins, soluble dietary fibre, minerals and many phytochemicals that prevent diseases, including cancers. Cashews are also rich in calories, about 50f of cashew contains 275 calories. Cashew nuts provide numerous essential vitamins, including pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, pyridoxine or vitamin B6, thiamine or vitamin B11 and riboflavin.These vitamins are crucial for metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates at a cellular level. On the other hand, niacin improves the protection against pellagra or dermatitis.
Furthermore, B6 is extremely beneficial for our health for it significantly lowers the chances of developing sideroblastic anaemia and homocystinuria. 100g of cashew nuts provide about 30% of daily recommended levels of B6 (that’s about 0.147 mg).
Moreover, cashews are also rich in essential minerals. Some of the most useful minerals found in cashew nuts are potassium, manganese, copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Only a handful of these nuts on a daily basis can provide the necessary amount of these extremely needed minerals and protect you from deficiency related diseases.
For instance, copper acts as a co-factor for many important enzymes, like superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c- oxidase. Zinc, on the other hand, 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. Selenium is a very important micro nutrient and it works as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes like Glutathione peroxide known as one of the strongest antioxidants in human body.
Monounsaturated fatty acids which are in high quantities in cashew nuts are extremely good for the heart's health, as palmitoleic and oleic acids. They belong to the group of essential fatty acids that can increase the level of good HDL cholesterol and decrease the level of harmful LDL cholesterol in our blood. In addition, as shown by many scientific studies, the so-called Mediterranean diet which is mostly based on monounsaturated fatty acids supports the blood lipid profile, and protect our system from strokes and coronary artery diseases. Furthermore, cashews also contain a small quantity of one very important pigment of flavonoid antioxidants, called zeaxanthin, which is selectively absorbed inside the retinal macula in our eyes. This pigment provides protective and antioxidant UV ray filtering features, and it also protects from ARMD or age-related macular degeneration in old people
Apart from all the benefits that these nuts offer, Cashew Nuts are considered to be beneficial in those who are on treatment for depression.
Cashew nuts are an excellent source of tryptophan, which is a vital amino acid that we need to take through our food. This miraculous item regulates our mood, improves sleep, helps children grow and develop, balances our behaviour and significantly lowers the level of stress, anxiety and depression.
NB. Avoid if you have but allergies.
If you are like me who has migraine headaches(cashews and groundnuts can worsen them) then consume in small amounts.
Cashew nuts are an excellent source of tryptophan, which is a vital amino acid that we need to take through our food. This miraculous item regulates our mood, improves sleep, helps children grow and develop, balances our behaviour and significantly lowers the level of stress, anxiety and depression.
NB. Avoid if you have but allergies.
If you are like me who has migraine headaches(cashews and groundnuts can worsen them) then consume in small amounts.
Dr Dileem says plenty good lies in our Cashew nuts!!! Indulge yourself!!
Dr Dileem
The Likita Bokanturai
Kano Nigeria
No comments:
Post a Comment