Health benefits of eating cashew nuts

There are so many health benefits accrued to eating cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These elements are important for the proper functioning of the body. Find below some of the amazing reasons why snacking on cashew nuts is a healthy option:

1. They are high in calories The calorie content in cashew is on the high side; this means that a hundred gram of nut would give you over five hundred calories. Even though cashew nuts contain high amounts of fats, the fats found in them are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. These fats also supply vitamin E to the body. The nuts contain soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals that are beneficial to one’s health as they help protect the body from diseases and cancers.

2. They are good for the heart Snacking on cashew nuts can reduce the risk of having cardiovascular diseases. This is through the reduction of blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. Nuts naturally are cholesterol free and have an appreciable amount of heart-healthy fats, proteins and fibers. The artery walls are also protected as a result of arginine which could be found in them as well. The antioxidants contained in cashew nuts help prevent heart diseases.

3. Assists in weight loss Cashew nuts are good for weight loss as they could be eaten when controlling one’s weight or on diet. They help reduce the accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the heart. Although cashew nuts are considered as fats, they contain healthy cholesterol. This means that those who are interested in losing weight can do so while being healthy. As a matter of fact, people who eat nuts are less likely to gain weight than people who do not eat nuts at all.

4. Helps prevent cancer Cashew nuts contain proanthocyanidins. These are a class of flavonols which fight against tumour cells by preventing them from dividing or increasing. Proanthocyanidins and the high copper content contained in cashew nuts thereby fight against cancerous cells. 


5. Healthy bones Snacking on this delicious seeds will make your bones stronger as they contain calcium and magnesium. This would also make your teeth stronger as the magnesium and calcium contained in the nuts are responsible for bone health. About two-thirds of the magnesium found in the human body is found in the bones. Insufficient magnesium can contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms and migraine. Magnesium also promotes normal sleep patterns in women who are suffering from menopausal sleep disturbances. 

6. They contain copper Cashew nuts contain copper which plays an important role in physiological processes like elimination of free radicals, iron utilization and development of bone and connective tissue. It is also important for the production pof melanin; the skin and hair pigment. Copper is also important for the activity of lysyl oxidase; an enzyme which is involved in cross-linking collagen and elastin that are helpful for bones and joints as well as flexibility in blood vessels.