cashew nuts are actually a kind of seed. They come from cashew apples and are known for their high nutritional value and health benefits. Most of the health benefits connected to them are down to the healthy antioxidants and fatty acids contained in them. They are rich in copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium.
Raw and unprocessed cashews can be poisonous, and they shouldn’t be eaten without processing and cleaning. However, they are nutritious and delicious once they have been processed, offering many potent health benefits. The consumption of cashews is linked to improving cardiovascular health, weight loss, and reducing cholesterol.
Cashews come from cashew trees, which are native to Brazil but are cultivated in a number of countries around the world.
They aren’t nuts though and are actually seeds that grow on the underside of cashew apples, also known as cashew fruits. Cashew nuts/seeds are encased in kidney-shaped shells that are surrounded by a number of toxic layers.
Cashew nuts are primarily shelled by hand as they are often damaged when shelled mechanically. This manual processing is one reason that cashew nuts can be expensive to buy.
Cashew nuts are great for your overall health because they are rich in vitamin K, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and a range of other healthy minerals. They are a great source of energy and 18 cashew nuts contain around 5 grams of protein – about 10% of the average daily intake requirements.
Cashews are different from peanuts as they contain minerals like copper, manganese, and magnesium. Some consider cashews to be a healthier alternative to peanuts as they have less omega-6 and more omega-3 fatty acids. Having a bad imbalance of these fatty acids is connected to inflammation and chronic diseases.
Cashew Nuts Nutritional Value
Cashew nuts have high nutritional value that makes them good for you. Researchers with the Cleveland Clinic say an ounce/28 grams of cashew nuts contains around 18 cashew nuts.
The United States Department of Agriculture reports shows that one ounce of cashews contains 157 calories and 8.5 grams of carbs, meaning that each cashew nut has around 8 calories each.
Cashew nuts are also great for digestion because 18 cashews have just under a gram (4% of your RDI) of dietary fiber.
What makes cashew nuts so healthy is their monounsaturated fatty acid content. These fatty acids offer a range of health benefits, and cashews have been shown to contain linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Scientists suggest just an ounce of cashews a day can help to prevent heart disease.
