Cashew nuts are native to Brazil, but they’re now grown in many tropical countries. These kidney-shaped nuts are encased in a hard shell that’s attached to a cashew apple, which is actually not a true apple, but rather a fruit that resembles one.
The cashew nut is often eaten on its own as a snack, or it can be used in dishes like curries, stir-fries, and desserts. Cashews are also a source of vegan milk and cheese.
Cashews are relatively low in calories and fat, and they’re a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants that may help protect against some chronic diseases.
Here’s everything you need to know about cashew nuts, including their nutrition, benefits, and uses.
Nutrition:
Cashews are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
One ounce (28 grams) of cashews provides:
Calories: 157
Protein: 5.17 grams
Fat: 12.43 grams
Carbs: 8.56 grams
Fiber: 0.9 gram
Magnesium: 83 mg
Phosphorus: 168 mg
Zinc: 1.64 mg
Cashews are also a good source of vitamins C and B.
Cashew Nuts Health Benefits
Cashew nuts may offer a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and stronger bones.
Weight Loss
Despite their high-fat content, cashews may actually help with weight loss. This is because they’re a good source of protein and fiber, which are both nutrients that have been shown to promote weight loss.
Protein helps increase satiety, or feelings of fullness, after eating, while fiber slows down digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer.
In addition, the healthy fats in cashews have been shown to boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
Heart Health
Cashews may also help protect against heart disease. This is due to their unique nutrient composition, which includes healthy fats, fiber, copper, and magnesium.
Healthy fats, like the ones found in cashews, help reduce bad cholesterol and lower blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Fiber also helps reduce cholesterol levels, while copper and magnesium have been shown to promote healthy blood vessel function.
Bone Health
Cashews may also be good for your bones. This is because they’re a good source of copper and manganese, two minerals that are essential for bone health.
Copper helps form collagen, the main structural protein in bones, while manganese is involved in the production of osteoblasts, cells that help build new bone.
What’s more, the magnesium in cashews helps maintain bone density and may protect against osteoporosis.
Uses
Cashews can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, or they can be used in recipes like curries, stir-fries, and desserts.
Cashews are also a popular plant-based milk and cheese alternative. The milk is made by blending cashews with water, while the cheese is made by adding bacterial cultures and allowing it to age.
Cashew milk and cheese are both good sources of protein and calcium, and they’re also low in calories and fat.
Cashew butter is another popular way to enjoy cashews. It’s made by blending roasted cashews into a smooth paste. Cashew butter can be used in the same way as other nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter.
Conclusion paragraph:
Cashew nuts are a delicious and healthy snack, but it’s important to purchase them from a reputable source. N.Thummar & Co is a cashew nut exporter in India with years of experience in the industry. We only sell the highest quality cashews, so you can be sure that you’re getting a product you can trust. If you’re looking for premium cashews, contact us today!