It’s sad, but only a very small percent of natural medicine database is dedicated to Cashew Nuts, one of the healthiest foods you can find. In order to grow, they need a hot and humid climate and that’s why they grow best in Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique and Brazil.
5 Health benefits of Cashew nuts
1.They are packed with calories – 275 in just 50 grams! They are also rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals and phytochemicals that help in prevention of cancer.
2.Cashew nuts are also packed with unsaturated fatty acids like palmiotic and oleic acid. These are essential fatty acids that can decrease the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and increase the good (HDL) one. They are also very good for our health.
3.These nuts are rich in minerals too. Some of them are magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc and iron.
Just a handful of the Cashew nuts can provide the necessary minerals and vitamins daily. Selenium is extremely important as it works as a co factor of the antioxidant enzymes like Glutathione peroxides – one of the strongest antioxidants in the body. Copper also acts as a co factor to enzymes, and zinc plays the same role with enzymes responsible for the growth and progress of digestion and DNA synthesis.
4.Cashew nuts have several essential vitamins – pyridoxine, B6, pantothenic acid, B5, B11 and riboflavin. Just 100 grams can provide 30% of the daily vitamin needs of vitamin B6. This vitamin lowers the chances of anemia and homocystinuria.
All of these vitamins are crucial for metabolism of fat, protein and carbs at a cellular level. Niacin, which is also a part of cashew, protects against dermatitis.
5.Cashew also contains zeaxahthin, a pigment of flavonoid oxidant, absorbed into the retinal macula in the eyes. It possesses excellent protective and antioxidant UV filtering features and protects us from age-related macular degeneration.
Beside all of this, cashew nuts are the best alternative treatment for depression.
How to naturally treat depression – a basic guide to cashew nutrition
These nuts are a great source of tryptophan, an amino acid that we need to take. This amino acid is responsible for the growth of kids, regulation of the mood, it improves our sleep and balances our behavior.
Only 2 handfuls of cashew contain 1000 to 2000 mg of tryptophan, which is equally effective as the best antidepressants. Of course, the big pharmaceutical companies hide this fact from us. David Adams, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy says that we have to pay close attention to the things happening with dietary supplement and the legal arena. If the producers of natural remedies get support, a whole new class of products will be available on the market. This is why we need a law that will regulate supplements.
In addition to this, the FDA said in a report from 1993 that the existence of these dietary supplement won’t halt the effort for creating new drugs.
The big pharmacies are an amazing business, but there are many better and safer ways to treat depression, and natural too!
An introduction to cashew nut allergy
Cashew allergy is pretty frequent in kids and adults. Just like peanuts allergy, it can lead to a severe allergic reaction, even if a small quantity is eaten.
Cashew nuts are hidden in ice cream, Asian meals and cakes. If you experience cashew nuts allergy, you should seek immediate help right away.
Symptoms of the cashew nuts allergy
Just a few minutes after eating cashew nuts, you can experience tingling or itching around or in your mouth. Red itchy lumps will appear on your body.
Vomiting and stomach cramps are also usual. More serious symptoms may include projectile vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or difficulty swallowing. A swollen tongue may interrupt the airway.
Asthma attack can happen in cases of airborne cashew nut allergens. Runny and itchy nose, coughing and itching on the mouth may occur if the allergic reaction is in the nose and nasal passages. Whistling sound when breathing is a sign of problems with the airways. Some other issues in an asthma attack caused by cashew allergy may include chest tightening, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Consumption of cashew nuts can also lead to a severe allergic reaction – anaphylaxis. The symptoms are swelling in the throat, fat pulse, fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness etc. Inhalation or consumption of just a small amount of cashew nuts can become life threatening in just minutes!
source and courtesy: weeklyhealthylife.com