Sweet and crunchy, this tiny fruit holds a cascade of flavors in it. Cashew nut, also known as ‘Kaju’ is not only rich in flavors but also in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is most commonly consumed as a between-meal snack, made a part of both sweet and savory dishes worldwide. It makes great nut butter and greatly enhances salads and stir fried dishes.
But you only know about the taste. Here are the health benefits of this dry fruit which will surprise you.
Rich in Good Fats
Cashew nuts have lower fat content than most of the nuts. Out of total fat present 82% is unsaturated and 66% is specifically heart healthy monosaturated fats. They prevent plaque formation in the arteries that can cause severe heart problems and stroke that may lead to paralysis.
Full of Essential Vitamins
Cashew nut is rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Lack of each of these vitamins causes various deficiency diseases. All these vitamins are absolutely essential for metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates at cellular level.
Rich Source of Minerals
Lack of minerals can cause various kinds of deficiency disorders. Minerals work as a co factor for many enzymes. Co factors are basically a substance required by enzyme for the enzyme to function. Different minerals are responsible for different enzyme functions. Selenium functions as a cofactor for an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is the most powerful antioxidant in the body. Another important co-factor is zinc. It is required for many enzymes that control growth and development, digestion, gonadal function and DNA (nucleic acid) synthesis.
Copper: Another Important Mineral
It plays a role in a wide range of physiological process including development of bone and connective tissue, iron utilization, elimination of free radicals, and synthesis of the hair and skin pigment called melanin. Copper is an important constituent of the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, and is important in antioxidant defenses and energy production.
Loaded with Magnesium
We often hear about calcium in bones, another important mineral found in cashew nut for bones is magnesium. It helps in physical structure formation of bone and is stored on the surface of the bone for future usage. Magnesium plays an important role in balancing calcium in nerves and muscles that helps regulate nerve and muscle tone.
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