These nuts are seeds to the evergreen cashew tree therefore are nutritionally very rich. Although high in calories, these are the quality calories providing your body with unsaturated fatty acids, protein, minerals and vitamins, whilst holding no cholesterol!
Glycaemic Control
Studies have shown that cashews (and few other nuts) have a potential to prevent and help managing diabetes. Thanks to their monounsaturated fatty acid content cashews might become an official nutraceutical. Studies have shown that Cashew Seed Extract increases the Glucose uptake. Magnesium will also enhance the insulin sensitivity. Adequate intake of Unsaturated fats also help to maintain normal blood LDL levels therefore lower risks of cardiovascular illnesses.
Magnesium and genome
This metal is becoming more popular in the science of nutrigenomics (food and nutrient influence on the genome) as the interaction between magnesium and phosphate ions is essential for the life of nucleic acids which make up the DNA. This process has been proved to impact the homeostasis of insulin and the glucose through the gene regulation. Lack of Magnesium however in the body might cause diabetes, asthma and osteoporosis but as studies suggest with sufficient intake might prevent these illnesses. Cardiovascular mortality may be reduced by 50% if there is an increased intake of Magnesium, also reduce the risks of colon cancer and stroke.
Vitamin K1
Alongside with its anti-diabetic qualities, vitamin K1 helps the body to utilize Calcium, meaning that it may increase bone density. With a sufficient intake of K1 the levels of osteocalcin (proteins which bind Calcium) were increased. Calcination of arteries also might slower therefore reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Cashew nuts are also rich in Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus and B complex vitamins bur are less allergic then peanuts and more effective then almonds.
Benefits of eating cashews:
- Prevent Diabetes
- Lower risk of cardiovascular illnesses
- Strengthen bones
- Prevent calcination of tissues
- Reduce risk of stroke
- Balance the blood lipid profile
- Good source for plant protein
- Less allergic then other nuts
- Control glucose uptake
