Benefits of eating cashew nuts

Cashew nuts, though high in both calories and fat are nevertheless a healthy snack if taken in moderation. Recent studies have also disproved the common understanding that cashew nuts lead to weight gain.

Cashews have a lower fat content than other nuts, and contain oleric acid that promotes good cardiovascular health. Cashew nuts also have antioxidant properties, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases.

Cashew nuts are also rich in copper, essential for antioxidant defenses, produce energy in the body, enrich the blood vessels, and strengthen the bones. Copper also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Cashew nuts also contain magnesium, which is essential for strong bones along with calcium. Insufficient magnesium can also lead to high blood pressure, muscle spasms, migraine headaches, tension, soreness and fatigue. Finally, intake of cashew nuts helps prevent gallstones.

Eating raw cashew nut, straight from the plant is however dangerous for the fruit that hosts the nut is full of toxic oils. The raw cashew nuts available in the market are actually baked or toasted to remove the outer fruit. Cashew nust can be enjoyed in this raw flavour, or roasted, toasted and salted.