An important element of the diet of a healthy person are nuts. Cashew is one of the most popular types of this product. This plant owes its popularity to the beneficial properties and the amount of vitamins it contains. Its fruits consist of two parts: the fruit ("cashew apple") and the walnut itself in a hard shell attached to the fruit. Let's look at what is the use of cashews and how much damage it can cause the body.
The nutritional value
These nuts are high-calorie foods that contain a lot of protein and fat. The caloric value of 100 g of raw cashews is 643 kcal, and 100 g of roasted cashews - 574 kcal. By consuming 100 grams of raw nuts, your body will receive 18.5 grams of protein, 44.5 grams of fat and 30.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Nut composition
Despite the high level of fat content, these nuts of Brazilian origin contain less fat than other popular nuts: walnuts, almonds, peanuts. But the nutrients in them, on the contrary, more. The composition of vitamins in cashew helps this product to stay at the peak of popularity among the nuts.
These Brazilian nuts contain thiamine (vitamin B1) and niacin (B3), which help proteins, fats and carbohydrates to digest, riboflavin (B2), which regulates the growth and reproductive functions of the human body, affects the health of the skin, nails and even the thyroid gland .
Read also about the properties of walnuts and Manchurian nuts, almonds, peanuts.
Also its nuclei contain other vitamins of group B: pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folacin, which favorably affect the digestion and the state of the intestinal microflora. The benefit of cashews is increased by the presence of vitamin C in it, which enhances the protective functions of the body. Omega-3 is also one of the beneficial ingredients of this product.
In addition to a large amount of vitamins, in the fruits of this plant there is also many trace elements:
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- potassium;
- zinc.
Important! Raw unpeeled walnuts are strictly forbidden to use, as under its shell contains poisonous juice, which causes severe chemical burns. For this reason, only cleaned and processed kernels should be shipped to stores.
How is cashew useful?
Vitamins and trace elementswhich are contained in the plant:
- strengthen the immune system;
- contribute to the normalization of the cardiovascular system;
- normalize blood cholesterol levels.
Did you know? Juice, jam, jelly, compote, seasoning and even alcoholic drinks are made from cashew apples in India and Latin America.
For women
It is known that women more often than men suffer from a decrease in the level of libido. In this case, the fruits of this Brazilian plant will help, since it has long been considered natural aphrodisiac. Cashews will also benefit women who experience severe pain during premenstrual syndrome.
Walnut compensates for magnesium deficiency, which harms a woman’s body during PMS. Also, the magnesium contained in it will help women more easily cope with large emotional or physical stress. The use of its cores has a beneficial effect on the delicate female skin, which needs constant care.
Natural aphrodisiacs are also considered: strawberries, saffron, sage, Lychee, cloves, horseradish, actinidia.
For men
Men will also appreciate the benefits of cashews for their bodies. Besides that he increases libido and improves sexual activity, it is still needed to stimulate brain activity.
Moderate use of the product will help to remove cholesterol, which causes severe damage to the body and the abundance of which can lead to stroke - a disease that, according to world statistics, is more common in men. Brazil nuts stimulate the production of testosterone, and therefore increase the activity of the male reproductive system.
Application
Brazil nuts are widely used in various fields: from medicine and nutrition, to cosmetology and dentistry. Cashew is used in various cuisines of the world, this ingredient is most popular in Asian dishes. It is often used in the furniture business and even in the manufacture of transport.
From poisonous substances shell nut make composition for impregnation of wood, which protects it from rotting. It is used for the manufacture of brake pads and linings for cars.
Did you know? In Africa, cashews are used as tattoos.
In medicine
In medicine, it is used in the treatment of diseases such as anemia, psoriasis, impaired metabolism. In Brazil, this product gets rid of respiratory diseases, various inflammatory processes, diabetes and even dysentery. In addition, the oil of its nuclei is used to treat sunburn, dermatitis and warts.
Separately, it is worth noting that proanthocyanidin, which is contained in cashews, is able to suppress the growth of tumors, which means that a nut can be an auxiliary product for overcoming cancer in its early stages. Scientists do not claim that cashew is a cure for cancer, but they are advised to prevent it.
Did you know? From the husks of dried kernels and decoction of the shells of already roasted nuts make an antidote to the bites of poisonous snakes.
In cosmetology
It has long been used in cosmetology Cashew Butter. Various massage creams, masks for body, hair and face are made from it. Nut oil is often used to whiten pigment spots and freckles. Cosmetics from it heal wounds, soften the skin and nourish it, as well as rejuvenate.
In dietetics
Since there is less fat in this type of nuts than in other representatives of the nut family, this product has found application in dietetics. Nutritionists recommend eating about 30 grams of Brazil nuts per day, as they are an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates.
It is noteworthy that in different quantities, the nut is used both in diets for weight gain and in diets for weight loss. Since the nuclei are quickly absorbed by the body, nutritionists recommend them to overcome hunger.
Important! The shelf life of nuts is small: in a tightly closed container they are stored for no more than a month. However, it is possible to extend their shelf life up to six months by storing them in the refrigerator, or up to a year if they are put in the freezer.
In dentistry
In Africa, cashew is widely used to overcome toothache. Also, dentists advise the use of these nuts for oral hygiene: in their cores are substances that block bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. A mixture of finely chopped kernels of the Brazil nut helps get rid of gum disease.
Is it possible to cashews during pregnancy
Cashew is not a product prohibited during pregnancy, if it is not allergic to a young mother. However, even if there is no allergic reaction, it is also necessary to take care of pregnant women with caution, because during the carrying of the fetus the most important thing is to eat rationally and balanced.
Moderate use of nuts during pregnancy:
- stabilizes the pressure and the work of the heart of a young mother;
- contributes to the formation of the child’s skeleton and strengthens the immune system;
- will be a good prevention of anemia.
Harm and contraindications
Contraindications for the use of cashews are few, and the main one is allergy. Excessive use of this product or allergy to it can lead to rash, edema, digestive disorders, skin inflammation. The rest of the nut has beneficial properties and excellent taste, which will only heal your body and bring pleasure.
You should not cook nuts in hot oil - it is hard to find high-quality butter, additional calories will only increase the fat content of the product, and cashew vitamins that are unstable to high temperatures will simply die. With this preparation, the meaning of using kernels for weight loss and healthy nutrition is lost.
Important! It is recommended to buy only whole nuts - they are stored longer. The nuts (illiquid), split into two or more parts, although sold much cheaper, quickly deteriorate and become bitter.
Cashew is a versatile product that is suitable for losing weight and for those who would like to gain weight. It contains many vitamins and minerals that will benefit both the male and the female body. And even pregnant and lactating women will appreciate the benefits of the Brazil nut for themselves and their baby.
