While some experts argue it is a nut, others believe it is actually a seed. However, all do agree that cashews are very healthy snacks everyone should take up as part of their diet. It is not certain whether people who are allergic to nuts experience the same reaction to cashews. If you’re lucky enough not to be allergic, you can use these tasty seeds/nuts to add flavor to a range of dishes.
What are Cashews?
Cashews are a product of a tree that is native to South America, particularly Brazil. They are considered to be seeds because they fall directly off the tree, encased in a drupe. However, cooks classify them as nuts because of the properties they share with walnuts, peanuts and other varieties. If you are allergic to nuts, try a small amount of cashews to determine if they are safe to eat or not.
What are Cashews Good For?
The list of nutrients inside these small foods is lengthy. They are most commonly consumed for their protein and healthy fat content. Cashews contain unsaturated fats that help take care of the heart. They also provide many minerals including iron, zinc, selenium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper. These minerals help to regulate enzyme activity, digestion, metabolism; blood cell production, immunity, brain function and many more.
Cashews are often recommended for men with low sperm count. Snacking on cashews regularly can synthesize protein and increase sperm production. They are also great foods for those with poor vision, sensitive skin and elderly patients suffering from degenerative diseases linked with age.
What are Cashew’s Effects on Weight Loss?
It is common knowledge that nuts are fatty. Like other types of nuts, cashews have high levels of fat that can affect your calorie count. 100 grams of cashews, for instance, adds up to over 500 calories. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to snacking on an ounce or two. One ounce of cashews can have as many calories as a piece of fruit. Eat these nuts in moderation and count your calories to avoid overeating.
What are Cashew’s Effects on Blood Sugar?
Diabetics will be glad to know that cashews can help stabilize blood sugar. One of the biggest challenges of being on a diabetic diet is trying to stay full while balancing blood sugar levels on a low-carb diet. Cashews have low carbohydrate content while protein successfully curbs hunger. This can reduce the likelihood of hypo- and hyperthermia.
What Can You Make With Cashews?
Most people enjoy the taste of roasted cashews and prefer to eat them alone. However, they can easily be incorporated into curries, casseroles and soups. You can have an ounce for breakfast with plain yoghurt or whole-grain cereals. Another delicious idea is to add them to smoothies or protein shakes to give your drinks a nutritional punch.
The most important question is not “What are cashews?” but rather how they can be incorporated safely into your diet. Before you add them to your meal plan, make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions that could harm your health. If not, snack on them or add them to dishes to benefit from their nutrition and great taste.
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