Cashew is one of the superfoods that are popular to many people. Besides the delicious taste, cashews are rich in nutrition and beneficial for health. What are interesting facts about cashew?
Interesting Facts about CashewÂ
1. Cashew Come from The Monkey Guava or Cashew
Unlike other types of nuts, cashews are the original fruit of the cashew tree, which grows at the tip of the fruit.
Monkey guava or cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a fruit plant from Southeastern Brazil. From the cashew fruit, the fruit known as cashew was obtained.
Even though it is called guava, this does not belong to the Myrtaceae family or the guava or nut tribe (Fabaceae). But it is closer to the Anacardiaceae family or the mango tribe.
2. Cashews are Processed in Various Ways
Cashews are usually processed in multiple ways to make them ready to eat.
Cashews can be roasted with added salt or sugar, processed by heating, roasted without additives, salted, or used as a spread or salad.
Besides roasting and pickling, cashews can be cooked in curries, fermented into vinegar, or alcoholic drinks. In some countries, including India and Brazil, it is also used to make preserves and jams.
3. Cashews are Widely Consumed in Various Countries
Cashews are widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Cashews are found in many South Indian chicken and vegetarian recipes
4. The Shape of Cashew Seeds is Kidney-Shaped
The kidney-shaped drupe appears at the tip of the cashew nut and is the original fruit of the cashew tree. The pedicle (flower tip) extends to produce the cashew after the fruit develops on the tree.
Cashew trees flower in the dry season and can be harvested several months later.
5. Cashew Nuts are Rich in Important Nutrients
Cashews are rich in protein and contain essential elements such as copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, and vitamin K are also present. Cashews also contain large amounts of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid.
6. Cashews have Benefit for Health
Due to their rich nutritional content, cashews have many health benefits such as:
a. Cancer Prevention
Proanthocyanidins in cashews are flavonoid class compounds that can fight the growth of tumor cells by preventing cell division.
Proanthocyanidins and the high copper content in cashews help fight cancer cells, especially colon cancer
b. Protection of The Heart and Blood Vessels
Cashews are low in fat compared to other nuts which contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and disease. coronary heart.
Cashews can also help prevent increases in blood pressure with the help of magnesium in cashews.
c. Neuroprotection
The magnesium contained in cashews prevents excessive calcium from entering nerve cells, thereby keeping blood vessels and muscles relaxed.
d. High Source of Antioxidants
The selenium, copper and magnesium contained in cashew nuts act as precursors for many enzymes, which ultimately provide anti-oxidant benefits.
e. High Source of Vitamins to Prevent Various Diseases
Cashews are rich in vitamins like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, niacin etc. This vitamin protects the body from sideroblastic anemia (anemia that occurs due to impaired synthesis of heme from iron) and pellagra (a condition when the body lacks niacin or B3.
7. Cashew Nut Shells have Many Benefits in Various Industries
Cashews nut shells can be used to make lubricants, waterproofs, and weapons. Cashew nut shells can be used for various purposes, including weapons construction, starting in World War II.
8. It is Not Recommended to Consume Raw CashewÂ
Cashews are not recommended for consumption raw because they contain a toxic compound called urushiol and are known to be dangerous for health.
9. Avoid Excessive Consumption of Cashews for People with Gallbladder Problems
Avoid cashews if you have gallbladder problems or kidney stones because they contain oxalates, which can worsen the condition.
But you can still consume it in certain portions and preferably under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist.
Let’s Consume Cashews and Cashew Products!
There are lots of exciting facts about cashew nuts.
Cashews are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Cashews also contain various vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that are beneficial for health.
Just like nuts, cashews can promote weight loss, blood sugar control and heart health.
However, always take the best portions and choose high quality cashews without added salt, sugar, or other additives to get maximum benefits.
Cashew milk from Arummi is one of the cashew products. Let’s enjoy the fresh and creamy sensation from it. The cashew milk is available in the supermarket. Don’t forget to taste it!