Cashew is a nut of the Anacardium occidentale family native to the coastal regions of northeastern Brazil, widely grown in tropical climates such as India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania.
In Vietnam, cashew is grown mainly in the southern provinces, especially the Central Highlands and Southeast provinces.
Not only a delicious snack or an ingredient to create a special dish, cashew nuts are also a great source of nutrition for human health. Cashew nuts contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
These include vitamins E, K, B6, along with minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium, all of which are important for maintaining good bodily functions.
The health benefits of cashews are invaluable, here are the reasons why you should add this nutritious nut to your and your family's diet.
Blood sugar control
Since cashews are very low in sugar and do not contain harmful cholesterol, they are safe for diabetics.
In addition, cashew extracts can improve the body's ability to respond to insulin and can prevent diabetes from developing, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention
Many studies have shown that cashews are rich in antioxidants such as anacardic acid, cardanol and cardols which are effective for people undergoing tumor and cancer treatment.
Proanthocyanidins found in cashews are a group of flavonoids that have the effect of fighting and preventing cancer cells from dividing. This is one of the outstanding benefits of cashews.
Losing weight
Compared with diets that exclude nuts, people who eat nuts in moderation and regularly lose weight faster.
People who consume nuts have lower BMIs than those who do not. In clinical studies, the evidence is almost unanimous that including nuts in the diet leads to little or no weight gain.
Cashews contain a lot of Omega 3 fatty acids which help promote metabolism to burn excess fat.
Prevent blood diseases
Regular consumption of cashews can help prevent blood diseases. Cashews are rich in copper, which plays an important role in removing free radicals from the body. Copper is necessary for the absorption of iron from the intestines.
Therefore, when there is a lack of copper, the body will absorb less iron. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which causes the body's tissues to not be supplied with enough oxygen, leading to feelings of fatigue, lethargy, and inability to concentrate on work and study.
Boost immune system
Cashews contain zinc, which plays an important role in boosting the immune system, fighting infections, synthesizing proteins, and healing wounds.
Zinc is extremely important for pregnant women and fetal development as well as the early years of a child's development to maintain a healthy body.
Eye protection
In the over-polluted urban environment, eyes are often damaged. Cashews contain a powerful antioxidant pigment called zea xanthin.
This pigment is easily and directly absorbed by the retina, then forms a protective layer on the retina to block harmful UV rays.
Small amounts of zea xanthin help prevent age-related macular degeneration in the elderly, thus helping to maintain eye health.
Support brain health
Cashews are great for the brain because they are rich in vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that helps protect brain cells from oxidative damage.
Studies have shown that vitamin E may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Cashews are also high in magnesium, which is essential for brain function and may also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Reduce inflammation
Cashews are rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, which are antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and may also reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Studies show that roasted cashews have higher antioxidants, so choose roasted ones for better antioxidant properties.
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