The cashew tree, which originated in Brazil, was introduced to India in the sixteenth century in order to stabilise the ground. On India’s rugged east and west coasts, it is grown as a cash crop.
Cashew nuts are the seeds of the cashew plant, not the fruit that they are often shown perched atop in images. Instead of growing in the centre of the fruit, they do so around the edges.
Amazing health advantages of cashews
The most mouthwatering snack possible are cashew nuts, also referred to as “kaju.” To make a paste out of cashews, add it to sauces or use it as a garnish on sweet shop. Who hasn’t tasted kaju barfi or lusted after the garnish of slivered kajus on top of a halwa?
relevance to nutrition
One serving of kaju, 100 grammes, has 553 calories. The nuts are rich in protein, fibre, and fat. These meals are rich in minerals including iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. Thiamine, vitamin B6, and vitamin K are also included in kaju.
Only 100 grammes of raw cashew nuts contain 113 milligrammes of beta-sitosterol, which has great medicinal potential.
There are many beneficial elements in cashews. Eating cashew nuts has several positive effects.
high in sodium, potassium, and vitamin B6
Cashew nuts’ nutritional profile reveals just how rich they are in vitamins, which are essential for our bodies to function properly.
Vitamin B6 is crucial for the cellular metabolization of proteins and controls more than 100 enzyme systems in our body.
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, deficiency can lead to diseases including beriberi, pellagra, which causes nerve inflammation (neuritis), and deficiencies in pregnant women. In addition, thiamine helps people with type 2 diabetes maintain healthy kidneys and lessens memory loss, particularly Alzheimer’s-related memory loss. For the body to utilise carbs as best as possible, thiamine is essential.
Vitamin K is necessary to stop any major bleeding. According to several studies, it benefits bone health, especially in avoiding osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone loss.
A handful of kaju is a wonderful snack and a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals.
favourable mineral wealth
Cashew nuts’ iron content can aid in preventing anaemia.
Selenium is a crucial vitamin involved in the synthesis of antioxidants, which is necessary to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc are crucial for maintaining healthy bones, digestion, DNA synthesis, sexual function, eyesight, and other bodily functions. In actuality, all of these essential minerals activate and regulate every bodily function.
The benefits of beta-sitosterol
Cashew nuts contain this plant ester, a gift from nature. It is advantageous for the immune system because it lowers the risk of colon cancer and for the gall bladder because it minimises the creation of gallstones. It can be used to treat bronchitis, headaches, thinning hair, and chronic fatigue.
Cashew nuts are especially recommended for menopausal women to have a good night’s sleep.
erroneous beliefs that many people have
Unhealthy fats abound in cashews. Yet, the majority of them are unsaturated fats. Kaju provides 67% of the daily recommended intake of fat in just 100 grammes. Moreover, cashew nuts have 17% saturated fat, which is more than the 6% in walnuts and almonds but not enough to put them on a restricted foods list. You can understand why cashews are a healthier choice by comparing the calories in an equal amount of cashews to an equal amount of chips or any other fast food. Kaju is a more nutrient-dense alternative that doesn’t merely provide “empty calories.”
Peanut and tree nut allergies can be extremely severe. Allergy sufferers need to exercise caution.
Instead of being added to the daily calorie allowance, cashew nuts should be used as a replacement for less satisfying items like fried snacks to reap the full nutritional benefits of their high nutritional richness.
Although cashew nuts are finest consumed fresh, everyone should occasionally indulge in the roasted and spiced kind.
A Few Ideas for Storing
Cashew nuts can keep their quality for up to a month when stored properly. Keep them in a container with a tight-fitting lid, such a bottle.
Excess can be kept for up to four to six months in the refrigerator.
The freezer is the best place to store a sizable amount that was purchased during a Diwali binge.
You won’t have any trouble locating kajus whether you’re shopping at a huge supermarket or a speciality dried fruit store. To ensure that the cashew nuts you buy have been correctly kept and are bug-free, it’s crucial to buy them from a trustworthy supplier.
Kaju is available in many grades as well. Usually speaking, the price of a nut increases with its size. When they are entire, these nuts are likewise more prized and expensive. You run the danger of bringing unwanted bugs or illnesses into your home if you buy nuts in their unprocessed state. To get the best value for your money, you must purchase from a reputable brand or retailer.
To enhance your daily nutrient intake, eat extra cashew nuts. Over your bowl of morning cereal, sprinkle them. To give your gravies that thick texture and creamy flavour, substitute kaju paste for cream. Maybe you might just grab a bunch and cheerfully eat them while going about your day.
Freelance writer, environmentalist, lover of organic food, and consumer of organic products. My blogging aims include expressing my interest in organic items, learning something new, and bringing positive energy into the world.
