Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Maintain heart health with organic cashews

Author: Conscious Food
by Conscious Food
Posted: May 29, 2022

Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds derived from the cashew tree, a tropical tree native to Brazil that is currently grown in a variety of areas across the world.

While "raw" cashews are widely available, they are not safe to eat because they contain urushiol, a chemical found in poison ivy. Urushiol is poisonous, and some people may experience a skin reaction if they come into touch with it.

The poisonous liquid is removed from cashew kernels during processing, and the resulting product is advertised as "raw."

Organic cashews, while usually referred to as tree nuts and nutritionally similar to them, are actually seeds. They're packed with nutrients and plant components, and they're easy to include into a number of dishes.

Similar to other nuts, cashews can also provide many health benefits. They've been associated to improved blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and a healthy heart.

Contain beneficial plant compounds

Cashews, like other nuts and seeds, are considered antioxidant powerhouses.

Antioxidants are plant chemicals that help keep your body healthy by neutralizing free radicals, which cause harm. As a result, inflammation is reduced, and your body's ability to stay healthy and disease-free.

Polyphenols and carotenoids, two types of antioxidants present in cashews and other tree nuts, are abundant.

Studies have connected antioxidants found in nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds to decreased levels of oxidative cell damage.

Cashews may have similar oxidation-fighting properties due to their similar antioxidant composition. This could be especially true with roasted cashews, which appear to have higher antioxidant activity than their "raw" counterparts.

Heart health may be improved.

Nut-rich diets, such as cashews, have repeatedly been associated to a lower risk of diseases like stroke and heart disease.

Cashews have been studied for their heart health advantages in a few research.

One study indicated that persons with type 2 diabetes who ate cashews for 10% of their daily calories had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol ratios than those who didn't eat cashews at all.

A low LDL to HDL ratio is commonly thought to be a sign of good heart health.

Other research has linked cashew nut consumption to greater HDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower total and LDL cholesterol.

A recent review, however, found mixed findings. According to one of the research featured, eating cashews on a regular basis can help lower blood pressure and lipid levels. It has no effect on total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol levels, though.

After consuming cashews for 4–12 weeks every day, a study reported that there is no significant changes in cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Researchers assume that the inconsistent outcomes are due to a small number of research and small participant sizes. They conclude that, while cashews are just as likely as other nuts to promote heart health, additional research is required to validate this.

Conclusion

Fiber, protein, and healthy fats abound in cashews. They also include a range of vitamins, minerals, and essential plant chemicals that safeguard your health.

Cashews, like nuts, may help with weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and heart health. Cashews, on the other hand, have received less research than other nuts. To confirm these advantages, more cashew-specific studies are needed.

However, there are a few drawbacks to increasing your cashew intake. Always choose unsalted dry-roasted or unroasted kinds if at all feasible.

About the Author

Conscious Food has been the purveyor of certified organic & natural food since 1990. Choose from a curated range of organic food products. Shop your organic groceries online.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Conscious Food

Conscious Food

Member since: May 26, 2022
Published articles: 2

Related Articles