Cashew: The Nut That Improves Mood and Health
Cashews, like all nuts, are rich in nutrients. The combination of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals makes this nut an ideal food product.
But cashew is also known as a natural antidepressant.
After all, a handful of these nuts contains the same amount of tryptophan as in tablets, and, as is known, L-tryptophan increases the level of serotonin in the body and helps to better transmit nerve impulses to the brain.
Cashews grow on a fruit tree called Anacardium occidentale, which is native to Central and South America and Asia.
Among the main beneficial properties of cashews, the following should be noted:
- contains the essential acid L-tryptophan, which is found in some common antidepressants;
- Cashews contain a large amount of magnesium - it relieves painful spasms of the uterus or large intestine, and also helps with angina;
- contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin, vitamin E and folic acid, which is important during pregnancy. Niacin improves the condition in various dermatological diseases;
- Cashews help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol;
- high content of carotenoids has a positive effect on the health of the skin and eyes, prevents retinal degeneration;
- Cashews are full of antioxidants - copper, zinc, selenium and the aforementioned vitamin E.
Cashews are a source of magnesium
Cashews contain a lot of magnesium, a chronic deficiency of which we all experience.
By consuming cashews, you can not be afraid of gaining weight, because it contains only 45% fat and 27% carbohydrates, while it has a low glycemic index. If we follow the recommended daily intake of 40-50 grams, we do not need to worry about our waist.
Along with magnesium, when we consume cashews, we also get a good dose of much-needed calcium.
