Cashews..Not just a nut!

10 Benefits of Cashews
Benefits of cashews
I love it when foods that I love are super healthy too! Consider the cashew nut, for example. Cashews are full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which are required for the normal functioning of the body. Here are 10 reasons why you should include cashews in you diet:
1. May help prevent cancer:
Cashews are rich in proanthocyanidins which help fight against cancerous cells by stopping them from divide further.
2. Lowers high blood pressure:
Due to their magnesium content, cashew nuts can help to lower blood pressure.
3. Healthy bones:
Like calcium, magnesium is also important for bone health which is the main content in cashew nuts.
4. Healthy nerves:
Magnesium is stored on the bones surface which prevents calcium from entering the nerve cells and thus keeps the blood vessels and muscles relaxed. Insufficient amount of magnesium can lead calcium to enter the blood vessels leading them to contract.
5. Prevents gallstones:
Daily intake of cashew nuts can reduce the risk of developing gallstones up to 25%.
6. May help with weight loss:
Even though cashew nuts are considered fats, they contain good cholesterol. So contrary to popular belief, those who eat cashews at least twice a week gain less weight when compared to those who eat less.
7. May reduce symptoms of depression:
Just one big handful of cashews provides one to two thousand milligrams of the amino acid tryptophan. In the body tryptophan is broken down into anxiety-reducing, snooze-inducing niacin. Tryptophan is also made into serotonin, one of your body’s most important neurotransmitters. Serotonin contributes to a feeling of well-being and mellowness.
8. Helps digestion:
Cashew nuts help with growth and development, nucleic acid synthesis and digestion.
9. Healthy gums and teeth:
As mentioned before, the magnesium content present in cashew nuts is very good for bones. This magnesium also makes for healthy teeth and strong gums as well.
10. Helps reduce free radical damage:
Cashew nuts help the body to utilize iron properly and eliminate free radicals which can lead to health problems.