Cashew nuts, originally from Brazil, are now consumed all over the world. This small nut is known for its delicious taste, but cashews' popularity is also based on their health benefits .
The nutritional composition of cashew nuts: a treasure for health
The nutritional composition of cashew nuts . These delicious nuts are full of energy, providing no less than 553 kilocalories per 100 grams. Although rich in fats, they are mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, the 'good' fats beneficial for the heart.
They are a valuable source of plant proteins , generally healthier than animal proteins. They also contain dietary fiber , which helps maintain a healthy digestive system .
Cashew nuts are also a mine of vitamins and minerals. They contain B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, and are particularly rich in magnesium, a mineral crucial for bone and nerve health.
Despite their high fat content, cashews can be included in a balanced and healthy diet. It's a perfect snack that quickly satisfies hunger while providing a wide range of essential nutrients .
Essential vitamins and minerals found in cashews
Cashew nuts are a rich and varied source of vitamins and minerals essential for our daily well-being. For example, a small portion of these nuts could provide you with a significant amount of copper, a substance essential for the proper functioning of your nerve cells and the production of red blood cells.
They are rich in phosphorus , a central element in the structure of our bones and teeth. Likewise, the magnesium they contain helps maintain your heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Cashew is an important source of iron , an essential mineral that plays a primary role in oxygenating your body's tissues. Iron is also essential for the formation of DNA and certain hormones.
Zinc , present in quantity in this small nut. Zinc has antioxidant properties and is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions. It is a central ally for the immune system, healing and the perception of taste and smell.
The role of cashews in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
A notable identity of cashews is their ability to aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease . These nuts are an excellent source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lipid profile in the body.
The monounsaturated fatty acids in cashews help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This is crucial because an imbalance between these two types of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Cashews are rich in antioxidants , such as polyphenols and tocopherols , which help fight oxidative stress, another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress leads to cell damage and inflammation, which is linked to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Their low sodium and high potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure, thereby preventing hypertension, which is another major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
Taking into account all the elements discussed above, we can say that cashew nuts are a real nutritional bomb. Their rich composition of vitamins , minerals and healthy fats helps optimize our general well-being, while providing a delicious taste.
