Go nutty for cashewnuts: Know all about their healthy goodness!

Cashewnuts are considered among those foods that contain the highest amount of calories. Dieticians, nutritonists and other medical professionals advise anybody on a diet or a weight loss program against consuming the “calorie bombs”.

Many Indian delicacies include cashews as an integral part of the dish, be it curries, gravies or marinating pastes, cashews gives the dishes it is added to a distinct, rich taste.

The Brazilian plant, however, is high in essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. The nut, as well as the fruit that it is a part of, is so rich in health benefits that if taken in moderation, can not only help you lose fat, but also provide you with other health improvements.

To find out what, have a look!

The British Journal of Nutrition as well as the National Centre for Biotechnology Information have carried out respective studies, all of which suggest that cashews are incredibly healthy in order to maintain heart health.

It lowers cholesterol levels and its antioxidant properties aid in cardio-protective benfits.

Regular but limited intake of cashews can help reduce risk of blood disease. Their rich copper content help in eliminating free radicals from the body. 

Our eyes are one of the first organs of our body to become victim to some or the other infection. Cashews contain a powerful antioxidant pigment called Zea Xanthin, which gets directly absorbed by the retina. This in turn, forms a protective layer over our retina which prevents the harmful UV rays.

Cashews in oil form work wonders for the skin. Cashew nut oil, derived from cashew seeds, is rich in selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorous.

Also, they are great sources of phytochemicals, proteins and antioxidants. Apart from making skin healthy, cashewnut oil helps prevent cancer as well.

If consumed in moderation on a regular basis, cashewnuts can help you lose weight faster instead of making you gain weight. As per a study published in the journal Obesity, people who eat nuts at least twice a week are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat nuts.

Cashews are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that contribute to giving a boost to the metabolic process to burn excess fat. However, eat them uncooked, unroasted and unsalted for better results.

-- By Udita Madan