Herbs and Spices - Cashew Nut
Cashew Nut
Cashews are a type of nut with a soft consistency and sweet flavor.They are native to South America, specifically Brazil, and were introduced by colonists to Africa and India. These regions are the largest producers of cashews today. Cashews are sold both raw or roasted, and salted or unsalted.
Cashews have recently been used to make dairy alternatives, such as cashew milk, cashew-based cheese and cashew-based cream sauces and sour cream. It has a wide range of properties that is beneficial to our health.
Benefits:
1.Boost immune system: In addition to containing high amounts of copper, cashews are a great source of zinc. Failing to get enough zinc compromises your immune system functioning, since this mineral is important for the development of immune system cells, production of antioxidant enzymes and activity of immune system regulators.
2.Excellent source of antioxidant: Antioxidants sweep through the cell, neutralizing free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Some of the most potent antioxidants include vitamins E and K. Cashews contain both of the vitamins, helping your body fight off oxidative damage.
3.Contain no cholesterol: Cashews contain no cholesterol, making them an extraordinarily heart-healthy choice.
4.Lower risk of gallstone : Gallstones are made up of hardened cholesterol or a compound called bilirubin, and they can be extremely painful.
5.Good for eye health: Cashews contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants. When consumed daily, these antioxidant compounds can protect the eyes from the type of damage that can lead to blindness as we get older.They can also help decrease the risk of cataracts.
Serving way:
• Make homemade trail mix with a mixture of cashews and other nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
• Make your own cashew butter (like peanut butter) by blending whole, raw cashews in a food processor until smooth
• Top main dishes such as fish or chicken with a mixture of chopped cashews and herbs before baking
• Mix cashews into your next salad or stir fry
• Use cashew milk as an alternative to dairy milk