Cashews: Contraindications, Side Effects, Allergies, Benefits And Recipes

Cashew nuts ( anacardium occidentale ) also known as cajus or cashews are included within the group of nuts. They are crescent-shaped and have a peculiar sweet taste. Curiously, cashews are not a fruit but a seed of a tree from Brazil, Venezuela and other South American countries. Fascinated by its incredible nutritional components, the Portuguese colonizers transferred the seeds to India and other countries in Asia and Africa and today it is one of the most appreciated and consumed foods in the entire world.

Benefits, uses and properties of cashews

Cashews are highly nutritious and their frequent consumption provides countless benefits to our health and helps us preserve and optimize our body. Much has been debated about the high amount of calories that these fruits have. However, its virtues and nutritional properties are greater, so its consumption without falling into excess is widely recommended.

If you want to know in detail the multiple benefits that cashews provide and you want to always stay healthy, we recommend reading this entire article. You will be surprised how positive it can be for you to include these rich fruits in your regular diet. Without a doubt, they are a true panacea, as they can help us prevent many diseases, disorders and conditions. In addition, they can also help us to effectively eliminate various ailments.

To lower cholesterol

Cashews are wonderful allies for people who suffer from high cholesterol since they have unsaturated fatty acids that are the perfect weapon to reduce cholesterol.

And they also have a great antioxidant power, because they contain in generous proportions the mineral selenium, which is one of the most important and necessary minerals for the proper and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.

To lose weight

Cashews are popularly referred to as “fat burning” fruits. Since its consumption is a trigger that helps to burn excess body fat quickly and effectively. Its fame has spread worldwide, as it has special (almost magical) properties that promote the reduction of body weight.

If you consume cashews, you will feel a pleasant sensation of fullness, which will prevent you from wanting to continue eating and will drastically reduce cravings for food and the recurring feeling of hunger.

Excellent during pregnancy

Cashew is the best 100% natural multivitamin that a pregnant woman can consume . It contains a large number of vitamins such as (B, C, D, E and K) and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc , potassium among others. These components are necessary and vital for the formation, evolution and normal development of the fetus.

Through the regular intake of cashews, both the mother and the baby favor the strengthening of their respective immune systems , a very beneficial fact that will ensure a healthy, full and happy pregnancy.

Its oil is an aphrodisiac

For couples who have a decrease in their libido, their sexual desire is highly recommended that they consume cashew oil, since it is considered a powerful revitalizing, invigorating and 100% natural sexual stimulant.

It can be of great help to both men and women. If you want to regain your desire and energize your intimate life, do not hesitate to try it.

Commercial uses of cashew

The cashew is commonly used to make sweets and chocolates in the field of confectionery. And it is also frequently used in the bakery area.

Its oil is commercialized and has a variety of medicinal, edible and aesthetic uses.

Non-alcoholic beverages (juices) and fermented alcoholic beverages (wines) are extracted from the cashew fruit.

Jellies and vinegars are also made from the processed fruit. In addition, its seed is used as a component in the cosmetic industry . Its bark is also used in the plastics industry. And all the fruit is also used as raw material in the medical industry.

Where to buy organic or normal cashews

The common cashew can be found in any store, but the organic ones or we go to specialized stores that charge us a lot or we buy them directly from the internet, here are some of the best brands:

  • 1kg organic cashew nuts without additives and untreated from controlled organic farming
  • Ducado Waitrose Organic Unsalted Cashew 100G Walnuts – Pack of 6
  • 70g Organic Noberasco No cashew shell
  • Biona Organic Cashew 170g Butter
  • Biojoy Natural raw cashew nuts Premium Quality Anacardium occidentale (1 kg)
  • Plenish – Organic cashew milk without dairy or sweeteners 1 l (pack of 8)

Medicinal uses of cashews

Cashew nuts are widely used in the field of natural medicine to treat multiple ailments and conditions such as hypotension, their infused leaves raise blood pressure. Some lung problems such as bronchitis can also be treated with this infusion that has expectorant properties. Cashew oil is also used to relieve sore throats and irritations.

Cashew oil is also used externally through its direct application to treat various skin conditions such as rashes, corns, and warts.

For people who have diabetes

Many scientific studies carried out by prestigious universities around the world point out and confirm that cashew nuts are an excellent natural remedy that effectively fights diabetes , since it regulates blood sugar levels in a surprising way and optimizes the body’s response to insulin. .

For people with hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a metabolism disorder in our body that causes our entire system to function in a very slow and irregular way. This slowness produces a series of undesirable effects in our body such as the tendency to chronic fatigue and being overweight.

Cashews contain a considerable amount of iodine that effectively counteracts these harmful effects on our health.

Can you prevent cancer?

Definitely, cashews can help us prevent the dreaded cancer disease since they contain great contributions of proanthocyanidins, these are flavonoids that intervene by suppressing cancer cells, in a literal sense they let them starve.

The most recent medical studies have shown that regular consumption of this fruit can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Against diarrhea and constipation

The bark and the root of the cashew nut are used as an effective remedy against diarrhea due to its large fiber component, which makes the activity of the intestines resume its natural rhythm.

Also this high amount of fiber that this fruit has helps to relieve constipation , since it induces a greater fluidity in the intestinal movement, thus allowing you to evacuate normally and regularly.

For Anemia

Cashews contain a significant percentage of iron, a fundamental mineral in the body’s oxygenation process, it helps to revitalize the entire organism and to suppress all signs of anemia or fatigue.

If you need more information see our article on anemia.

Prevent gallstones

Frequent or daily consumption of cashews can decrease the likelihood of developing any type of gallstones by up to 25%.

Benefits the brain

Cashews are excellent enhancers for our brain , optimizing its functions and increasing oxygen flow. Due to its high magnesium content, its consumption benefits the central nervous system, thus preventing serious disorders such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Check out our article on 20 Foods for your brain and your well-being !!!

Improves vision

Due to its great antioxidant effect and its high vitamin content, the cashew protects our eyesight, thus avoiding possible damage to our retina and preventing macular deterioration that usually arises in middle age.

For the skin

Cashews have vitamin E, a fundamental vitamin when it comes to taking care of our skin, our hair and our nails. So, if we want to keep our skin beautiful, we must add a touch of cashew to our daily meals.

The oil of this fruit is very effective in treating undesirable acne and other skin or dermatological conditions, either through consumption or external application.

Side Effects and Allergies of Cashews

It is important to bear in mind that cashews can cause allergic reactions in some cases, and can represent a potential danger. Therefore, it is truly advisable to consume them with extreme caution, especially if you are a person very prone to allergies.

Causes and symptoms

The most frequent signs and symptoms that may appear in a person allergic to cashew nuts are the following:

SWELLING

If it has been eaten, it may have inflammation in the mouth and in nearby areas, as well as irritating red bumps.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

You may suffer severe stomach aches and vomiting.

RESPIRATORY DEFICIENCIES

  • Possible asthma attack,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Nasal congestion
  • Chest pain.

If you have any of these signs and symptoms please see a doctor immediately.

Is it considered toxic and / or poisonous?

The peel of the fruit is very irritating and toxic and therefore the cashew should never be consumed raw and unprocessed. It is best to consume cashew nuts that have already been subjected to different processes that make them suitable for human consumption. It is important to note that consuming them in large amounts at one time can be fatal.

No prevention is little when it comes to safeguarding our integrity and physical well-being. So we must be very careful and remember that all foods, no matter how beneficial they are for our health, if they are consumed irrationally and in excess, can be harmful for us.

Do they have contraindications?

As we have already explained, the daily intake of cashews is very positive for us since they are immensely beneficial for our body, but in some cases they can cause us problems. We must take special precautions when consuming cashews if:

  • If we suffer from stomach diseases.
  • If we are allergic to the components of this fruit.
  • We must prevent very young children from eating cashews.

Cashew vs peanuts

Both peanuts and cashews are considered superfoods because they both have a high nutritional level and their consumption is widely recommended by renowned nutritionists and health professionals.

While the peanut is composed of 26% albumin , the cashew only has 16%. As for vitamins and minerals they have the same values . Both are wonderful natural supplements for our health and they are also simply delicious. So there are no excuses, let’s start consuming peanuts and cashews from now on.

Gastronomic use

The cashew is a highly appreciated ingredient in haute cuisine. It is used in all kinds of desserts, cookies, jellies and jams. As well as to accompany various savory dishes such as meat and chicken recipes. It is also used in various salads and vinaigrettes.

How to prepare cashew milk?

One of the appetizing ways in which you can consume these fruits is by preparing their milk. At home you can easily prepare a tasty and nutritious cashew milk.

You will only need:

Cashews (the amount you consider appropriate), drinking water, and vanilla or cinnamon (optionally)

preparation:

Crush the cashews very well and mix them with the water, beat this mixture very well. Once beaten, you should strain it carefully, then if you like it, add the vanilla or cinnamon and that’s it. Remember to keep it in the refrigerator in a container with a glass lid. Enjoy it!

Cashew butter

Cashew butter is also another of the rich variants in which you can consume this great fruit. It is another very easy and simple recipe to prepare.

You will only need :

  • 250 grams of fried cashews
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil ,
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar

preparation:

Crush the cashews very well and then mix them with the sugar and oil. Store the resulting mixture in a container and refrigerate it for a few hours. And ready to eat!

Cashew with honey

To end the various and appetizing ways to consume cashews, we share with you a powerful combination of cashew with honey, which is twice as delicious and highly healthy . Do you dare to prepare this combination?

You will only need:

Cashews (the amount you like), honey, salt and oil.

preparation:

Heat the honey slightly, then mix it with the salt and oil and add the cashews to this mixture. Bake this for a little over 10 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, let them cool and they will be ready to eat. Enjoy your meal!

Nutritional information of this fruit

About 30gm of cashews can contain about 157 calories. It also has:

Glycemic index

Cashews have a glycemic index value of only 15, an index that is considered low compared to other nuts.

If you liked this article, do not stop reading The Best Types of Nuts for our Health

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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