The small beige bean that conquered the world. 😄
What is a cashew?
The cashew tree (anacardium occidentale) is a tropical tree native to Brazil.
It produces a fruit called the cashew apple, at the end of which is a shell containing the cashew nut.
The nut, also just called cashew, has many therapeutic properties, known to Amerindians for thousands of years.
Composition
Cashew nuts contain the following bioactive compounds:
- Amino acids.
- Potassium.
- Alpha-linolenic acid.
- Magnesium.
- Polyphenols.
- Vitamins B1, B6, E and K1.
- Lignans.
- Oleic acid.
- Cardanols.
- Copper.
- Phosphorus.
- Manganese.
- Flavonoids.
- Palmitic acid.
- Stearic acid.
- Condensed tannins.
- Selenium.
How to eat cashews?
It’s advisable to wear gloves when shelling the cashew nut, as it contains a toxic resin that can cause irritation.
The shelled seed can be eaten raw or roasted, or used in cooking.
Its properties combine well with those of lucuma.
The red-yellow fruit is tasty, but spoils quickly. It is mainly found in juice form.
Medicinal benefits
Cashew nuts are particularly appreciated by the skin and intestines.
Therapeutic properties
This seed has been shown the following properties:
- Antioxidant.
- Immunostimulant.
- Antispasmodic.
- Hypotensive.
- Seboregulator.
- Tonic.
- Emollient.
- Vasodilator.
- Antivomiting.
- Antimicrobial.
Disease
Cashew has traditionally been used in cases of :
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Constipation.
- Urethritis.
- Dyspepsia.
- Leprosy.
- Influenza.
- Eczema.
- Hypertension.
- Neuralgia.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Fever.
- Asthma.
- Tiredness.
Antioxidant
Cashew nuts have an appreciated antioxidant action, mainly due to the presence of :
- Vitamin E.
- Polyphenols.
- Flavonoids.
However, this is a one-off action.
It is preferable to apply long-lasting solutions to reduce oxidative stress.
Conclusion
What are the medicinal benefits of cashew?
As well as being nutritious and pleasant-tasting, cashew nuts help to :
- Strengthen antioxidant mechanisms.
- Prevent certain diseases.
- Strengthen the skin.