Cashews have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are packed with nutrients, including copper, zinc, magnesium, fiber and healing antioxidants. The monounsaturated fatty acids in cashews work to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Cashews health benefits include healthy skin, migraine prevention, improved heart health and more.
Cashews Health Benefits
1. Fight Heart Disease
Cashews health benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease. They work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation to fight high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Cashews health benefits also include lower LDL cholesterol levels.
2. Prevent Gallstones
Cashews work to prevent gallstones by promoting liver health. Gallstones occur when cholesterol levels are unhealthy and too much cholesterol is present in the bile that circulates through the digestive tract. Cashews help boost liver health and reduce inflammation to prevent gallstones. (1)
3. Aid in Weight Loss
Cashews health benefits include the ability to aid in weight loss. They provide the body with healthy fats and minerals that are important for weight loss. They also contain fiber, which helps promote a feeling of satiety to curb food cravings.
4. Maintain Bone Health
Cashews health benefits include improved bone health, thanks to the calcium, magnesium and potassium they contain. These nutrients help protect the body against bone demineralization. The Vitamin K in chews works to maintain bone mineral density and protect the bones from osteoporosis.
5. Prevent Cancer
Eating cashews on a regular basis may help prevent certain types of cancer. The nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats in cashews help lower inflammation levels to reduce the risk of colon, prostate and liver cancers.
6. Support Healthy Brain Function
Cashews health benefits include healthy brain function. The healthy fats they contain help support cognitive function, regulate mood and and support healthy aging. Cashews improve cognitive abilities by regulating neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. (2)
7. Lower Diabetes Risk
Cashews health benefits include a lower risk for diabetes. Cashews contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which slow down the rate that blood is released into the bloodstream. Monounsaturated fatty acids also help lower inflammation levels to reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease. (3)
8. Prevent Migraines
Cashews health benefits include migraine prevention. They contain plant-based phytosterols, which help to lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce headaches. Cashews also help fight blood sugar spikes, which often trigger migraines.
9. Maintain Healthy Skin
Cashews health benefits include the ability to promote healthy skin. The essential fatty acids and other nutrients in cashews work to keep the skin hydrated and reduce inflammation. Eating cashews on a regular basis can help prevent dry and flaking skin as well as premature aging. Cashews also contain copper, which plays a role in the formation of collagen.