They also help lower blood pressure, combat against the formation of plaque buildup in artery walls, and help to lower triglyceride levels, which all works together to fight against heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
CASHEW NUTS HEALTH BENEFITS FULL
Cashews are full of monounsaturated fats, which are needed to to lower LDL cholesterol (AKA the bad kind) and raise HDL cholesterol (AKA the good kind). Here are 11 reasons to make cashew nuts part of your daily or weekly diet: One serving (about a fistful of nuts) a day does a lot towards keeping us mentally and physically healthy. Here, we’re going to discuss the effects that these nutrient dense nuts have on our overall health and well-being. We talked about how they’re full of heart healthy fats, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium and phosphorus, as well as vitamines K, E, and B6. Avoid varieties with loads of added sugar and excessively high sodium counts.In a previous blog post on the nutritional value of cashews, we broke down just how packed full of vitamins and minerals these delicious tree nuts are. "The ingredients should really only include the nut itself - maybe salt and a little oil but that’s it. "Pay attention to the nutrition label and ingredients list," Sassos says. No matter which type of nut you choose, go for a raw or roasted version that's either unsalted or lightly salted. "I also like that pistachios with the shell take some time to eat, forcing you to slow down during snack time and eat a bit more mindfully," Sassos says. These vibrant nuts are considered a complete source of protein since they contain adequate levels of all nine essential amino acids. Roasted pistachios also deserve a special call-out. "They are an excellent source of selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce risk of developing certain cancers." What's more, you only need to eat one Brazil nut to get an entire day’s worth of selenium. " Brazil nuts are a less popular nut variety but are a serious nutrition powerhouse," Sassos adds. They're also rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps support a healthy immune system. While all nuts offer their own pros, almondshave the most fiber. Mizina // Getty Images What are the healthiest nuts to eat? The high protein and fiber content in nuts help keep people feeling fuller for longer. In fact, multiple studies have found that consuming nuts regularly - especially in place of less healthy foods like red meat or refined carbs - can help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. "Cashews and nuts in general may be high in calories, but they are also nutrient-dense and packed with a slew of vitamins and minerals," Sassos explains. Yes, cashews can help support a healthy diet and prevent weight gain. Stick to a 1 ounce serving (about ¼ cup) per day, Sassos recommends, and you'll reap all of the nutritional benefits of cashews. Stronger bones: The micronutrients in cashews like phosphorus and magnesium contribute to bone health and growth.Healthier immune system: Cashews are a good source of zinc and protein, two key ingredients to a stronger immune system.
Lower cholesterol: Research suggests that cashews can decrease total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol when substituted for a high-carb snack.Not only do cashews taste great and work well in vegan dishes, but they can also boost your body in a number of ways:
Get the full lowdown on these nutrition-packed nuts below. "All nuts provide a vegan source of protein that promotes a more plant-forward diet, making nuts a more sustainable choice when compared to red meat and other animal products," she says. They're not only good for you, but also good for the planet, says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, Registered Dietitian for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Like other nuts, cashews provide a plethora of vitamins and minerals as well as filling protein and fiber. Cashews grow on towering, tropical evergreen trees (some measure more than 40 feet tall!), but these versatile nuts can also appear in salads, stir fries, and tofu bowls - and even transform into dairy-free yogurt, milk, ice cream, and queso dip.