Cashews: A Healthy Alternative To Peanuts

If you avoid peanuts, it’s likely you know the joy of cashews. Slightly sweet and smooth in texture, cashews provide not only relief to those with peanut allergies but also health benefits.

Cancer Prevention

Cashews have a class of flavanols, proanthocyanidins, which actually starve tumors and stop cancer cells from dividing. Cashews can reduce colon cancer risk. The high copper content of the cashew provides some power to eliminate free radicals. The nut is a good source of phytochemicals and antioxidants that protect against heart disease and some cancers.

Healthy Heart

Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat is in the form of oleic acid, which is the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. Oleic acid promotes good cardiovascular health by helping to reduce triglyceride levels, high levels of which are associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Cholesterol-free, cashews can help lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. The magnesium found in cashews helps lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.

Hair and Skin Health

Because cashews are rich in the mineral copper, an essential component of many enzymes, their nutrients contribute to a variety of physiological processes. One copper-containing enzyme, tyrosinase, creates melanin, which gives color to hair and skin.

Strong Bones

Calcium and magnesium are necessary for strong bones. Cashews have loads of magnesium, which helps give bones their physical structure. The copper in cashews contributes to healthy collagen and elastin, providing substance and flexibility for bones and joints.

Source: Eat This!
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