Cashew, which is served alone or in mixed snack plates and is included in many dishes, especially chicken, is the fruit of the tree from which it takes its name. Although it is called cashew nut, it is actually a fruit itself. It is located inside the shell structure at the tip of the fruit. After the outer shell is cracked with a special tool, the peanut inside is removed and can be consumed as a snack in this form. It is not found in Turkey because it can grow in tropical climates. This is also the reason why cashews are a snack sold at high prices.
Cashew, whose homeland is Brazil, can be grown in many countries around the world. The cashew plant, which was introduced to the world by the Portuguese who invaded Brazil, can grow in humid and warm environments. The largest cashew trees in the world grow in Indonesia, China, South America, India and West Africa. The most suitable climate for growing this fruit is in Ecuador and its surroundings.
The cashew tree produces only a single nut. The seeded fruits are removed from their shells and roasted to be served as cashew snacks. The fruit of this tree is fleshy and juicy. Since it rots very quickly, it requires extreme care and maintenance. After it is produced from seeds, germination is done in a container filled with water. The seed, which takes 4 or 5 days to sprout, becomes ready for planting during this time. Regions with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees during the day and 20 degrees at night have been found suitable for planting cashew sprouts.
What are the benefits of cashew?
The biggest difference of cashew, which is distinguished from other types of peanuts by its main features, is its shape and size. Cashew is served and consumed without its shell. Oil and salt are added to roasted cashew fruits to flavor them. Cashew, which can be served spicy if desired, can also be served with other cookies. The benefits of cashew, which is both sweet and salty, have been approved by many experts.
Cashew benefits are listed as follows:
- It supports heart health.
- It has the effect of regulating blood sugar.
- It helps people who want to lose weight.
- It is known to relieve depression, stress and its effects.
- It has a strengthening effect on bone health.
- It also has anticancer properties with the antioxidants it contains.
- It has a reducing effect on the risk of diabetes.
- It strengthens the immune system.
- It has a protective effect against diseases.
- It protects skin health.
- It is known to reduce the risk of gallstones.
- It reduces headaches caused by migraine.
How many cashews should be eaten per day?
Like any food or drink, cashew should not be consumed more than a certain amount and unconsciously. Otherwise, it may cause more harm than its accepted benefits. Especially people with allergies should not overdo it in cashew consumption. In fact, it is recommended that people with chronic diseases or taking medications do not consume it without consulting their doctor.
Cashew, which has high nutritional value, also contains vitamins E, K, C and B 12 and the minerals thiamine, niacin, magnesium, sodium, iron and potassium. 100 grams of cashew contains approximately 500 calories. It also contains zinc, which ensures and supports the development of babies. It is generally accepted that consuming 4 cashews a day is sufficient.
What diseases is cashew good for?
Cashew, which contains high nutritional values and unsaturated fatty acids, is a fruit that is considered beneficial in the treatment of many diseases. It is known to help fight tooth decay, bone disorders, hair and skin-related problems, and weight problems. Cashew, which has been found to be an enemy of cancerous cells, prevents these cells from entering the body. It is said that it keeps the body resistant to the following ailments by consulting a doctor and consuming it as the doctor deems appropriate:
- bone disorders
- lack of energy
- Situations where you want to lose weight
- hair problems
- Skin related problems
- Diseases due to free radicals
Cashew, whose possible side effects may generally include allergic reactions, high blood pressure or diarrhea, is among the foods that should be consumed carefully and in sufficient quantities.