Cashew nuts are considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the world.

Unfortunately only a small percentage of the database for natural medicines comprehensive is dedicated to this amazing nut. In order to grow, cashew nuts need humid and hot climate, which is the reason why some countries, such as Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil and Mozambique, are the largest producers of Cashew Nuts in the world.

Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are packed with natural goodness. Here is the list of top five benefits they offer.

1. They Offer an Amazing Nutritional Value

These nuts possess an abundance of calories. 50 grams of Cashew nuts contain 275 calories. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, soluble dietary fiber and numerous phytochemicals which prevent severe diseases, including cancers.

2. They Help Regulate Cholesterol Levels

These nuts are also filled with palmitoleic and oleic acids, which are great for the heart’s health. They belong in the group of essential fatty acids which can decrease the level of harmful cholesterol (LDL) and also increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in our blood. Mediterranean diet is based mostly on monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help organism system protect itself from coronary artery disease and strokes by supporting the blood lipid profile and it is also proven by the scientific studies.

3. They Help Combat Disease and Fatigue

These tasty nuts are also rich in potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium and iron.

If you consume just a handful of cashews every day, you will provide the necessary amount of the above mentioned minerals and protect your organism from deficiency-related diseases.

It is very interesting that selenium is a highly important micronutrient and it works like a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes, such as Glutathione peroxides, which is known as one of the strongest antioxidants in the human body. Another one which acts as a co-factor for many important enzymes such as cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase is copper. On the other hand, zinc, plays the same role with enzymes responsible for regulation of the progress of digestion, DNA synthesis and gonadal function.

4. They are a Source of B Vitamins

Cashews nut can be very useful due to their various essential vitamins, such as pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), thiamin (vitamin B11) and riboflavin. Just 3.5 Oz (100 grams) of these nuts will provide about 30% of the daily recommended levels of B6 (that is about 0.147 mg). B6 can significantly lower chances of developing homocystinuria and sideroblastic anemia.

There is also niacin, which improves protection against dermatitis or pellagra. In addition, aforementioned vitamins are crucial for fat, protein and carbohydrates metabolism at a cellular level.

5. They Help Slowing Down Ageing

These incredible nuts also contain a very small quantity of zeaxanthin, which is a very important pigment of flavonoid antioxidant. Zeaxanthin is selectively absorbed inside the retinal macula in the eyes. It is believed that it provides antioxidant and protective UV ray filtering features and also that it protects us from ARMD also known as “age-related macular degeneration” in older people.

Cashews are also the best alternative treatment for depression.

How Treat Depression Naturally – A Basic Guide to Cashew Nutrition

Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that our body needs to take it throughout the food, and cashew nuts are great source of it. This amino acid helps children develop and grow, regulates mood, balances our behavior, improves sleep and can significantly lower the level of stress, anxiety and depression.

You need just two handfuls of cashews because they contain somewhere between 1.000 and 2.000 mg of tryptophan. This compound has been proven to be as equally successful as prescription antidepressants. The best thing about treating depression with cashews is that you will surely avoid side effects that are usually caused by antidepressants. Of course, this is yet another thing big pharma carefully hides from us.

According to FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy’s David Adams, who was part of the Drug Information Association Annual Meeting back in 1993, we need to pay close attention to the things happening around the legal arena and dietary supplements. If producers of natural remedies manage getting the support, there will most likely be a completely new class of products, which will be competing with the already existing drugs. This is why we need a special law that will have the function to regulate the supplements.

In addition, back in 1993, FDA Dietary Task Force has released a report saying that the selling and existence of dietary supplements will not jeopardize efforts for creating new drugs.

As you are probably aware by now, big pharma is a huge business. However, there is much effective and safer natural depression treatment they want to hide from the common people because thus they will lose lots of money.

An introduction to Cashew Nut Allergy

Beside allergies caused by eating walnuts, almonds and other nuts, cashew nut cause allergy in both adults and children and is one of the commonest food allergies. Same as peanuts, cashews can lead to occurrence of some very severe allergic reactions, even if the individual has consumed just a small quantity of cashews.

The healthy nuts we dedicate this article to are a hidden ingredient in many common foods such as ice cream, cakes and Asian dishes. Anyway, if you ever experience symptoms of cashew nut allergy, it is mandatory to look for professional help.

Symptoms of Cashew Nut Allergy

• A few minutes after you eat or touch cashews or food that contains cashew, you may experience tingling or itching around or in your mouth. Red, raised, itchy welts in different sizes may form at different parts of the body.
• Vomiting and/or stomach cramps. Some more serious symptoms may include projectile vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or difficulty swallowing. It is good to point out that a swollen throat or tongue may interrupt the airway.
• Asthma or hay fever in cases of airborne cashew nut allergens inhalation. Stuffy or runny nose, itchy nose, eyes, coughing and itching on the top of the mouth are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction in the nose and nasal passages. Whistling and wheezing sounds hear while breathing out is a clear sign of problems with the airways. Some other symptoms related to asthma attack caused by cashew allergy include chest tightening, shortness of breath and chest pains.

Consumption of cashew can lead to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Some common symptoms include swelling of the throat that causes breathing problems, fast pulse, fainting, dizziness and lightheadedness etc. Inhalation or ingestion of even small quantities of cashew nuts may trigger an anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis starts suddenly and can become life threatening in a matter of seconds and that’s why it is crucial to look for immediate medical care.