Cashew(Kaju) Astonishing Health Benefits

Do you remember when our parents used to bring dry fruits and tell us they were mainly for guests and relatives? Yes, dry fruits have always been considered a prized possession kept for unique moments and occasions.

These unassuming jewels of the plant kingdom have been cherished across cultures and generations, celebrated for their concentrated flavours, velvety textures, and remarkable health benefits.

They are like time capsules from the past, bridging a gap between generations and carrying centuries of tradition and wholesome goodness with them.

Amongst these different dry fruits is a nut with many stories to tell – Cashew Nut.

With their distinctive kidney-shaped appearance and creamy, buttery taste, Cashew or kaju have cast a magical spell on taste buds worldwide.

But there’s more to this delightful nut than meets the eye. But beyond their irresistible flavour, kaju holds a treasure trove of health benefits and surprises that enchant you.

Come, let’s take you on an incredible journey to the beautiful world of Cashews.

Exploring the Nature’s Nutty Gem – Cashew

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a type of tree native to Brazil that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae.

It is commonly grown for its edible seed, often known as the cashew nut or kaju, in tropical areas worldwide.

The main byproduct of the cashew tree is the kaju, which is botanically considered a seed rather than a genuine nut.

The cashew nut is enclosed within a kidney-shaped shell attached right below the apple, a pear-shaped fruit produced by the cashew tree.

Do you know that the cashew apple is not commonly consumed as it is highly perishable and not as widely available as the cashew nut?

Kaju has a distinct, rich and buttery flavour, making it a popular snack and ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. It can be used in nut butter and both sweet and savoury recipes.

It is frequently roasted and salted.

Unveiling the Nutritional Power of Cashews – The Nut Delight

Kajus are not only delicious but also pack a powerful nutritional punch. Here is the nutritional profile of cashews per 100 grams of serving ^[1]:

Exploring the Health Benefits and Wonder of Kaju

Cashews are a popular choice in gourmet and health-conscious circles since they are versatile and nutritious nut that entices taste sensations and offers many health advantages.

Let’s explore some of this nut’s incredible health advantages:

1. Kaju: Nature’s Digestive Delight for Happy Tummy

Who would have thought eating such a rich dry fruit could help you with digestion? That is just one of the many benefits of including kaju in your diet.

Cashews are an excellent dietary fibre source that promotes healthy digestion ^[2]. Fibre adds bulk to your stool, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

Regular consumption of cashews can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.

My Meal Plan

There is a perfect way of checking the fibre content in your diet. Go to My Meal Plan by Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrain and see the fibre content in everything you eat.

The magnesium in kaju also helps relax the digestive tract muscles, making it easier for food to flow through the intestines without problems.

Additionally, it aids in reducing indigestion’s associated sensations of bloating and pain. It makes digestion easier by promoting smooth food movement and relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract.

They also contain prebiotic fibres that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

These probiotics are critical for preserving healthy gut microbiota, which is necessary for excellent digestion, overall gut health, and a happy stomach.

They include specific enzymes that can help break down food while being digested.

These enzymes can help improve nutrient absorption and support the digestive process.

Digestive Quotient Test

If you want to know your digestive health, check the digestive quotient test by Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrain. On a scale of 100, you will get the scores of your digestive health.

2. Kaju: Nuts for Weight Loss

Kajus can be a valuable addition to a weight loss regimen if consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. ^[3].

Protein, fibre, and healthy fats are abundant in cashews. These nutrients make people feel satisfied and full, which can help reduce hunger and avoid overeating.

You can prevent the urge to overeat unhealthy, calorie-dense items between meals by including a modest serving of kajus as a snack.

Moreover, these nuts provide a quick and sustained energy source due to their healthy fat and protein content.

This energy boost can be beneficial during workouts, encouraging you to stay active and burn more calories, ultimately contributing to weight loss efforts.

3. Cashew: Your Secret Food for Glowing Skin

Yet another surprise element for you. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps shield the skin from harm from free radicals, is abundant in kajus ^[4].

This antioxidant property aids in maintaining the skin’s elasticity and promoting a youthful glow.

Additionally, they contain beneficial monounsaturated fats that contribute to internal skin hydration.

By forming a barrier of protection on the skin’s surface, these fats stop moisture loss and encourage a soft, supple complexion.

But hold on; there’s more.

You ought to begin consuming them if you wish to look young.  They are a source of copper, a mineral essential to creating collagen.

Collagen is vital to maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity, contributing to a youthful appearance.

Moreover, kajus are rich in essential minerals like magnesium, which helps retain and hydrate skin moisture. Proper hydration is necessary for achieving a glowing and radiant complexion.

All these nutrients support overall skin health, ensuring a bright and healthy glow.

4. You Need Bright Vision, Make Kaju Your Friend

Vitamin A in cashews is crucial for keeping excellent vision ^[5].

Rhodopsin, an eye pigment that aids in low-light vision and adaptation to darkness, is made up in part of vitamin A.

Kajus contains a lot of vitamin E and other antioxidants to shield the eyes from oxidative damage from free radicals.

Kajus contain carotenoids, which are recognized for their contribution to maintaining eye health.

To help protect against damaging blue light from digital devices and sunshine, lutein and zeaxanthin build up in the retina. It lowers the risk of eye strain and injury.

Also, the healthy fats in cashews contribute to eye moisture and lubrication. Adequate eye moisture is essential for preventing dry eyes and promoting comfortable vision.

5. Energize with Nature’s Powerhouse: Cashew

Due to their nutrient profile and caloric level, cashews are a great energy food ^[6].

They are a great source of oleic and linoleic acids and other beneficial mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

These fats are a concentrated energy source with higher calories per gram than carbs and proteins. When consumed in moderation, these fats provide a steady and sustained release of energy.

Additionally, kajus are a source of plant-based protein. Protein is necessary to keep and repair muscles and the body’s general energy balance.

You’ll have more energy all day if you eat foods high in protein, like cashews.

In short, kajus are a convenient and quick source of energy. When you need an instant pick-me-up, grabbing a small handful of cashews can give you a rapid energy boost to get through your day.

6. Need Bone Power: Start Eating Kaju

Although cashews don’t contain as much calcium as dairy products, they nonetheless have a sizable amount of it ^[7].

Calcium is essential for keeping teeth and bones healthy. Consuming cashews as part of a balanced diet helps contribute to your daily calcium intake.

However, they are a great source of magnesium, which is essential for bone growth and solidity.

For the bones to properly absorb and use calcium, the body must have sufficient magnesium levels.

They are also abundant in phosphorus, another mineral that contributes significantly to the composition of bones. Phosphorus works alongside calcium to build and maintain bone structure.

7. Need Lustrous Locks, Eat Magical Cashew

Your favourite kajus is a plant-based protein source essential for hair growth and repair. The building blocks of hair strands are proteins; consuming enough helps strengthen and nourish the hair.

Additionally, this tiny nut contains some healthy monounsaturated fats that help moisturize the scalp and hair. These fats form a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and promoting soft and manageable hair.

At the same time, kajus provide B vitamins, such as biotin and niacin, which are crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

Biotin, in particular, strengthens hair and reduces hair breakage. Cashews’ protein, healthy fats, and vital minerals can help stop hair loss and encourage thicker, more voluminous hair.

Let’s Rewind Our Cashew Knowledge

In conclusion, the remarkable health benefits of cashews, affectionately known as kaju, stand as a testament to nature’s gift of nutrition and taste.

These kidney-shaped gems have shown their value as a super food by nourishing our skin and encouraging radiant attractiveness.

Cashews support efforts to lose weight by providing abundant essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote immunity and improve bone health.

So, the next time you indulge in these healthy treats, enjoy every bite knowing that you’re also nourishing your body from the inside out and enjoying great pleasure.

Accept the power of cashews and discover the mind-blowing health benefits these little miracles may provide!

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