Cashew is very popular all over the world. It has other names: Western cashew, Indian nut, Akazhu. It is used not only for food, but also used for medical and industrial purposes. Many experts call it the food of the future. The beneficial properties of this product are quite extensive.
What is cashew
Indian nut is a decorative tree belonging to the sumac family. The fruits of the plant are a fairly common food product. The evergreen tree grows in height up to 10-12 meters. It is the closest relative to the lacquer tree, mango, poison ivy, pistachio and Peruvian pepper tree.
Outwardly, the fruit of the western anacardium is very unusual and consists of two parts. Most of them are a bloated peduncle of an impressive size (it is called an apple-kazhu), a smaller part is the nut itself, covered with a hard shell. It looks like a fat comma with a seed inside. The approximate weight of one nut does not exceed two grams, but the calorie content of cashews for this weight is considerable.
When the fruit ripens, it falls to the ground. After that, it is advisable to eat a fleshy apple immediately, because it is a perishable product. For this reason, in our country it can not be found.
In India, many such trees grow, from which they receive more than 20 thousand tons of fruits. Juices, jams, preserves and even alcoholic beverages are made from juicy apples.
Structure
I will tell you the following nutrients: phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, zinc, as well as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, natural sugars, phytosterol, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamins PP, B1, B2 and E.
Beneficial features
Regular consumption of cashews strengthens blood vessels and heart. Indian nut has a beneficial effect on lowering blood sugar levels and is used during gastrointestinal upsets.
Doctors recommend including these nuts in the menu for anemia and nervous exhaustion, since the calorie content of cashews helps to saturate the body with the necessary trace elements.
In addition, a decoction of nutshell helps to cope with dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, warts and cracks in the skin, and also helps with other skin diseases.
Anacardium Western is an excellent tonic, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulant and antimicrobial agent. On top of that, cashews are also a powerful aphrodisiac. It has beneficial effects on the reproductive system.
Application in other countries
Japanese experts have proved that Akaju kernels contain components that can destroy bacteria that aggressively affect tooth enamel. With proper oral care and the use of this amazing product, problems with teeth and gums will be a thing of the past.
Latin America can “boast” that there they learned to use a decoction of acaju for inflammation and diseases of the respiratory system: with bronchial asthma, flu and various viral diseases.
In India, make a decoction based on the shell and husk of dry kernels. It is used as a powerful antidote to the bites of poisonous snakes. Such a tool is used internally or externally, but it is important to adhere to a specific dosage.
Harm
Cashews can harm the body when they are raw. Between the shell and the shell there is a caustic resin - cardola. Skin contact can cause severe chemical burns. In place of the damaged skin, blisters appear that cause pain to the victim. That is why the cutting of the fruits of Indian walnut is trusted only to professionals. The oily liquid is removed by special frying, during which the poison evaporates. After this procedure, you can eat nuts without fear of poisoning. By the way, this poison is used in industry. It is used to impregnate wood and protect against rot.
Contraindications
Despite the positive qualities of the western cashew, its use is not allowed to everyone. So, for example, it is not recommended for people prone to allergies and with individual intolerance to the components of Western cashew.
It is undesirable to eat it during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is also better not to use for those who have an increased risk of kidney stones / sand formation, as the disease can become more active.
Nutritional Information of Cashew
Despite the fact that the calorie content of cashew nuts is quite high (about 600 kcal / 100 g), it is widespread in dietetics. This is because Akazhu is low in fat compared to peanuts, almonds, and walnuts.
Calorie content of cashew nuts per 100 g of product - from 590 to 630 calories; fats - 48 g, proteins - 25 g, carbohydrates - 13 g. Experts say that the daily serving of cashews should not exceed 40 g.
Indian nut is found in various diets. Depending on the purpose, this product on the menu can help with weight gain or reduce it. The uniqueness of the western anacardium is that it is quickly absorbed in the body and causes a feeling of satiety. When using acaju, the required amount of food and calories is reduced.
Western anacardium is also found in fried form. The calorie content of fried cashews is less than usual and is 570 kcal / 100 g of product. Additional indicators of nuts also change: fat becomes 42 g, protein 17 g, and the amount of carbohydrates increases to 31 g.
If you compare the calorie content of cashews with vegetables, berries and fruits, it, of course, will be higher.
How to choose
Today it is not difficult to find and purchase cashews. Any supermarket offers a choice of fresh, salted, roasted nuts and even cashews in honey or chocolate glaze. But the largest amount of nutrients is found in raw kernels.
When choosing an Indian nut, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fruit. They must be intact, without various damage, such are stored longer. Dry, wrinkled or even moldy should not be taken.
The best place to store acaju is considered to be a freezer. Minus temperatures will help maintain their quality for all 365 days. When stored in a refrigerator, nuts will lie for about 3 months, but simply in a dry place - no more than 30 days. If cashews have a bitter aftertaste, they must be discarded.
Indian nut is a very healthy product, however, quite high-calorie. The calorie content of cashews per 100 grams is approximately 600 calories. Despite this, it is a frequent component in the diet. Scientists in Spain have been conducting research for many years, which concluded that drinking acacia does not contribute to weight gain. Just a couple of nuts, due to the high calorie content, can satisfy the hunger for several hours. Rich in vitamins, a delicious tropical fruit gives energy for a long time. With it, the body does not lose youth, vitality and efficiency.