Health Benefits Of Cashew Fruit

  

picture credit: google images

Apparently, these babies are in season now and will be available till April.Cashew Fruits Are healthy Fruits but not as common as the Nuts( Seeds).
  The interesting thing about the Cashew Fruit is that both the Seeds and Fruit can be consumed either alone, or used in assorted Dishes. I personally don't consume the fruit( The apple) because I am quite Allergic to the fruit, but love the seeds in minimal quantity.

 Nutritional Data of Cashew Apples (100g of fruit pulp)
Calories - 60kcal
Dietary fibre - 0.4g
Carbohydrates - 13g
Protein - 0.8g
Fat - 0.4g
Vitamins: A, C, Niacin
Minerals: Phosphorus, Potassium.

The Cashew fruits, has so many immense benefits such as healthy heart , strong nerve and muscle function, improved bone and oral health, relief from diabetes, anemia and gall stones. By offering antioxidant defenses, they also aid in the formation of red blood cells and encourage a better immune system.

It is also said to reduce Reduce Cancer Risk.

Cashews contain several antioxidant compounds that are regarded as anticancer agents. The National Cancer Institute explains that free radicals, which are damaged molecules, attack healthy cells, altering DNA and potentially leading to cancer. Proanthocyanidins are some of the antioxidant compounds found in cashews. These beneficial chemicals may have the ability to stop the growth of certain cancer cells.

Irrespective of the high nutritional qualities of cashews, high consumption of the cashews, causes some side effect such as

Sodium Content

Too much of a good thing can be bad for your health. Unless you are diligent in seeking out unsalted cashews, you may be adding significant amounts of sodium to your diet when noshing on this salty treat. An adult only requires 1,500 mg of sodium per day, while the tolerable upper limit for adults is 2,300 mg. A single ounce of cashews contains 5 mg of sodium, if they are unsalted. However, salted cashews can add 87 g of sodium per ounce. High sodium intake can leave to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

Allergies

Allergies to cashews are on the rise, according to a study published in the December 2003 edition of the journal "Allergy." The study points out that this is concerning because it affects young children who may have never previously been exposed. A further concern is raised in a 2005 article published in the journal "Archives of Disease in Childhood": Anaphylaxis, or constricting of the airways, was found to be more common in cashew allergies than in peanut allergies.

Possible Drug Interactions

Cashews have a high magnesium content, generally 82.5 mg of magnesium per ounce. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes a number of drug interactions with magnesium. Quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, and magnesium bind together, preventing adequate absorption of the antibiotic. Magnesium may also interact with blood pressure medications and calcium channel blockers, increasing the likelihood of adverse side effects from the medications, such as nausea and water retention. Magnesium from cashews may also interact with diabetic medications, thyroid medications, diuretics and penicillamine. Pay close attention to drug information and if medications list magnesium as a concern, be aware that cashews may contribute to drug interactions.

Weight Gain

With a small 1-oz. portion packing a 163 calories and healthy unsaturated fats, this snack could help you tip the scale if you are not careful with portion sizes. Even healthy fats need to be consumed in moderation. Excessive weight gain puts you at risk for high cholesterol, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, stroke, heart disease and many other medical conditions.