Cashew is a good source of different types of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients that promotes human wellbeing, and as such offers lots of health benefits.
The fruits appear in different colors ranging from yellow to red and have several nutritional benefits. Cashew apples are edible and people who have tried it enjoyed its sweet, lightly citrusy flavour.
The health benefits of cashew fruits have been exploited for generations all over the world. Some of the key health benefits of this fruit are given below.
1. Antioxidant
Studies have shown that immature cashew nut shell liquid is a source of unsaturated long-chain phenols and plays an important role in protecting DNA against oxidative damage. Cashew apples have the contents of certain antioxidants that protect the body from damages that may be caused by harmful molecules. Cashew extract contains anarcardic acid which is an antioxidant and has been shown to limit the pigmentation effects of aging and also eradicate cancer cells.
2. Boosts immune system
Cashew apples have anti-bacterial properties and are considered to be effective in treating stomach ulcers and gastritis, which is usually caused by H. pylori bacteria. The shell of the fruit produces, cardol oil and anacardic acid. This anarcardic acid is effective against gram-positive bacteria and is used in vivo for tooth abscesses. As the cashew apple is packed with natural vitamins, it helps in strengthening the body’s immune system and also aids in fighting against the anti-bacterial diseases. Zinc available in it makes our system stronger and combats microbial infections.
3. Acts as aphrodisiac
Cashew apple is acrid sweet, digestible, aphrodisiac, and anthelmintic. The spirit distilled from the fruit is considered rubefacient and is used as a diuretic.
4. Rich in vitamin C
Cashew apples are extremely rich in vitamin C. When taken as juice or eaten as a whole fruit, it supplies the body with sufficient amount of vitamin C that has an anti-scurvy effect.
5. Anti-diarrheal
Juice extracted from cashew apple is very effective to cure chronic dysentery and is also used as an anti-diarrheal remedy. The juice also serves as an ointment for aches of rheumatism and neuralgia.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Consumption of cashew apple is very helpful in lowering high blood pressure because of the magnesium compound available in it. High blood pressure can lead to various heart diseases like stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. It is therefore advisable to consume cashew fruits to keep your blood pressure under control.
7. Lowers risk of diabetes
Cashew apple helps in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes because of its low sugar content and zero cholesterol. It is an excellent fruit for people suffering from diabetes as it is capable of preventing and treating other diabetes complications like obesity, cardiovascular risk, and arterial hypertension.
8. Prevents cancer
Moderate and regular eating of cashew fruits is extremely beneficial in lowering the risk of cancer development because of the presence of compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants in them. These compounds are capable of fighting against tumour cells and prevent them from dividing further. Cashew fruits also help in fighting against cancerous cells due to the presence of copper.
9. Helps in weight loss
Cashew fruits contain a good amount of cholesterol, thereby making it very effective in weight loss. Moderate and regular consumption of cashew fruit also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels in our heart.
