The Cashew: A Nutritional Ally for Managing Your Weight
The cashew tree, scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, originally hails from northeastern Brazil but has since found its way to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. The intriguing cashew nut, shaped like a kidney, grows at the tip of the cashew apple, which is the fruit produced by this tree. While the cashew apple has a limited shelf life, the nuts are easily dried and preserved, making them a globally traded commodity.
Nutritional
Cashews are brimming with nutrients that can greatly assist in your weight management plan. Just one ounce, which amounts to approximately 18 whole nuts, includes:
- Protein: 5g
- Healthy fats, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fats: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Vitamin K: 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Thiamin: 6% of the DV
- Folate: 7% of the DV
- Magnesium: 20% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 15% of the DV
- Zinc: 15% of the DV
- Copper: 25% of the DV
Antioxidants
Furthermore, cashews contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from harm. Key antioxidants found in cashews include proanthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, and resveratrol.
Weight Management
With this impressive nutritional profile, cashews emerge as a wise choice for weight management. The combination of protein and fiber helps keep you feeling full for longer, preventing overindulgence. The fats in cashews are predominantly unsaturated, providing essential fatty acids that are more beneficial for heart health compared to saturated fats. Additionally, the minerals, including magnesium and zinc, support your metabolism. Even though an ounce of cashews contains 162 calories, they offer fewer calories per nut compared to most other nuts.
Hunger suppression
The satisfying crunch of cashews can effectively curb those snack cravings. A study even discovered that people who snacked on cashews felt fuller and consumed less during their subsequent meal, as opposed to those who opted for crackers. Other research suggests that individuals who regularly incorporate nuts into their diet tend to maintain a healthier weight compared to those who rarely do so.
Moderation
So, there’s no need to hesitate; embrace the nutty goodness! Enjoy cashews in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet to assist you in your quest for better weight management. A handful of cashews can be a delightful and nutritious snack at any time.
