Cashews

Cashews

Manufactured By                                                       Latin Name

Shashila Healthy Master Private Limited     Anacardium occidentale

Description
Kidney-shaped seeds sourced from the Cashew tree, native to Brazil, cashews are considered a powerhouse of nutrients.
Cashews are seeds rich in beneficial plant compounds and help in improving overall health.

28 grams (one ounce) of unroasted cashews can provide 157 calories, protein, fat, carbs, and important minerals like;

1. magnesium,
2. manganese,
3. copper,
4. Vitamin K,
5. B6
6. iron

They are also rich sources of unsaturated fats and dietary fiber. (1)

CASHEWS AND CANCER
Cashews are being extensively studied for their cancer-fighting abilities. Studies have concluded that cashews act as a protective factor against the growth of carcinogenic cells. Research suggests that compounds like tocopherol, tocotrienols, selenium, flavonoids and phenolic acids help in neutralizing the highly reactive molecules that damage cells’ DNA and inhibit the growth of carcinogenic cells. According to laboratory studies, the antioxidants like tocopherols and tocotrienols present in cashews help decrease cancer cell growth. The phytocompounds influence signaling pathways and gene expression which inhibits metastasis (spreading of cancer cells to different parts of the body). (2)

According to research rich in proanthocyanidins, cashews starve the tumours cells and prevent them from multiplying. It has also been proven that consuming cashews daily have shown exceptionally good results in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Also, being a rich source of copper, cashews have shown to eliminate free radicals which cause the growth of cancer cells. (3)

RESEARCH 

1. A study by Yale Cancer Center showed that colon cancer survivors have a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence upon consumption of cashews and a 57% decrease in mortality rate. (4)
2. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer revealed that consumption of cashews along with other nuts protected the individuals against pancreatic cancer. (5)
3. A 2017 research observed that cancer and other nuts can effectively prevent the recurrence of colon cancer after surgery and chemotherapy. (6)

EAT AS PER YOUR BODY WEIGHT
It is crucial to keep in mind that portion control is important when it comes to consuming cashews. It is best advised that an individual can consume 5-10 cashews per day to avoid weight gain. (7)

STORAGE (8)
Cashews should be stored in airtight containers. These nuts tend to spoil in room temperature but upon refrigeration, they can stay up to 6 months. The shelf life of frozen cashews is up to one year.

SIDE EFFECTS (7)
The ill effects caused due to un-recommended consumptions of cashews is as follows;

1. Weight gain
2. Headache
3. Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
4. Cashews can interact with medications including quinolone antibiotics, insulin, chlorpropamide, etc.

References

1. Are Cashews Good for You? Nutrition, Benefits, and Downsides
   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-cashews-good-for-you
2. Nuts for Cancer Prevention: Health Benefits and Hype
   https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/nuts-for-cancer-prevention-health-benefits-and-hype/
3. 7 benefits of cashews
   https://www.zestslc.com/blog/2014/7/31/7-benefits-of-cashews
4. Thinking of Eating Almonds and Cashews? Go Nuts.
   https://moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/thinking-of-eating-almonds-and-cashews-go-nuts/
5. Research Paper: Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24149179/
6. Can cashews keep colon cancer patients alive? Study says yes — but cautions abound
   https://www.statnews.com/2017/05/17/nuts-colon-cancer
7. How Many Cashews Can I Eat A Day And Side Effects Of Eating Too Many!
   https://agfuse.com/article/how-many-cashews-can-i-eat-a-day-and-side-effects-of-eating-too-many
8. What Is a Cashew Nut?
   https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-origin-cashew-nuts-1807578#:~:text=Cashews%20should%20be%20kept%20in,last%20up%20to%20one%20year