Cashews – The New Antidepressants

It is said that two handfuls of cashews have the same effects as a prescribed dose of Prozac. Cashew nuts contain the essential amino acid L-tryptophan which inside your body is broken down into snooze-inducing and anxiety-reducing niacin. On top of that, tryptophan is transformed into serotonin, one of our body’s neurotransmitters. Serotonin gives the body a feeling of mellowness and well-being. This effect is as profound as Paxil, Prozac and other antidepressants. These drugs mimic serotonin or try to keep this substance at a high level. It is quite incredible how cashew nuts can provide these good vibes. Peas, wheat germs, cheese, beans and nuts also have this effect on the body.

Numerous Benefits

Who hasn’t heard about cashew nuts until now? Known as caju nuts in India, they are used mostly in sweets or ingested in their natural state. Cashews are full of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of our body. The kidney shaped nuts also have many other benefits.

• Healthy Heart

If you compare them with other nuts, cashews contain a low fat content and a high amount of oleic acid. This means that these nuts are extremely good for the heart. They are cholesterol free and contain antioxidants that will protect you from heart diseases.

• Weight Loss

Cashew nuts are usually considered fats. Despite this fact, they contain good cholesterol. Researchers have discovered that those who eat cashews twice a week gain less weight, compared to those who eat fewer nuts.

• Healthy Nerves

Magnesium is stored on the surface of the bones. This prevents calcium from entering the nerve cells. As a result, the muscles and the blood vessels remain relaxed. An insufficient amount of magnesium can result in migraines, headaches and high blood pressure. So, cashews are the perfect snack that will also keep your body safe.

• Healthy Teeth

The high magnesium content present in cashews is perfect for the bones. The same substance gives us strong gums and healthy teeth. This way, you can chew more nuts and maintain your health.

• Vitamins

Cashews are rich in vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins keep the body safe from deficiencies like pellagra and anemia. Vitamins are some of the essential nutrients our bodies need and cashew nuts contain plenty of them.

• Macular Degeneration

Cashews hold the ability to filter the sun’s UV rays, protecting our bodies from macular degeneration. By eating nuts, our skin will remain younger and healthier.

• Protects Against Cancer

Cashews contain proanthocyanidins. These are a class of flavonols which fight against cancer cells. Proantocyanidins stop them from dividing further and affecting the good cells. The flavonol and high copper content in cashews also fight against cancer. The consumption is especially beneficial against colon cancer.

• Beneficial for the Hair

The mineral that helps the hair get its color is copper. Cashews contain high amounts of this mineral. If you eat them on a regular basis, you can get that black hair you always dreamed of.