The nutritional health factors of Cashewnut (Anacardium occident ale, L.)

Abstract

Cashew is a bean shaped nut that grows on a tropical evergreen tree. In recent years, the importance of cashew in terms of human health is gaining momentum. The nuts (kernels) of 75 promising cashew germplasms were taken from different soils of India, into consideration for chemical quantification. The study reveals that nutritional content per 100 gm): Iron-0.08, Calcium-0.96, magnesium-0.75, potassium-2.18, sodium-0.22, phosphorus-1.21, neutrallipid-98.54, phospholipid-3.12, protein-49.63, starch-33.5, amino acid–53.37, phenol-53.4, total sugar-21.27. Cashew nuts contain ample amounts of lipids that promote cardiovascular health. Often high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disorders and mono unsaturated fats reduce triglyceride levels. The cashew nuts high magnesium content also takes the credit for its healthy heart quality & so daily recommended for the heart healthy mineral. It also protects against high blood pressure, muscle spasms, migraine headaches, tension, soreness and fatigue.