Cashew Oil

A popular ingredient finding its way into many Indian gravies, cashew - a plant originating from Brazil, is a nut high in minerals. Brought to India by traders, the cashew tree grows up to exceptional heights having a rather irregular trunk. Hanging from the branches are large juicy apples at the bottom of which are attached the cashew nut. Made available round the year, the nut has a great shelf life if stored properly. The nut and the fruit, both have multiple uses. 

Contrary to the popular belief that it can make you gain fat, a considerable amount of cashews in your diet can provide you with many health benefits -

1. Heart Health

Nuts are likely to be beneficial for health, keeping a check on various ailments, such as heart disease. Nut intake has a cholesterol-lowering effect, in the context of healthy diets, and there is emerging evidence of beneficial effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular reactivity. Cashews help lower LDL and increase the carrying capacity for HDL. HDL is responsible to absorb the cholesterol from the heart and take it to the liver where it can be broken down.

A fistful of nuts a day as part of a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of heart disease. Nutrients in cashew nut oil, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Prevents Blood Disease

The consumption of cashew oil on a regular basis and limited manner may help in avoiding blood diseases. Such oil are rich in copper, which plays an important role in the elimination of free radicals from the body. Copper deficiency can lead to iron deficiencies such as anemia. Hence our diet should contain recommended quantity of copper. 

3. Protects the Eye

Cashew Oil contains a powerful antioxidant pigment called Zea Xanthin. This pigment is readily and directly absorbed by our retina. This then forms a protective layer over our retina which prevents the harmful UV rays. Small quantities of Zea Xanthin helps prevent age related macular degeneration in elderly and hence helps maintain eyehealth.

4. Good for the Skin

Derived from the cashew seeds, cashew oil does wonders for your skin.  Cashew nut oil is rich in selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorous. Also, they are great sources of phytochemicals, proteins and antioxidants. The high percentage of selenium in cashews is not only good for your skin but helps prevent cancer as well.

5. Weight Loss

In comparison to diets excluding the intake of nuts, people consuming cashew oil on a moderate and regular basis lose weight faster. Cashew Oil consumption is not associated with higher body weight. Cashew Nut Oil like cashews are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that contribute to giving a boost to the metabolic process to burn excess fat.

6. Healthy and Shiny Hair

Consumption of cashew nut oil as well as the application of cashew oil on your scalp ensures healthy hair. Copper present in cashew nut oil helps in the production of skin and hair pigment called melanin. It also enhances hair colour and can provide a silky-smooth texture due to the presence of linoleic and oleic acids.