Cashew nuts: nutritional properties
Cashews are small heart-shaped seeds (hence their name, because "cardio" means "heart" in Greek). The nutritional properties of this dried fruit are very special:
> minerals : cashews contain potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and selenium . These minerals are useful for the health of the vascular system, the heart, bones and the cognitive system . In particular, magnesium gives vitality and good humor;
> vitamins : in cashews there are B vitamins , in particular vitamin B6, able to better absorb serotonin, and vitamin K, useful for maintaining the right degree of blood coagulation, as well as for healthy bones, together with soccer;
> monounsaturated fats : they are the good fats, able to stabilize the concentration of cholesterol, with positive effects for the health of the heart and arteries;
> tryptophan : tryptophan is an essential amino acid which, not being produced by the body, must necessarily be introduced with the diet. This amino acid is responsible for the production and use of serotonin, which has a direct influence on mood and therefore is often called " happiness hormone ".
Therefore, it is easy to deduce that a diet rich in tryptophan can help restore balance in the event of depression .
From a nutritional point of view, it can be seen that these dried fruits are valuable allies of health and well-being and can be taken against mood disorders, whether they are temporary or caused by diseases.
Cashew nuts against depression
Most drugs that treat depression have the job of restoring serotonin levels in the body. The latter is naturally produced by the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system.
Serotonin is vital for wellness:
> modulates peristalsis in the intestine, improving digestion and therefore nutrient absorption, as well as evacuation;
> is essential for cognitive health, increases memory and concentration;
> normalizes the sleep-wake cycle and the sleep phases facilitating the night's rest;
> regulates the appetite, the sense of hunger and satiety.
It has also been recently hypothesized that, in times of crisis, serotonin helps to find constructive and adaptive alternatives capable of producing the resilience necessary to overcome difficulties . Increase sexual desire, sense of well-being, tranquility and vitality .
As we have seen, serotonin is closely linked to tryptophan, as well as to vitamin B6 which is necessary for its absorption. Therefore, foods rich in these nutrients are useful natural cures for mood disorders, asthenia, depression, fatigue, mood swings, agitation, anxiety and generalized stress.
Two handfuls of cashews a day provide sufficient amounts of tryptophan and vitamin B6 as well as magnesium . It is therefore possible to consider them as natural antidepressants.
But be careful if chemical antidepressants are also taken. Moreover it is good not to access in the quantities, since the cashews are very caloric fruits.
Prefer the unsalted ones and add them to the diet in tasty and easy recipes or as snacks, along with other dried fruits like almonds, walnuts, pistachios etc.
