Cashews have a buttery, sweet, salty taste and an unmistakable shape. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants including vitamins E, K and B-6, along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium. All of these nutrients are required for a multitude of bodily functions. Below are a few examples of how cashews help support your health.

• The nutrients in cashews help support heart health

Research shows that eating more nuts may help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that cashews and other nuts help reduce blood pressure and raise “good” or HDL cholesterol levels. Cashews are also a great source of potassium, vitamins E and B-6 and folic acid which help fight heart disease.

• Consuming cashews helps to optimize blood health

The copper and iron in cashews work together to help the body form and use red blood cells. This in turn helps support the blood vessels, nerves and bones and also works to keep the immune system healthy and functioning properly.

• Cashews are good for eye health

It might come as a surprise that cashews may help your eyesight. Cashews contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants known to support healthy eyes. When consumed daily, these antioxidant compounds work to protect the eyes from the type of damage that can lead to blindness as we get older.

• What about the fat in cashews?

Cashews contain a lot of vitamins and nutrients, but they also contain a lot of fat.

Fortunately, the fat found is cashews is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, which is believed to help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of stroke. 

Cashews can be eaten on their own or incorporated into recipes and even used as a vegan substitute for cheese or cream sauces. For a great vegan cheese sauce recipe, click here. https://lovingitvegan.com/classic-vegan-cashew-cheese-sauce/