National Cashew Day 2021: Facts, Health Benefits Of The Popular Nut

National Cashew Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 23 to honor the kidney-shaped nuts, which are one of the most popular snacks in the country.

The name "cashew" comes from the Portuguese word "caju." Though cashew trees are native to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, they were made popular across the continents by Portuguese explorers. Cashew cultivation is now popular on a commercial scale in Brazil, Vietnam, India and many African countries.

Apart from being a popular snack, cashews are used to make cashew oil, cashew cheese or cashew butter. The leaves or bark of cashew trees are used to make herbal tea in traditional Maya medicine.

Here are some interesting facts about the popular nuts:

1. Over 90% of the world’s cashew crop is consumed in the United States.
2. The world’s largest cashew tree is in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and covers around 81,000 sq ft which is nearly 70 times that of a normal cashew tree.
3. Cashew nuts cause fewer allergic reactions when compared to other nuts or peanuts.
4. It is estimated 100 grams of raw cashew nuts contain 553 calories.
5. The fruit of the cashew tree or cashew apple is red or yellow and is called an accessory fruit or false fruit. The true fruit of the cashew tree is the kidney-shaped nut growing at the end of the cashew apple.

These are some of the health benefits of consuming cashew nuts:

1. Improves heart health: The researchers have found out a diet rich in nuts can lower the risk of stroke and heart disease. Cashews contain heart-healthy fats and plant protein. Recent researches indicate consuming cashew nuts may lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

2. Beneficial for people with diabetes: Cashew is low in sugar, and is a good source of fiber, a nutrient that helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Studies suggest substituting food that is higher in net carbs and sugar with cashews will help reduce blood sugar levels.

3. May help to lose weight: Although traditionally cashews were considered as high-calorie nuts and people were advised to avoid them to lose weight. The more recent studies, however, show they have fewer calories than once thought. The rich fiber and protein content in cashew nuts can help reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.

4. Rich in antioxidants: Cashews are rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants can reduce inflammation and provide immunity from certain diseases.