Health Benefits of Kaju And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 07, 2020
The health benefits of Kaju are several. It has all the vitamins you need to for good eyes, hair, teeth, and skin. Kaju nut has also shown its effects in fighting cancer and diabetes. For good brain function, you should have Kaju every day. The high nutritional of the Kaju value keeps the bones and nerves strong. This Kaju also helps in the digestion process. Weight Loss effects have been observed with Kaju nuts. It is a very healthy snack for pregnant women like it in full of energy and protein.
What is kaju?
Kaju is popularly found in sweets and other Indian curries. It adds a rich flavor that is irreplaceable. Kaju has been used in dishes for generations now to add a rich taste and gain nutrition from it. You can have cashews as a part of your meal or simply have it directly. Kaju has many vitamins and minerals. This dried fruit which was discarded in the early days, due to lack of knowledge of its taste is one of the most expensive ones you can find today.
Nutritional Value of Kaju
This delicious dried fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition. Kaju has lots of nutritional benefits such as has protein, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and loads of energy. Kaju has 5.17g of protein that is absolutely necessary especially for vegetarians. It has 8.56 g of carbohydrates that is also a must-have in your diet. Carbs are needed for processing food better so that the digestion is good. Kaju nut has 157 calories and 1.68 g of sugar in it. The energy that you need performs your daily activities will come from such ingredients. If you consider one serving of Kaju, it will have 18 pieces. Of this, the minerals you can find in abundance are copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, iron, and selenium. Kaju also has vitamin B6 in it. Kaju is also high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams in Kaju
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Eating Kaju
Kaju good for heart patients
The fat content in Kaju is low when compared to the other types of nuts. An acid called oleic acid is present in Kaju. It is very healthy for the heart and it makes sure that it is in good condition. The antioxidants present in Kaju also ensure that you will not have any heart diseases. Heart diseases are mostly caused by high blood pressure. Kaju nut makes sure that cholesterol and blood pressure is in control. The omega-3s fatty acids in it prevent cardiac arrhythmia.
Kaju prevents cancer
The high nutritional value is one of the reasons that make Kaju the best one in the list of nuts. One of the most beneficial effects of Kaju is that it prevents cancer. It contains a substance called proanthocyanidin that can fight the tumour cells. It curbs their growth and prevents them from multiplying. This high copper content also helps with the same.
Kaju is a rich source of antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E. They stop the oxidation of free radicals in the body and in turn increase immunity. The increased amounts of zinc help in fighting the infections. Vitamin K is one particular nutrient can found in this nut.Kaju is capable of stopping the growth of tumorous cells and prevents liver cancer.
Kaju benefits for hair growth and skincare
The copper present in Kaju is essential for keeping the hair shiny, black and strong. Copper is essential for many enzymes. It protects the skin by preventing dermatitis. Kaju eliminate free radicals and use iron for maintenance of the skin. This will keep you free of wrinkles and keeps your skin healthy.
Kaju for healthy nerves
Kaju has magnesium which plays an important part in keeping the nerves healthy. It relaxes the blood vessels and the nerve. It does this by getting stored in the bone structure, and prevents calcium from entering the nerve cells. This relaxes the nerves, muscles, and blood pressure. Low levels of magnesium will make calcium come into contact with the nerves causing high blood pressures, migraines and other issues.
Kaju good for gums and teeth
The magnesium in Kaju makes the teeth and gums a lot stronger, if used on a daily basis. Kaju also prevents decay of tooth and cavities.
Kaju high in vitamins
Kaju includes many vitamins like pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin among others. They vitamins work together to prevent anaemia, pellagra and other conditions.
Kaju aids in digestion
Kaju nuts help with the nucleic acid synthesis in the body. It also aids in the digestion process and makes sure that your metabolism is strong.
Kaju Clear Vision
Kaju contain a compound called zeaxanthin that is absorbed in the eyes. It protects them from the harmful radiation of UV rays. This ensures that you do not face eye problems that are age-related.
Kaju benefits for weight loss
Kaju has the good fats and no cholesterol which is the right combination of foods that help in weight loss. It has healthy proteins that will help in reducing the weight in the body.
Kaju good for diabetes patients
Kaju reduces the chances of diabetes type 2. The monounsaturated fats in it reduce the triglyceride levels and protect the body from further complications. However, the main factor is that it prevents glucose absorption in the body.
Kaju benefits in pregnancy
Kaju is the best snack for pregnant women. It boosts energy and keeps them feeling active in the day. It helps maintain weight and fights various other issues during pregnancy. It controls the iron content in the blood, thus preventing anemia. Keep stretch marks at bay, if you have a handful of these nuts every day.
Kaju good for brain
One of the benefits worth mentioning is that Kaju promotes proper brain functioning. The high level of the copper element present in Kaju. It helps regulate the enzyme activation, hormone production, and proper brain functions. It increases the immune system and prevents infections. Kaju boosts the blood supply to the brain by increasing the production of red blood cells. An increase in the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain will increase the memory power. It has polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which increase brain cells. Copper secretes dopamine and melanin that prevents neurological disorders, fatigue, and depression.
Uses of Kaju
These tasty kaju are used in cooking many dishes. Though, cashews have their roots in Brazil, they grow well in the Indian soil. When Kaju is added to the dish, it gives a rich taste that cannot be found in any other ingredient. You have many uses of having a handful of Kaju nuts every day. Apart from giving you good hair and skin, it prevents conditions like diabetes and cancer. The antioxidant in this nut also has anti-aging effects. It is also good for the bones, nerves, and brain.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Kaju
Allergies are fairly common and ones triggered by nuts are also high in number. Each individual has a different reaction. Nonetheless, it is better to have it in moderation and get yourself tested if you are experiencing any side effect. Itching in the throat, mouth, eyes, and skin can be noticed.
Nasal congestion and shortness of breath are also observed. Nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps are some symptoms faced by those who are allergic to Kaju nuts.
Anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening response where the person is unable to breath is not unheard of. It is always better to be alert of the dishes you order. The best way to treat allergy is to stay away from these nuts completely. Medicines can only work to a certain extent.
Origin And Cultivation of Kaju
Being native to tropical America from Peru to Mexico and Brazil and also to some extent of west indies, other countries also produce Kaju majorly include Kenya, Vietnam, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerela, Tripura, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa are the chief areas producing Kaju.This is considered to be a wasteland crop, which is grown for the purpose of soil conservation and forestation in hilly areas.
References
- Berry AD, Sargent SA. Cashew apple and nut (Anacardium occidentale L.). InPostharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits 2011 Jan 1 (pp. 414-423e). Woodhead Publishing. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Belonwu DC, Ibegbulem CO, Chikezie PC. Systemic evaluation of antibacterial activity of Anacardium occidentale. J. Phytopharmacol. 2014;3(3):193-9. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Aiyadurai SG. A Review of Research on Spices and Cashewnut in India. A Review of Research on Spices and Cashewnut in India.. 1966. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
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