Cashew nuts are native to Brazil, which is the world's largest supplier, and are also grown in India, Asia and Africa. These nuts are rich in nutrients and are popular across the world, eaten not only alone but incorporated into recipes. In addition to the nut's use as a food, other parts of the cashew tree have a number of industrial and medicinal uses.
Where do cashews come from
Cashew trees grow in tropical climates. Brazil was the world's largest grower of cashew nuts in 2005, according to the Organic Cashew Nuts website, producing 245,000 metric tons. The Portuguese first brought the cashew from Brazil to India and Africa in the sixteenth century. The cashew fruit consists of both a crab apple, called the cashew apple, and a bean-shaped appendage at the tip of the fruit, called the cashew nut. The cashew apple spoils quickly and is eaten locally but not exported.
Nutrients in Cashews
Cashews are a rich source of protein, monounsaturated fats, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese. A quarter cup of cashews supplies 37.4 percent of the daily recommended value of monounsaturated fat, 38.0 percent of the daily recommended value for copper, and 22.3 percent of the daily recommended value for magnesium.
Health Benefits of Cashews
Because of their high nutrient content, cashews have a number of important health benefits. Along with their high monounsaturated fatty acid content, cashews have no cholesterol, making them a good food choice for promoting cardiovascular health. Magnesium is also important for heart health, as well as bone health. Copper is an antioxidant, helping promote blood vessel, joint, and bone health. In the Nurses' Health Study, regular nut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of developing gallstones.
Cooking with Cashews
Cashews can be eaten plain or incorporated into a variety of dishes, including both main courses and desserts.
Other Uses of the Cashew Tree
In addition to being a food source, the cashew tree has many other uses. Resin from cashew wood is used to make varnish. Liquid from the cashew nut shell has a number of industrial uses, including use in brake fluid, adhesives, paints and varnishes, insecticides, electrical insulation and antimicrobials. Medicinal uses of cashew leaves, bark and juice from the cashew apple include treatments for diarrhea, skin infections, warts, intestinal worms and parasitic larvae.
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