Benefits of Cashew Nut Milk

Benefits of Cashew Nut Milk
Photo Credit Cashews image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Cashew milk is a beverage derived from the cashews, water, and, if desired, an added sweetener such as maple syrup. For individuals who are unable to drink milk, and want an alternative to soy, cashew milk is an excellent option. Cashew milk is made from cashew nuts, which are high in B vitamins, magnesium and copper, and provides a wide array of health benefits.

Loaded with B Vitamins

B vitamins are the group of vitamins that are involved in making red blood cells and are essential in the body's metabolic activity. Cashews are a good source of B vitamins including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and B6.

Good Source of Copper and Magnesium

Copper is an important component to many enzymes in our bodies. Copper is involved in many important functions such as developing bone and connective tissue, producing melanin, and the utilization of iron in our body. According to the George Mateijan Foundation, a quarter cup of cashews supplies almost 38 percent of the daily recommendations of copper. Cashews are also a great source of magnesium. Like calcium, magnesium is also extremely important in keeping our bones strong and healthy. According to the George Mateijan Foundation, a quarter cup of cashews supplies 22.3 percent of the daily value of magnesium.

Heart Healthy

Compared to other nuts, cashews have a lower overall fat content. The majority of fat found in cashews is unsaturated fatty acid, or the good fat. According to the American Heart Association, if eaten in moderation, monounsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on your health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood, as well as lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. The majority of the monounsaturated fat found in cashews is oleic acid, a heart healthy fat also found in olive oil.

Cholesterol Free

The American Heart Association identifies high levels of cholesterol as a major risk factor for heart disease. For individuals on a low cholesterol diet, cashew milk is a great alternative to dairy milk as cashews are cholesterol free.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Mar 29, 2010

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