Want to keep warm and have your skin thrive this winter season? Let’s see what trusty old Ayurveda has got to say about warm foods you should consume during the harsh winters! When the word winter comes to mind, the first thing which pops up is a hot cup of your favourite brew or your mother’s famous warm delicacy. Did you now that the food we eat is closely associated with the weather? Ritucharya is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and is comprised of two words, “Ritu” which means season and “charya” which means Regimen or discipline. Ritucharya consists of lifestyle and ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes as recommended by Ayurveda. Ritucharya is a powerful, health giving ayurvedic tool that helps us live according to the changes in season and make internal adjustments so that our doshas are in a state of balance. People do not know or ignore the suitable types of food stuffs to be followed in particular season, this ...
Cashew nut commonly known as “Kaju” is a popular and nutritious dry fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamins (E, K and B6), phosphorous, zinc, magnesium making it beneficial for health.
Cashew nuts help to lower blood cholesterol levels and improves heart health. It also improves bone health as it is rich in magnesium.
Adding Cashew nuts to your regular diet helps in weight management as it contains a good amount of healthy fat which gives a feeling of being full and satiated and prevents overeating.
Applying Cashew nut oil to the skin helps in wound healing and improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It also promotes hair growth and improves hair texture[2][5].
What are the synonyms of Cashew Nuts?
Anacardium occidentale, Vrikulh, Pitphal, Kaju, Bhaliya, Lankabhaliya, Gera-bija, Godambe, Kalamawu, Mundhari, Jidiyanti, Jidimamidivittu, Hijali[1].
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Cashew nuts might be beneficial in the management of metabolic syndrome. It has good antioxidant property that reduces the complications associated with metabolic syndrome[3].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cashew nuts help to control the symptoms of metabolic syndrome like diabetes and obesity. According to Ayurveda, these diseases occur when excess Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) is accumulated in the body. Taking Cashew nuts regularly helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by improving the digestive fire. This is due to its Ushna (hot) property. This thus helps to control the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
Tips:
1. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts.
2. Have it with milk once or twice a day to manage the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
How effective is Cashew Nuts?
Insufficient evidence
Metabolic syndrome
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING CASHEW NUTS
Allergy
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Cashew nuts may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachio or pectin. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming Cashew nuts if you are allergic to any of the mentioned nuts[3][4].
Breastfeeding
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
It is safe to take Cashew nuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Cashew nuts supplements during breastfeeding[3].
Patients with diabetes
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, consuming large amounts of Cashew nuts may increase glucose levels in the blood. So it is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose level regularly while taking Cashew nuts[3].
Pregnancy
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
It is safe to take Cashew nuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Cashew nuts supplements during pregnancy[3].
HOW TO USE CASHEW NUTS
1. Cashew nuts
a. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts a day.
b. Or, you can add a few Cashew nuts to salads.
2. Cashew nut Powder
Use 1-2 teaspoons of Cashew nut powder in cooking as flour.
BENEFITS OF CASHEW NUTS
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cashew nut especially its oil helps in quick healing of ulcers when applied to the skin. Cashew nut essential oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. But due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it is advisable to use it after diluting with any carrier oil like coconut, olive oil or with rose water.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Cashew nut powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with rose water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area for quick healing of the wound.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cashew nut and its oil helps to remove corn when applied on the affected area. Corn is a skin callus (thick skin) that occurs on the thin surface of the sole. Corn is also called as Kadra in Ayurveda. It may develop as a result of vitiation of the Vata and Kapha dosha. Cashew nuts and its oil helps to remove corns due to its Vata and Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Cashew nut oil.
2. Mix with 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to get rid of corns.
How effective is Cashew Nuts?
Insufficient evidence
Corns, Skin disorders, Warts
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF CASHEW NUTS
- Cashew Nuts Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Cashew Nuts Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
HOW TO USE CASHEW NUTS
1. Cashew nut Powder
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Cashew nut powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area for quick healing.
2. Cashew nut oil
A. For skin
Apply 2-5 drops of Cashew nut oil on the skin and massage gently.
B. For hair
i. Take 3-4 drops of Cashew nut essential oil
ii. Mix it with any carrier oil like Coconut or Olive oil.
iii. Apply on hair and scalp.
iv. Massage gently.
v. Leave it for some time and then rinse off with water.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Cashew nuts have low-fat content, most of which is ‘good fat’. They are a rich source of iron, zinc and magnesium which contributes towards managing anemia, maintaining healthy vision and boosting the immune system. Cashew nuts may be useful in improving memory as well as managing age-related memory loss. It is recommended to consume about 4-5 Cashew nuts daily.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
One Cashew nut has approximately 9 calories.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
To prepare roasted Cashew nuts at home:
1. Toast Cashew nuts with 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan.
2. Keep the flame on medium.
3. Roast the nuts in the pan till they become slightly brown in color.
4. Or you can also roast them for around 2 minutes in microwave at high temperature.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Yes, Cashew nut is good for arthritis when it is taken on a regular basis. This is because arthritis is due to an aggravated Vata. Cashew nuts help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis like pain and inflammation due to its Vata balancing property.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Yes, Cashew nuts help to control a cough. It helps to remove excess mucus from the lungs and gives relief from cough. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Cashew nut helps to lower the blood glucose level. It increases the level of insulin and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Although Cashew nut helps to improve digestion, it can increase the symptoms of gastritis due to its Ushna (hot) property.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Cashew nut milk is rich in micronutrients such as potassium which is beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health. It is also rich in trace elements (zinc and iron) that prevents body from parasitic and infectious disease. Moreover, Cashew nut milk when consumed during pregnancy might have beneficial effects on the memory of the baby[6][7].
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, consuming Cashew nuts are considered to be good for cholesterol as it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids ((MUFAs and PUFAs) that are healthy fats. They have a favorable effect on low density lipoprotein cholesterol or good cholesterol. It lowers the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol i.e., LDL and triglycerides[8][9].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cholesterol is a condition which occurs due to Agnimandya (low digestive fire), which further leads to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the blood vessels. Cashew nut helps to manage this condition due to its Ushna (hot) property which leads to good digestion. This helps to digest Ama properly and release toxins (Ama) out of the body by clearing bowels due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, incorporating Cashew nut in your diet might help lower blood pressure. Cashew nuts contain oleic acid that helps to increase good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein, HDL). This helps to improve heart health thereby normalising blood pressure[10].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Blood pressure increases due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha which leads to a state of obstruction in the blood vessels due to an accumulation of toxins (bad cholesterol). Cashew improves the digestion system due to its Ushna (hot) property which helps in the removal of bad cholesterol from the body due to its Rechana (laxative) property. This clears any obstruction in the blood vessels resulting in normal blood flow. It also helps in increasing good cholesterol due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Cashew nuts are nutritional and beneficial for men due to the presence of certain constituents such as gallic acid that help to manage the levels of certain hormones such as testosterone and cortisol. These hormones helps reduce stress levels as well as prevent sexual dysfunction such as low sperm count. This further improves the male sexual behavior and stress associated disorders such as anxiety[11][12].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cashew nuts help to manage sexual weakness in men due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property. It also helps to maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels by improving digestion due to its Vata - Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Cashew nuts when consumed in moderate amount might help to normalize body mass index (BMI). It also has a high amount of dietary fiber which reduces the level of hormones responsible for hunger and suppresses body weight. Cashew nuts contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals that have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol and normalize blood sugar levels which also helps to reduce body weight[13][8].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Weight gain is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. This results in the accumulation of excessive fat or toxins in the body. Cashew nuts might help to manage this condition due to its Ushna (hot) property which helps to maintain a good digestive fire and improves digestion. This digests the fat or toxins in the body and improves metabolism. It also helps to release toxins out of the body due to its Rechana (laxative) property which leads to weight loss.
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
No, it is not recommended to eat raw Cashew nuts as the oil in it, also known as shell oil (from the kernel or shell of cashew nuts), has the potential to cause allergic reactions like itchy rash or contact dermatitis. This is due to the presence of certain compounds such as urushiol that are toxic in nature[14][15][16].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Cashew nuts are good for hair growth. Cashew nuts or its oil help to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Cashew nuts or its oil act on hair fall by balancing Vata. It removes excessive dryness on the scalp. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Yes, Cashew nuts are good for the skin because of its Ropan (healing) property. Cashew nut essential oil gives quick result in healing when applied to the affected area.
REFERENCES
- Balkrishnan A.kaju.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Singh PL,Maiti A.PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE: A REVIEW.AJPER.2017;6(1):40-51.
- WebMD.Cashew: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- García F , Moneo I , Fernández B et al.Allergy to Anacardiaceae: description of Cashew and pistachio nut allergens.J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol.2000;10(3):173-177.
- Mah E, Schulz JA, Kaden VN, et al.Cashew consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol: a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 May;105(5):1070-1078.
- De Melo MFFT, Pereira DE, Sousa MM et al. Maternal intake of cashew nuts accelerates reflex maturation and facilitates memory in the offspring. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2017;61:58-67.doi: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.06.006.
- Manzoor MF, Manzoor A, Siddique R et al. Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Cashew Seed (Anacardium occidentale) Milk. Mod Concep Dev Agrono.2017; 1(1):1-4.
- Syed A, Malsawmtluangi C. Evaluation of anti-obesity potential of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) in animals. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Research.2015; 5(2):42-50.
- De Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD et al. Nuts and Human Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9,1311:2-23.
- Mohan V, Gayathri R, Jaacks LM et al. Cashew Nut Consumption Increases HDL Cholesterol and Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure in Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2018;148(1):63-69.
- Wattanathorn J, Prabsattroo T, Somsapt P et al. Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions. BioMed Research International.2018;1-13.
- Obembe, Ige. Sperm parameters of male Wistar rats treated with Anacardium occidentale L. leaf extract. Res. J. of Health Sci.2016; 4(1):82-88.
- Ros E. Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients.2010; 2(7):652-82.
- Pasricha JS, Srinivas CR, Krupashanker DS et al. Contact Dermatitis Due to Cashew Nut (Anacardium Occidentale) Shell Oil, Pericarp and Kernel. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 1988;54(1):36-37.
- Rosen T, Fordice DB. Cashew nut dermatitis. South Med J. 1994;87(4):543-6.
- Reginella RF, Fairfield JC, Marks JG Jr. Hyposensitization to poison ivy after working in a cashew nut shell oil processing factory. Contact Dermatitis. 1989 Apr;20(4):274-9.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.
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