Cashew nuts, a richly sweet product of the cashew tree, have gained popularity in North America and Europe not only for their succulent flavor but for health benefits, too. Whether roasted, salted, sugared or covered in chocolate,the cashew nut, often used as appetizers and deserts is a pack of nutrients.

Tell me something interesting about Cashew nut….

Cashews are native to equatorial South America. From there it migrated to through the East Indies to India by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. From there it was introduced to Asia and Africa and later to Australia.

Portuguese explorers brought the cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, from its native Brazil to India, Africa and Asia in 1558. It has been cultivated for food and medicine for more than 400 years and, during World War II, became highly prized as a source of valuable oil, which was drawn from the shell.

Sometimes called “nature's vitamin pill,” cashew nuts, which now rank #1 among nut crops in the world with 4.1 billion pounds produced in 2002 , have been used to promote wellness for centuries.

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Nutrient content:

Cashew nut is very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese.

How beneficial are the Cashew nut  nutrients? How does it improve my health?

• Good body builder
• Cashew has no cholesterol.
• Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
• Cashew is an energizing food.
• Cashew contains healthy monounsaturated fat that promotes good cardiovascular health, because monounsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride levels which are associated with increased risk for heart disease.
• Cashew is rich in antioxidants that help in the elimination of free radicals that may cause some cancer.
• Magnesium works with calcium to support healthy muscles and bones in the body. It also helps promote normal sleep patterns in menopausal women.
• Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high amount of dietary fiber, both have been attributed to a beneficial effect on weight management, but only when eaten in moderation
• Cashew's has high copper content is vital in energy production, greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints.
• Cashew nut consumption helps the body utilize iron, eliminate free radicals, develop bone and connective tissue, and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin.

Tell me some quick and healthy Cashew nut recipes, so that I can utilize the maximum nutritional benefits of Cashew nut?

Cashew Almond sweet balls

Ingredients:

• Nuts (Cashew, Badam, pista, bengal gram(split)) - 2 cups
• Cardomom powder - 4 spoons
• Jaggery - 4 cups
• Water - 2 cup
• Ghee - 2 spoons(Optional)
• Salt - 1 pinch

Method:

• Roast all the nuts for 3 mins and give them one grind. (Nuts should slightly break and mix)
• In a heavy bottomed vessel, add the jaggery, cardomom, salt and water. Boil till one string consistency. ( This will take 15 mins approximately)
• Put the flame off and add the nuts to it. Add 2 spoons ghee and make balls immediately or it will get harder.
• Cashew & Badam balls are ready. Store & relish.

Kaju Barfi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cashew nuts
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 tablespoon Milk
• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 sheets of silver leaf

Method:

• Soak the cashew nuts in boiling water for 1 hour. Drain it and process smoothly in a

      food processor by adding milk & then sugar.

• Heat the ghee in a large pan, add the cashew nut paste and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick. Then, add vanilla essence and mix thoroughly.
• Put this mixture in a greased tray and spread it evenly and press the silver leaf on the top. Let it cool for 45 minutes. After it is cooled, cut into diamond shaped pieces.