Benefits of Cashew Butter
As a nut, cashews are popular because they are mild in flavor and taste great. To be scientifically correct, cashews are not actually nuts but technically seeds. This is because they grow attached to fruit.
Cashews are extremely nutritious. They have so many benefits alone but when made into a butter it is easier to take advantage of these.
It’s hard for some to make the switch from peanut butter. But when you want to choose better, there is a lot of reasons to make the decision to pick cashew butter.
Cashew butter is a natural spread that is made from raw or roasted cashews. The two variants are broad types and it is no surprise that raw is better than roasted.
It’s good to keep in mind that eating raw cashew butter helps the body get the most amount of nutrients compared to eating roasted versions.
Cashew butter has amino acids and healthy fats, both aid in heart health. Even though cashew butter is a rich source of protein it is also high in calories. More does not mean better in this case. You should always only eat a handful of nuts at a time.
The Top Health Benefits of Cashew Butter
Blood Builder
Cashews are loaded with copper and iron, which are key in the production of red blood cells. In case you forgot your high school science: red blood cells carry hemoglobin that is needed to carry cells throughout the body. And when the blood count goes up so does the energy level.
Less Fat than the Other Butters
All nut butters have fat. Yet, cashew butter contains less than other types. And it also has less sugar than peanut butter.
Source of Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body needs to be healthy and fit. It keeps our muscles toned, speeds up metabolism and also bolsters immunity. Magnesium will assist the body absorb calcium, which is very important for all of us.
Another benefit to magnesium is its ability to treat migraines. Magnesium has been shown to relieve the spasm of blood vessels under the scalp so that means the nerves are less sensitive.
Iron and Selenium
Iron is important for our bodies. Cashew butter contains a substantial amount and this helps anemia and fatigue. To get the most iron it should be consumed raw. Selenium fights free radicals and cashew butter naturally contains this vital ingredient.
Vision
Cashews contain a little bit of the antioxidant, zeaxanthin. This strange looking antioxidant prevents damage to the macula — located in the eyes. Plus, it has a UV filtering effect to further prevent other damage within the eyes.
Protein
While cashew butter has less protein than peanut butter, it’s still a great source.
There are many health benefits to consuming cashews, as well as cashew butter. For centuries, cashews have been used to treat ailments. And, more recently, it’s being used to aid heart health and diabetes.
How to incorporate cashew butter into your diet?
- spread on toast or rice cake
- dip celery or carrot sticks for a snack
- add to a smoothie
- substitute in granola bar recipes
Be creative when choosing how to nourish your body. The old favorite, peanut butter is not the only nut butter to consider.
Most will agree that cashews not only taste delicious but are packed with a powerful nutritional punch. Be mindful that a little goes a long way, so resist overdoing it. And when possible, choose raw, unsalted varieties to gain the most benefits.
