Cashew nuts are most popular nuts used in every house. It is used worldwide as a snack, as an ingredient of sweet dishes, as a topping on many vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. However, just like every other thing, there are risks and side effects of eating too many cashew nuts, and in this
article, we will know about these side effects and why we should eat cashew nuts in moderate quantity.
1. Weight Gain
Eating cashew nuts in moderate quantity may help in weight management but this could turn negative when cashew nuts are consumed in excessive quantity. Cashews are a good source of energy because of their high calorific value, which means one can get a good amount of energy just by eating a handful of cashew nuts.
2. Raw Cashew are Poisonous
Although these days it is not so common to find raw or in-shell cashews at the store but even if you do then it’s best to stay away from them and give preference to commercially prepared cashew nuts. This is because raw cashews are related to poison ivy and poison sumac and oils present in the cashew shells can cause an itching and unpleasant reactions on our skin.
3. Allergies
Eating too many cashew nuts is dangerous for our health even because of the risk of allergic reactions attached to them. As per a study published in December 2003 edition of the journal “Allergy”, allergies associated with cashews are risking day by day and these allergic reactions are even more serious because they affect young children who may never have been exposed to these allergies.
4. High Blood Pressure
Eating too many salted cashew nuts may increase the blood pressure level of our body and give rise to hypertension and other health problems because of the high level of sodium ( around 181 milligrams of sodium per ounce of cashew nuts ) present in salted cashew nuts. It is important to note that level of sodium in unsalted cashew nuts is very low ( around 12 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams of cashew nuts ) which means it is better to eat unsalted cashew nuts and say no to salted cashew nuts.
5. Migraines
Eating cashew nuts is not suitable for people suffering from headaches and migraines because of the amino acids like tyramine and phenylethylamine present in them. Although these amino acids are good for our health and help in maintaining the normal blood pressure levels and provide a sense of well-being , but these amino acids may cause head pain in individuals who are sensitive to these amino acids.
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08:21, Fri, Nov 11, 2016 | UPDATED: 13:55, Wed, Nov 16, 2016
GETTYEATING cashew nuts could lower blood pressure naturally, reducing the risk of life-threatening health conditions such as heart attacks.
High blood pressure: Cashew nuts could reduce blood pressure
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The nuts contain high levels of magnesium and potassium - which are essential elements in the human body.
Magnesium helps keep heart rhythm steady, is vital for healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, the nervous system and keeps bowels healthy.
The substance can also control blood sugar to combat insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
But experts have since revealed there is a link between the amount of magnesium people eat and their blood pressure.
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GETTY
Reduce high blood pressure: Cashew nuts are high in magnesium and potassium
Researchers at Indiana University have previously found people receiving an average of 368mg day for an average of three months had overall reductions in systolic blood pressure of 2mm of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure of 1.78 mm Hg.
The study found taking 300mg/a day for just one month was enough to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow.
Cassandra Barns, nutritionist, spoke to Express.co.uk about the findings.
She said: “Cashew nuts are a fantastic source of magnesium.
“Magnesium may help to keep blood pressure in balance, potentially by helping to relax the blood vessel walls and allow them to dilate.”
Doctor: Many people have high blood pressure and are unaware
GETTY
Reduce high blood pressure: It can cause TIAs, heart attacks and problems with kidneys
The NHS recommends men should have 300mg of magnesium a day - while women only need 270mg.
A handful of cashew nuts - or 100g - contain 292mg of magnesium.
High blood pressure can cause damage the arteries, which carry blood away from the heart, by damaging the cells of their lining. This can cause a hardening of the arteries called arteriosclerosis which can block blood flow to the heart, kidneys and brain.
Hypotension can also lead to aneurysms, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. It can also lead to coronary artery disease and increase the risk of kidney damage and TIAs - or ministrokes.
GETTY
Cashews are rich in potassium as well as magnesium, which can also prevent against illness
Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com said: “Cashews are a sweet nut that contain magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus biotin and folate. They are lower in fat than a lot of other nuts and have higher carbohydrate content.
“Cashews are rich in potassium, which contributes to normal blood pressure by controlling the amount of water that goes into the cells and the amount that stays in the blood stream.
“Potassium carries an electrical charge, which opens the cell’s water channels.
“Potassium is also required for pulling water into the kidneys for processing so it can be excreted out of the body.
GETTY
High blood pressure could lead to potentially life-threatening health issues
“It is this water balance between blood, cells and kidneys which is what has the effect on blood pressure.”
The study has caused experts to question whether people who are at risk of heart attacks or have hypertension should take magnesium supplements.
Dr Yiqing Song, of Indiana University, said magnesium supplements are relatively ‘safe and low cost’.
He added: “Optimal magnesium in the human body may help prevent or treat hypertension.”
However nutritionists argue that simply opting for a healthy diet, or a handful of cashew nuts - which are native to Brazil - could help to reduce blood pressure.
High blood pressure is often related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and not exercising enough.
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