Cashew Tree

CASHEW TREE

aka Anacardium occidentale

GROW

Propagate : marcotting, seedings

Light : sunny

Water : once a day

Soil: good drainage

Fertilizer: twice a month

USES

Help the body to fight free radicals : Soaking its barks in water for about a day can be used to control blood sugar levels, treats a sore throat, influenza, used as a mouthwash, and reduces blood pressure. The decoction of its leaves can treat diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, skin disorders, cuts, burns, and wounds.

Heart-Health: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, and 82% of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids. 66% of this unsaturated fatty acid content is heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil. Monounsaturated fat, when added to a low-fat diet, can help to reduce high triglyceride levels, especially for persons with diabetes. They also contain arginine, which protects the inner lining of artery walls.

Eye Health: Cashews contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants when consumed regularly. These compounds protect the eyes from light damage (which can turn into blindness in the elderly), and can even help decrease the instance of cataracts.

Bone Health: Magnesium is vital for healthy bones. Insufficient magnesium can contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms (including spasms of the heart muscle or the spasms of the airways symptomatic of asthma), and migraine headaches, as well as muscle cramps, tension, soreness, and fatigue.

Weight Loss: People who eat nuts at least twice a week are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat nuts. Replacing animal fats and proteins with the mono-and polyunsaturated fats found in cashews is an excellent way to manage your weight and reduce the build-up of fat and cholesterol in the heart.