Whether you are trying to eat healthily or just want a snack that is tasty and organic, honey-roasted cashews are the perfect snack for any occasion. Not only are they tasty and craveable but they’re actually full of awesome nutritional value. Here is more on honey-roasted cashews and all the wonderful things that they do for us.
All About Cashews
Cashews are quite unique. While peanuts may be the most popular nut around, cashews have a distinct taste. Not only are they a little sweet mixed with salty, they also have this buttery flavor that is unique. They are found growing on cashew nut trees (the Anacardiaceae family) and their native origins are climates that are subtropical.
It is interesting to note that cashews are not a nut at all. Instead, they are a seed.
According to WH Foods:
The cashew tree is native to coastal areas of Brazil. In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers took cashew trees from this South American country and introduced them into other tropical regions such as India and some African countries, where they are now also cultivated. The cashew tree has always been a prized resource owing to its precious wood, cashew balm and cashew apple, but the cashew nut itself did not gain popularity until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the leading commercial producers of cashews are India, Brazil, Mozambique, Tanzania and Nigeria.
Are Cashews Good for You?
Most people have heard about how eating nuts is good for you. Not only are they heart-healthy but they have a bunch of vitamins and minerals.
Here are just a few ways that cashews are a fun and healthy treat.
Cashews have plenty of vitamins and minerals, as mentioned. Here are the facts and figures on an ounce of cashews:
- Calories 157
- Carbohydrates 9.2 grams
- Protein 5.1 grams
- Fat 12.4 grams
- Fiber 1 gram
- Vitamin E 0.3 mg
- Vitamin K 9.5 mcg
- Vitamin B6 0.1mg
- Calcium 10.4 mg
- Sodium 3.4 mg
- Potassium 187 mg
- Magnesium 83 mg
- Folate 7 ug
Just look at all of the potassium and magnesium. Here are some reasons why these are so great.
Vitamins and Minerals and More (Oh My!)
Believe it or not, honey-roasted nuts are a wonderful source of things like folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. All of these things bring something unique to the table, so to speak.
For example, folate may help prevent DNA damage that causes cancer. At the very least, it is what cell production needs.
- Iron helps keep our blood full of oxygen.
- Potassium is a great immune system booster.
- Magnesium helps with muscle function.
All combined, you have a powerhouse snack.
Heart Healthy
As mentioned earlier, cashews are good for your heart. Research shows that they may do quite a bit to lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. These two things alone helps lower the chances of cardiovascular disease. There are plenty of studies but one showcased that they actually raised the levels of good cholesterol and lowered blood pressure. Along with that, some of the elements in cashews help with fighting heart diseases such as potassium, folic acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E.
According to Healthy Eating:
While honey-roasted nuts are high in fat, the majority of it is healthy. Unsaturated fats help you absorb vitamins and keep your muscles healthy by aiding in the construction of cells. Each 1-ounce serving of almonds contains 14 grams of fat. But what is important is that just over 1 gram is saturated. The remaining fat consists of more than 9 grams monounsaturated and nearly 3 grams polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated are both heart-healthy.
Weight Loss
Many people are concerned with weight loss and aren’t sure if cashews (and especially honey roasted cashews) are a good choice. As mentioned, cashews are great for cardiovascular health. Another area they help is with weight loss because cashews have been shown to fight diabetes, too.
Of course, it is important to eat anything in moderation and that includes honey roasted cashews. But as a snack, and without eating too many, it’s perfect.
This is because while it’s high in fat, it’s good fat. That not only makes us feel fuller, therefore eating less, it helps reduce stroke risks and helps aid in preventing heart disease.
Eye Health
Cashews being good for your eyes may sound far-fetched but it’s true. With the elements of zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants, they help protect the eyes as we age. Cashews have high amounts of both of these antioxidants, which is always a good thing in any food.
What About Honey Roasted Cashews as a Snack?
You may not realize it but cashews make for an excellent snack choice. Not only are they good alone, but they’re simply scrumptious in nut butter spreads and recipes.
Now if you’re looking to eat them alone as a snack, you don’t have to search high and low at the stores. Instead, there are plenty of recipes to make your own honey-roasted cashews. That saves you money, you make as many as you want, and what’s better than being able to “taste test” them first since you’re the cook?
Just make sure after you buy your cashews to get a container that seals well. This is so that nothing can get inside like pests or moisture. If you can though, smell the cashews in the store to make sure they are fresh. When buying in bulk, be sure that you have room in your freezer for long-term storage or a sealed container for up to six months of storage freshness.
Seriously, you can do a lot with cashews but one of the best snacks of all is honey roasted cashews and you can easily make them at home. In fact, you can find a wealth of yummy recipes at Betsy’s Best, including how to make your own at home. Along with the best nut butter in the world, Betsy’s Best makes sure you have a wealth of scrumptious and healthy recipes at your disposal. It’s all about making sure you have tasty snacks that are organic, non-GMO, and made with amazing ingredients like cardamom, pink Himalayan salt, and more!
So, the next time you’re craving a snack that is healthy and tasty, honey-roasted cashews are perfect. They’re crunchy, they are taste-bud friendly, and you’ll get some of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your health.