The season of blankets, steaming cups of hot beverages, and heavy meals is the season of winter. Cold winter days are a time when our body needs supplementation through food so that it can fight the cold temperature and boost its immunity. A small but mighty supplementation for your winters may be cashew. These nuts are so much less sought after than almonds or walnuts and are packed with nutrients during the colder months.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Pooja Singh, Dietician at ShardaCare, Health City - Greater Noida, shared, “Munching on as few as four cashews daily can have many surprising health benefits.”
Benefits Of Eating 4 Cashews Everyday In Winter
Here’s everything our expert shared with us and why this little snack could be your winter saviour:
1. Immunity Boost
Winter is the season of cold and flu. Therefore, an immune system needs to be very strong. Cashews are a rich source of zinc, which is a mineral necessary for the functioning of the immune system. When you eat four cashews daily, you provide your body with a steady supply of zinc that helps fight infections and keeps your immune system in top form.
Also Read: Cashews Or Almonds: Expert Explains Which Is Healthier And Better For Weight Loss?
2. Healthy Skin
Cold weather seems to wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Cashews contain copper i.e. a mineral considered to be important for the production of collagen. To provide elasticity and keep the skin hydrated, collagen is also important. Taking cashews may help your skin stay supple and radiant in the harshness of winter if taken regularly.
3. Heart health
Winter indulgences often include rich and heavy foods that can strain your heart health. Cashews are an excellent source of heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol levels. Just four cashews a day can support cardiovascular health and keep your heart pumping efficiently.
4. Supports Brain Function
Sometimes, owing to the shorter days and longer nights, people go through seasonal mood swings or winter blues. Cashews are fortified with magnesium, which helps in the regulation of neurotransmitters and is a certain mood booster. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that assumes an important role in serotonin creation, the ‘feel-good’ hormone.
Also Read: 5 Delicious Ways to Incorporate Cashews in Everyday Cooking
5. Supports Bones
Winter often limits outdoor activities, including sun exposure, which can lead to a drop in vitamin D levels, which is a key nutrient for bone health. While cashews don’t provide vitamin D, their high magnesium and phosphorus content supports bone density and strength, complementing your overall bone health.
6. Energy Booster
Do you feel sluggish during winter? Well, cashews are one of the best sources of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates which give a stable release of energy throughout the day. Their nutrient-rich profile helps in beating fatigue and keeps you energised to tackle your daily errands.
7. Assists in Weight Management
If you are worried about winter weight gain, cashews can aid in weight management, despite their high-calorie content. Their combination of healthy fats, protein, and fibre promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the temptation to snack on less healthy options. Eating four cashews daily can help you strike the right balance between indulgence and moderation.
Tips for Adding Cashews to Your Diet
Expert Pooja explained that it is quite easy and flexible to include cashews in your daily diet. Here are some suggestions shared by her:
- Add them to your oatmeal or yoghurt in the morning for crunchy nutrition.
- You can blend them into smoothies for a rich texture and nutrient addition.
- Add them as toppings to soups and salads.
- You can simply snack on them for a quick energy boost.
Bottomline
Small changes in diet can lead to significant health benefits, and eating four cashews a day is a perfect example. This simple habit can help you stay healthy, energetic, and radiant throughout the winter months. So why not give it a try?