Cashew nut measures about an inch in length, 1/2 inches in diameter, and kidney or bean shape, with a smooth surface and smooth curvy pointed tip. Each nut splits into two halves as in legumes. The cream white kernel features firm yet crunchy texture and sweet, buttery flavor.
Cashew nuts are abundant sources of essential minerals. Manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are especially concentrated in them. A handful of cashew nuts a day in the diet would provide enough of these minerals and may help prevent deficiency diseases. Selenium is an important micronutrient, which functions as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione peroxidases, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as co-factors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Zinc is a co-factor for many enzymes that regulate growth and development, gonadal function, digestion, and DNA (nucleic acid) synthesis.
Energy | 553 Kcal | 28% |
Carbohydrates | 30.19 g | 23% |
Protein | 18.22 g | 32.5% |
Total Fat | 43.85 g | 146% |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 8.5% |
Folates | 25 µg | 6% |
Niacin | 1.062 mg | 6.5% |
Pantothenic acid | 0.864 mg | 17% |
Pyridoxine | 0.417 mg | 32% |
Riboflavin | 0.058 mg | 4.5% |
Thiamin | 0.423 mg | 35% |
Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
Vitamin C | 0.5 mg | 1% |
Vitamin E | 5.31 mg | 35% |
Vitamin K | 34.1 µg | 28% |
Sodium | 12 mg | 1% |
Potassium | 660 mg | 14% |
Calcium | 37 mg | 4% |
Copper | 2.195 mg | 244% |
Iron | 6.68 mg | 83.5% |
Magnesium | 292 mg | 73% |
Manganese | 1.655 mg | 72% |
srus | 593 mg | 85% |
Selenium | 19.9 µg | 36% |
Zinc | 5.78 mg | 52.5% |
Carotene-à | 0 µg | -- |
Crypto-xanthin-à | 0 µg | -- |
Lutein-zeaxanthin | 22 µg | -- |