Foods can surprise us with all the beneficial things they can do, and now it is time for the little cashew to take it’s turn in the spotlight. This tasty nut is a powerhouse of good things for your brain and mood. Plus, it can replace butter, eggs, yogurt, and cheese.
As an example of how great the mighty little cashew is, just take a look at what the tryptophan in cashews does. Tryptophan is a natural booster of serotonin, which is the antidepressant chemical that your brain needs. Without tryptophan in our diets, not only do we not make enough serotonin, but our bodies can’t absorb the serotonin we do make. Without enough tryptophan in our system, we will feel anxious, depressed, and stressed.
Another example of cashews awesomeness is the fact that they are also a great source of magnesium, which is crucial to our nervous system and a healthy mood. They can also fight low blood sugar. Having low blood sugar can add to anxiety. Cashews can help you chill out with their calming vitamin B6, which works with the tryptophan to make the serotonin. Together they create a better mood. It also helps the magnesium to get into the cells.
Healthy brain-boosting fats are another nutritional plus for cashews, even for people who are on a low-fat diet. The cashew has healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for our brains. Our brains need fat to function, so why not get the best in a tasty cashew? Dr. Andrew Saul has said that cashews are such a win for fighting depression and anxiety, that they rank up there with Prozac. This doesn’t mean that eating ¼ cup of cashews a day will cure depression, but it is another tool for our arsenal in the fight against depression and anxiety.
Read the full article here: How Cashews Can Help With Stress and Anxiety
