All plant-based foods have benefits, but some continue to surprise us with the amazing ways they can improve our health and well-being. Cashews are one of these. This healthy nut is not only deliciously creamy and can be used in place of eggs, butter, cheese, and even yogurt, but it is also extremely beneficial to your brain. Although all nuts and seeds contain beneficial fats, B vitamins, and magnesium for a healthy mood, cashews are one of the few that have been linked to reducing not only anxiety but also general stress and mild depression.
Nutrients in Cashews that Help Beating the Depression & Anxiety
Cashews contain iron, magnesium, Vitamin B6, protein and essential amino acids, and even omega 3 fats. All of these nutrients help to naturally combat mild depression and anxiety. Here's how it works:
Tryptophan Dose
Among all plant-based foods, cashews are one of the best sources of the amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid is essential for increasing serotonin uptake in the brain and acts as a direct precursor to the antidepressant hormone itself. So, without tryptophan in our diets, we not only can't produce as much serotonin, but our bodies also can't use the serotonin we do have. Serotonin deficiency can make us feel anxious, stressed, and even sad. Tryptophan is found in many plant-based foods, but cashews have the highest concentration, with 1000-2000 milligrams per 1/4 cup serving.
Powerful Magnesium
Cashews are also higher in magnesium than almonds, a more well-known nut. Magnesium is essential for a healthy mood and nervous system, and as a result, it can help treat anxiety and depression. Magnesium also helps to fight low blood sugar, which can contribute to anxiety, and cashews have about 83 milligrams per serving.
Relaxing Vitamin B6
Cashews contain Vitamin B6, which aids in the absorption of serotonin in the body. Both vitamin B6 and tryptophan promote a relaxed, zen-like state that aids in the treatment of a sour or anxious mood. Vitamin B6 also helps magnesium reach cells more effectively, which reduces depression and improves overall brain health. Cashews, avocados, pumpkin seeds, bananas, pumpkin, greens, chia, and sweet potatoes are all good sources.
Brain Booster Fats
Cashews' healthy fats are also important for maintaining a balanced mood and preventing depression. A low-fat diet may be necessary for those with specific heart health issues, but a little healthy fat each day is important for your mood and heart health, particularly monounsaturated fats like nuts and seeds. Cashews are high in monounsaturated fats, which can help keep your brain healthy and prevent depression naturally.
Cashews may be a natural solution for depression and anxiety and don’t carry the price tag or side effects of Prozac. Though we can't make any guarantees, consuming 1/4 cup per day is a great way to test it out for yourself due to the nutritional benefits this humble nut possesses.
Depression is a serious mental health issue that should not be taken lightly; therefore, don't assume that eating cashews every day will cure depression on its own. Yet, keep in mind that the nutritional benefits this nut has to offer do show to be promising in balancing brain health naturally, in correspondence with an otherwise healthy diet. Eating plenty of plant-based foods and avoiding processed foods is also important for avoiding the blues and jitters.