It’s no secret that consuming nuts can have many benefits for your overall health. However, not all nuts are created equal, and here we’ll dive into the ways in which roasted cashews can be mental health boosters! That’s right- your favorite snack is packing more than just a delicious punch; roasted cashews have been shown to contribute to positive mental health. From keeping stress in check to managing depression to reducing anxiety – these little nuts do a lot more than they let on. But what is it that makes roasted cashews such great mental health fuel? We’ll take a look at several of the nutrients that help cashews keep you mentally fit. Tryptophan, magnesium, Vitamin B, and healthy fats are what keep you strong and alert, and we’ll learn more about these below.
Tryptophan
When you hear the word tryptophan, you probably think of the property in turkey that everyone blames for their post-Thanksgiving food coma. That’s a common myth, as tryptophan is in more foods than just turkey. And, it’s not the direct sleeping pill you might have heard it is. While tryptophan is found in many meats, there are just a few plants and plant-based foods that contain the helpful amino acid. Roasted cashews boast 1000 to 2000mg of tryptophan in a ¼ cup serving. This nutrient helps our brains absorb serotonin efficiently, which means it is actively playing a role in keeping antidepressant hormones coursing through your body. Without enough tryptophan, you could experience drops in serotonin that would make you feel stressed and anxious.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a crucial nutrient that we get from foods to maintain a healthy nervous system. This mineral also plays a huge role in helping us keep depression and anxiety at bay. Studies show that magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, which staves off bouts of anxiety. This link between blood sugar and anxiety can be better managed by consuming healthy amounts of foods with magnesium. Nuts are great for magnesium, but roasted cashews especially boast 83mg of magnesium per serving.
Vitamin B6
Tryptophan isn’t the only nutrient on the block concerned with our serotonin. Our bodies need Vitamin B6 in order to absorb serotonin properly. Specifically, when Vitamin B6 is combined with tryptophan (as it is in roasted cashews), the effect is a calming, relaxed state that can help us ward off unwanted anxiety and depression. An added bonus: consumption of Vitamin B6 also helps our bodies absorb and process magnesium more effectively.
Healthy Fats
Lots of studies and diets boast about the importance of healthy fats in your diet. Even those struggling with heart issues or obesity need to consume healthy fats for the nutrients they add to our bodies. Healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are found in high concentrations in cashews, making roasted cashews a great way to incorporate the perfect amount of healthy fat into your diet. Healthy fats help with mood management and can improve the demeanor of those suffering from mild and moderate depression.
Memory Boosters
All of these nutrients mentioned above have been shown to positively provide near-instant outcomes for our brains. But over time, this increased brain function can lead to better memory abilities. This is especially true for women who consume nuts while pregnant; Some studies have shown that if a woman eats cashews, the nutrients of the nuts will help mother and baby boost their memories.
If you’re looking for natural ways to help improve your mental health, rest assured that roasted cashews provide helpful assists in that process. While cashews cannot solve or fix any ongoing mental health situations, they are a healthy, safe, and positive way to naturally boost your body’s abilities to ward off anxiety and depression. While roasted cashews are a great way to get your fix of mind-boosting nutrients, cashews can be enjoyed in a number of other ways to still get the intended effects. You can create a four-course meal with cashews in every bite. Trying cashew butter as an ingredient in sandwiches, smoothies, desserts, or by itself can also be a great way to get your cashew quota in. Cashews are also a great substitute for cheese; Cashews are ultra versatile when it comes to creating cheesy flavors to recreate your favorite dish.