Want an all natural alternative to Prozac? Have two handfuls of cashews! Two handfuls of this yummy nut equals the dose of Proozac. Amino acids found in cashews can be broken down to niacin. Tryptophan in cashews is also broken down into serotonin and important neurotransmitter that is lacking in depressed patients. Serotonin is the chemical that keeps us happy and balanced. Prozac and other antidepressants usually create or increase serotonin level to cure depression. Most people don’t have access to these types of medication. The next best thing is to go all natural. Cashews can be used as an all natural alternative but peas, cheese, wheat germ, beans and other nuts can also help with depression.
A big handful of cashews and a portion of peanut butter provide 2000 milligrams of tryptophan, almost the same amount of prescription antidepressant.
Tryptophan needs carbohydrates to travel to the brain. Lack of carbohydrates tryptophan cannot access the blood-brain barrier. Carbohydrates are an important part of our daily diet,having enough carbohydrates can keep our body functioning properly. Niacin and tryptophan is important with dealing with depression, opt for eggs and toast rather than eggs alone. Eat cheese with crackers than cheese and egg. Bean, nuts and peas are great antidepressant foods because it already contains a much needed amount of carbohydrates.
Other Health Benefits of Cashews:
Healthy Heart – Cashews contain oleic acid that is good for the heart. It is also low in fat and is cholesterol free
Prevents Cancer – Flavonols found in cashews are known to fight of cancer cells and tumor growth. Healthy Nerves – Cashews contain magnesium that keeps the blood vessels and muscles relax. Prevents Gallstones – Daily intake of cashews can lower onset gallstone.
Helps in Weight Loss – Cashews may contain a lot of fat, it can still help you trim off some fat. The fats in cashews are considered good fat. It also contains good cholesterol. Cashews can prevent weight gain as long as consumed with moderation.
Lowers High Blood Pressure – magnesium found in cashews are known to lower blood pressure levels.
Helps Hair – Cashews have a high copper content. Hair gets its shiny and dark color from copper. Eating cashews increase the melanin pigments in hair and keeps it dark and shiny.
Healthy Bones – Cashews are high in calcium and magnesium, that are needed for strong and healthy bones.
Healthy Gums and Teeth – Magnesium and calcium is also important in gum and teeth health. It keeps the teeth strong and the gums healthy.
Pleasant sleep – women who have gone through menopause can have pleasant and nightmare free sleep with cashew nuts.
Free Radicals – Cashew contain a lot of antioxidants and irons, that eliminate harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause cell damage and diseases.
Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration can come from UV damage. Cashews has the ability to protect the eyes from harmful rays.
Antioxidants – we need antioxidants in our body as protection from dieseases. The antioxidants present in cashews are Copper, magnesium and selenium.
Helps Digestion – Cashews have nucleic acid that aid in digestion.
High in Vitamin – Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and more are all active in cashews.