Cashews can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. Here are some tips on how to incorporate cashews into your meals and snacks for better health:
- Choose raw or unsalted cashews: Opt for raw or unsalted cashews to avoid excess sodium or added oils. This allows you to control the amount of salt and seasonings you add.
- Enjoy them as a snack: Cashews make a satisfying and convenient snack option. A handful of cashews can provide a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied between meals.
- Add them to salads: Sprinkle a handful of chopped cashews on top of your salads for added crunch and flavor. Cashews pair well with a variety of greens, vegetables, and dressings.
- Blend them into smoothies: Add a tablespoon or two of cashew butter or a handful of cashews to your smoothies. This can enhance the creaminess and add a dose of healthy fats and protein to your drink.
- Use cashew butter as a spread: Replace processed spreads like butter or margarine with natural cashew butter. Spread it on whole grain toast, rice cakes, or apple slices for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
- Include them in stir-fries: Cashews can add a delightful texture and taste to stir-fried dishes. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain their crunch.
- Make cashew-based sauces and dressings: Blend cashews with water or other liquids to create creamy sauces or dressings. Cashew-based sauces can be a healthier alternative to heavy cream or dairy-based dressings.
- Mix them with other nuts and dried fruits: Create your own trail mix by combining cashews with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, as well as dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or goji berries. It’s a portable and nutritious snack for on-the-go.
- Use them in baking: Add chopped cashews to your homemade granola bars, cookies, or muffins for added texture and flavor. You can also make cashew flour by grinding cashews into a fine powder and use it as a gluten-free alternative in some baked goods.
- Moderation is key: While cashews are nutritious, they are also calorie-dense, so it’s important to consume them in moderation. Stick to a reasonable portion size to enjoy their health benefits without excessive calorie intake.
Innovesen International suggests taking an opinion from healthcare professionals.
