It’s not uncommon for cashews to be overshadowed by other nuts like almonds and walnuts, which are often considered more popular or fashionable. However, don’t let their less flashy reputation fool you – these creamy, kidney-shaped nuts are brimming with impressive health benefits, particularly for men. Cashew nuts benefits for male are numerous and include improved heart health, bone strength, and muscle growth.
In fact, there are at least nine scientifically-backed ways that cashews can help improve your overall health and well-being. Some of these benefits include increased energy levels, improved physical performance, better heart health, and enhanced weight management. So, if you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious snack that can provide you with a wide range of health benefits, you might want to consider adding cashews to your regular diet.
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ToggleAre you feeling drained by 3 pm? Skip the coffee and grab a handful of cashews instead. Just an ounce provides 13% of your daily value for iron. This mineral enables red blood cells to carry energizing oxygen throughout your body. The same serving also gives men 10% DV for zinc, which your immune system depends on to keep you powered through the day.
Cashews even supply plenty of magnesium, with 25% DV per ounce. You need this mineral for ATP, your body’s primary energy transporter. Low levels result in tired muscles and a sense of overall exhaustion. Together, the iron, zinc, and magnesium in cashews combine for an energy boost that outlasts a coffee rush.
Bulking up at the gym? Stock up on cashews to support your protein-focused diet. Not only do they contain 5 grams of plant-based protein per ounce, but the amino acid content is remarkably similar to animal proteins. And the iron, zinc, and magnesium contribute to normal muscle function so you can keep on pumping weights. Cashews also provide electrolytes like calcium and potassium to reduce risk of painful muscle cramps.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for American men. Fortunately, cashews boast several cardiovascular-protective healthy fats and nutrients. Almost 75% of the fat in cashews is monounsaturated, led by oleic acid—the same beneficial type found in olive oil. Research shows higher monounsaturated fat intake promotes “good” HDL cholesterol levels in the blood and helps prevent atherosclerosis.
Additionally, an ounce of cashews supplies 17% DV magnesium, which research links with lower blood pressure and risk of heart attack. The same serving size also delivers 22% DV copper. This trace mineral is necessary for healthy blood vessel formation and collagen production. Together, these nutrients make cashews a heart-smart snack.
Male sex hormones like testosterone start waning after age 30. But zinc may help in this area—cashews have 14% DV per ounce. This mineral is essential for male fertility and maintaining healthy testosterone. A lack of zinc interferes with luteinizing hormone production and impairs the binding sites on testosterone itself. If you’re dealing with low T, adding zinc-rich foods like cashews to your diet may offer a nutritional boost.
At 156 calories per ounce, cashews are reasonably high in calories and fat for nuts. Does this mean you need to avoid them while trying to lose weight? Absolutely not! Multiple studies confirm including nuts in weight loss diets increases success rates compared to low-fat plans. How can this be? The key lies in how satiating fats and proteins influence appetite control hormones. By keeping you fuller longer, cashews can prevent between-meal cravings and overeating at meals.
The fiber also deserves credit—an ounce has 10% DV. This indigestible carb absorbs water in your gut to create a feeling of fullness that discourages overeating. Dieters who ate cashews lost just as much or more weight than those on low-fat diets. So don’t be afraid to enjoy cashews moderately even when cutting calories. The healthy fats and nutrients are well worth it!
Fending off colds, flu, and other viruses feels nearly impossible during winter’s cold and flu season. Give your immune system a helper by enjoying zinc and selenium-rich cashews! Just one ounce provides over 50% DV selenium, a potent antioxidant. Together with vitamin E (7% DV per ounce in cashews), selenium supports immune response and protects cell membranes against damaging free radicals.
And don’t forget about zinc, with 14% DV per cashew ounce. From cell growth to DNA synthesis and beyond, zinc enables healthy immune system development and function. Its anti-inflammatory activity also calms respiratory infections. Munching on cashews is a tasty way to get these two immunity all-stars.
Dealing with brain fog or forgetfulness? The unique vitamin B6 content in cashews may help. Pyridoxine is the form found in plants, while animal products contain pyridoxal phosphate type B6. Research suggests pyridoxine more readily enters the brain compared to other forms to support cognition. Cashews deliver 16% DV vitamin B6 per ounce in easy-to-absorb pyridoxine.
This B vitamin also teams up with folate (cashews have 14% DV per ounce) for homocysteine regulation. High levels of this inflammatory compound damage neurons and impair neurotransmitters involved in memory and learning. So picking on cashews helps keep your mind sharp as you age!
Enjoying cashews in moderation has unique benefits for blood sugar regulation, especially for individuals with diabetes risk factors. The healthy fats help slow glucose absorption following a meal, resulting in a gentler rise in blood sugar instead of rapid spikes. And by replacing simple carbs with cashews, post-meal drops in blood sugar also remain steady instead of triggering hunger and overeating later.
Magnesium also plays a role here, with 25% DV per ounce. Research confirms higher magnesium intake reduces insulin resistance by activating glucose transport mechanisms. The mineral also enables pancreatic cells to secrete adequate insulin. For those struggling with blood sugar instability and insulin insensitivity, enjoying magnesium-rich cashews may help stabilize levels.
Q: Are cashews good for sexual health?
A: Yes! The zinc promotes healthy testosterone for sex drive and performance. Selenium and vitamin E support prostate health. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels for healthy circulation. And the amino acids arginine and glutamate increase blood flow.
Q: Can cashews cause weight gain?
A: While high in fat and calories, cashews provide very filling protein and fiber. By controlling hunger hormones, portion-controlled cashews can aid weight loss. Stick to 1 ounce daily in a balanced diet.
Q: Are cashews inflammatory?
A: Cashews contain very minimal inflammatory omega-6 fats compared to other nuts. Their high oleic acid and vitamin E content provide an anti-inflammatory effect to help reduce systemic inflammation.
Q: Can cashews be toxic?
A: Raw cashews contain trace amounts of resins that may cause mouth itching. But commercial cashews are steam-treated to remove resins, making them safe to enjoy. Those with true tree nut allergies should avoid cashews.
Q: Are cashews good for skin?
A: Yes! Their copper promotes elastin and collagen production to maintain firm, youthful skin. Vitamin E and selenium shield cell membranes from UV damage to defer wrinkles. And the monounsaturated fat hydrates for smooth, supple skin texture.
Don’t let their delicate flavor fool you—cashew nuts benefits for male are many. From heart protection and weight management to immunity and energy release, cashews deserve a regular spot in your healthy snack rotation. Just stick to reasonable portions since they remain fairly high in calories. But the impressive list of nutrition will easily make up for a bit less quantity. Discover the benefits of soaked almonds for skin; so next time you reach for an afternoon snack, pass up the crackers and candy. Going with a small handful of cashews is way more satisfying and contributes to radiant skin from the inside out.