Study suggests cashew seed extract may play an important role in preventing and treating diabetes

By Linda Miller – A new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research suggests cashew seed extract may play an important role in preventing and treating diabetes.  The study was conducted by the University of Montreal.

The cashew is a tree in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The plant is indigenous to northeastern Brazil.

Scientists at the School of Montreal and the School of Yaoundé in Cameroon analyzed how cashew products affected the responses of rat liver cells to insulin.

In Canada, over three million Canadians have diabetes and this number is supposed to reach 3.7 million by 2020, based on the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In U.S.A, according to the American Diabetes Association, from the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, there are total 23.6 million children and adults in the United States – 7.8% of the population – have diabetes. 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.

Scientists researched cashew tree leaves, bark, seeds and apples. They found that exactly the cashew seed extract increased the absorption of blood sugar by the cells.

Extracts of other plant parts had no such effect, indicating that cashew seed extract likely contains active compounds, that can have potential anti-diabetic properties.

In certain people with diabetes, a common condition called insulin resistance prevents the body from processing the hormone, which regulates energy and also the processing of sugars in the body.  Insulin deficit can result in heart or kidney diseases as time passes.

The cashew nut is a popular snack, and its rich flavor means it’s often eaten on its own, lightly salted or sugared.

Cashews are a staple in vegan diets. They are utilized as a base in sauces and gravies, and can take on sweet properties for frostings and cookies.

They are rich in protein and a raw, natural supply of energy. The fats and oils in cashew nuts are 54% monounsaturated fat, 18% polyunsaturated fat, and 16% saturated fat (9% palmitic acid and 7% stearic acid).

Without any cholesterol cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients too. And because of their high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, additionally, they help support healthy levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.

Here below a 4 servings recipe “The Cashew Curry” made in 45 minutes with a wok or frying pan, a wooden spoon an the following ingredients:

* ½ pound whole cashews

* 2 T organic olive oil

* 5 shallots, thinly sliced

* 5 curry leaves

* 2-in piece of lemongrass or zest of 1 lemon

* 1 T coriander

* ½ t turmeric

* ½ t salt

* 2 chiles, thinly sliced

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 2 slices ginger

* 15 oz unsweetened coconut milk

* 2 T cilantro, chopped

Directions

Sauté the shallots in the oil, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes.

Add the curry, lemon, turmeric, chiles, garlic, ginger, and salt, and cook until fragrant, 5-10 mins.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, another 5-10 min’s. Remove curry leaves and serve, with diabetic rice or brown rice.

About the author – Linda Miller writes for diabetic person cookbooks, her personal hobby site centered on cooking recommendations to help individuals eat healthy to reduce or manage diabetes.

References:

Cashew seeds can help fight against diabetes

Featured image – Creative Commons Bdieu