Cashews: Everyone’s Favorite Nut with Tons of Benefits!

Are you a fan of cashews? As we all know, not only do they taste absolutely amazing, these savory goodness also have a lot of advantages for our health. No wonder the demand for cashews in various countries is very high. The data from Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) showed that Indonesia managed to reach the 10th position of cashew (with skin) producer in 2018 with a total production of 136,402 tons. As a result, cashew has become one of the finest mainstay commodities from Indonesia!

Based on a report from antaranews.com, in 2018, the export value of Indonesian cashews reached 38.3 million US dollars. In volume, the figure reached 71,644 tons. Not only that this means almost half of the total cashew production in 2018 was channeled for export, but also proves how domestic needs have been met. Therefore, it can be said that Indonesia’s cashew nut production is experiencing a surplus.

As Indonesia’s mainstay commodity, the market of cashew has been penetrating to India, the United States, and even European countries. Meanwhile, cashew production centers in Indonesia are in the province of East Nusa Tenggara (49.9 thousand tons), Southeast Sulawesi (25.5 thousand tons), East Java 15.3 thousand tons), Central Java (10.8 thousand tons). tons) to West Nusa Tenggara Province (10.3 thousand tons). East Nusa Tenggara is the largest supplier due to its climatic and soil conditions that are very suitable for cashew tree cultivation.

One of the reasons cashews are in constant demand is because of its benefits, such as:

1. Improve heart health
   Cashews are good for your heart because by consuming these nuts, good cholesterol and unsaturated fats increase so it is very good for the work process of the heart.
2. Helps weight loss
   Cashews contain approximately 75% of unsaturated fat which is good for the human body and weight loss. In addition, cashew also has high fiber, the source of energy.
3. Reduces the risk of cancer
   The high content of antioxidants and vitamins in cashews can eliminate free radicals and boost the body’s immune system and prevent cancer cells from developing.
4. Improve brain function
   Cashews contain unsaturated fats, this is one of the components needed by the brain in producing brain cells. If the reproduction of these cells goes well, the brain function will also work optimally.
5. Strengthens human bones
   The magnesium contained in nuts helps to form a strong bone structure and can support muscle movement.

Source :

Adrian, K. (2019, April 15). Manfaat Kacang Mete yang Segurih Rasanya.Retrieved from https://www.alodokter.com/7-manfaat-kacang-mete-yang-segurih-rasanya

Yolanda, C. (2020, November 17). Berasal dari Biji Jambu Monyet, Komoditi Ini Jadi Salah Satu Andalan Ekspor Indonesia. Retrieved from https://www.goodnewsfromindonesia.id/2020/11/17/yuk-simak-10-negara-penghasil-kacang-mete-terbesar-di-dunia