Short Answer: Cashews are good for constipation. Because they have fiber, magnesium, and healthy fats and they can increase the bulk and softness of your stool, relax your intestines, and lubricate your stool.
Constipation is a condition that affects your digestive system.
In constipation, your body has difficulty passing stool, which becomes hard, dry, and infrequent.
This can lead to various health problems, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and diverticular disease.
One of the key factors in managing constipation is diet.
What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your constipation symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage constipation, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and avoid low-fiber foods like processed meats, cheese, white bread, and pastries.
Now, cashews are a type of nut that are often eaten as a snack or added to dishes.
People usually eat them raw, roasted, or salted.
Cashews are good for constipation because they contain fiber, magnesium, and healthy fats.
Fiber can help increase the bulk and softness of your stool, making it easier to pass.
Magnesium can help relax the muscles of your intestines, improving the movement of stool.
Healthy fats can help lubricate your stool, preventing dryness and straining.
One ounce (28 grams) of cashews can give you 0.9 grams of fiber (4% of your daily needs), 83 milligrams of magnesium (20% of your daily needs), and 12 grams of fat (18% of your daily needs).
Fiber can positively affect constipation by adding bulk and softness to your stool, which can stimulate the bowel and reduce the transit time.
Magnesium can positively affect constipation by relaxing the muscles of your intestines, which can improve the peristalsis and the movement of stool.
Healthy fats can positively affect constipation by lubricating your stool, which can prevent dryness and straining.
Furthermore, cashews are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for constipation.
Because, they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that can support your digestive health and prevent inflammation.
You can eat one to two ounces (28 to 56 grams) of cashews per day safely.
More than that can cause weight gain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cashews if you have a nut allergy to prevent anaphylaxis.
Because, cashews are a type of tree nut that can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some people.
You can buy fresh cashews in your local market or can order them from online.
Always choose unsalted and unroasted cashews to avoid excess sodium and oil.
Because, too much sodium and oil can worsen your constipation and increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing constipation effectively.
I always recommend my constipation patients to follow a constipation-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.