The exotic cashew tree is found in several parts of the world including Brazil, India, and Africa. This tree grows what’s called a “cashew apple” and underneath this fruit is the famed cashew nut. This nut has grown in stature over the years and is now appreciated by billions of people worldwide.
While the cashew nut has its place among organic foods, this topic is going to look into the world of cashew oil nut oil uses that can help you.
This oil is extracted from cashew nuts and is widely appreciated for all that it has to offer. Let’s take a look at cashew
How is Cashew Oil Made?
Cashew oil is made by cold pressing the Cashew Nut (i.e. cashew kernels) with top-grade machinery. The mechanical press rotates to squeeze the cashew nuts and produce chunks. Once the cashew chunks are broken up, this leads to the processing component where the oil is created.
This process is tedious and requires world-class machinery. In general, the first order of business is to grab cashew apples. This is how a cashew nut is found. Once this is done, the idea is to roast the nuts and make sure its shell is easier to break. Otherwise, the process can take quite a long time and isn’t as feasible. Once the shell is broken, it’s time to work away at the skin.
The goal is to quickly remove the shell before working away at the nut.
Please note, while cashew oil is healthy, the shell isn’t. This is why companies spend time working through the shells and making sure everything is in good shape.
How Cashew Oil is Used
There are several uses for cashew oil and each one is important.
Most people are aware of traditional essential oils such as coconut oil or almond oil, but cashew oil is just as potent. It has considerable value when it comes to making sure everything is healthy and filled with nutrients. The average person isn’t aware of these uses and that’s why they end up ignoring the oil.
In the past, this oil was noted for causing skin conditions because its shell caused dermatitis.
With time, cashew oil has been studied in detail and people are beginning to realize the positives it has to offer.
Skincare
Yes, one of the primary advantages of cashew oil has to do with skincare. The oil is easy to use, spreads evenly, and offers tremendous value when it comes to moisturizing the skin. This makes it easier to retain moisture in the skin without having to use additional moisturizers. The reason for this effect has to do with oleic acid. This acid is renowned for helping create a barrier that locks moisture in.
For skincare purposes, this is a huge advantage making it a highly sought after option in colder climates.
Another reason it does well when it comes to skincare has to do with vitamin E. Cashew oil is high in vitamin E, which has been studied to improve the skin’s appearance and overall condition. As soon as the oil is applied, it helps get rid of bad toxins, keeps the skin fresh, and makes sure those pesky wrinkles become a thing of the past. It has a tremendous anti-aging effect that’s hard to ignore.
Regular application of cashew oil to the skin can go a long way in helping the skin cells. It also has a soothing effect that’s great when it comes to easing potential inflammation on the skin.
If you suffer from acne or eczema, it’s important to look into the value of cashew oil. This oil has been rigorously studied to see how it impacts the skin when it’s under attack by acne or even rashes. In these situations, cashew oil does wonders as it can make use of linoleic acid that reduces inflammation on the skin.
Cooking
Yes, cashew oil can be used for cooking and is often used for various recipes worldwide. It has a unique taste and comes with a tremendous nutritional profile making it a strong ingredient. Instead of using other cooking oils, many people prefer to go down this path because it’s good for the body, tastes nice, and lasts for a long time too. This makes it great for the long-term and is ideal when it’s time to put together a proper meal.
Nutritional Label
- Serving Size: 1 Tbsp.
- Calories – 94
- Carbs – 4 g
- Fat – 7 g
- Protein 2.8 g
Please note, this will vary depending on the brand and how the cashew oil is extracted. Take the time to read each nutritional label in detail to better understand what the oil has to offer and what it can add to your life.
Fatty Acid Breakdown
Healthy fatty acids are essential when it comes to a person’s well-being. This is why most people prefer looking at well-balanced oils that are packed with high-quality nutrients and provide quality fatty acids.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of cashew oil and what it has to offer in this regard.
Just like any other edible oil, this comes power-packed with great fatty acids including:
- Linoleic Acid (0-21%)
- Oleic Acid (68-80%)
- Palmitic Acid (4-17%
- Stearic Acid (1–11%)
For those asking “Is cashew oil healthy?” it’s best to look at this breakdown to better understand what it has to offer. This is a wonderful oil that is easy to consume, nutritious, and ideal for consistent use.
Is it Edible?
Yes, cashew oil is edible and is often used in recipes worldwide. Certain cultures enjoy using cashew oil and believe it’s a far better option than some of its alternatives.
For those looking to dive in for the first time, this is a no-brainer and does provide a long list of advantages.
Can You Cook with Cashew Oil?
Yes, as long as the smoke point isn’t breached, cashew oil is easy to cook with and works well for almost any dish. Instead of using alternatives such as olive oil, some people move towards cashew oil because of its wonderful nutritional profile. It’s all about taking a look at what it offers before including it in a recipe.
What is the Smoke Point?
The smoke point is an important metric to keep in mind while discussing edible oils. In general, cashew oil has a set smoke point to determine what temperature is needed for it to burn and smoke.
Going past this smoke point is bad because it leads to the creation of free radicals, which are bad for the human body. To avoid exceeding this point, it’s important to know what the smoke point is for cashew oil.
According to studies, the set smoke point is 400 degrees Celsius and it’s best to stay as close to this number as possible. Anything more than this will overheat the oil and render it useless.
How Should You Use Cashew Oil in the Kitchen?
Cashew oil is a versatile ingredient and can be used in several different ways depending on a person’s taste. Most people take a little bit of cashew oil and sprinkle it on top of their salad before digging in. This is easy to do, efficient, and makes sure the preparation time doesn’t get in the way of other things.
For those looking to mix things up, cashew oil can be used in traditional dishes whether it’s pasta, ravioli, or even a simple sandwich. Remember, all it takes is a small amount to get the job done.
Is Cashew Oil Healthy?
To understand whether or not this is a healthy option, let’s take a look at the main advantages.
High in Vitamin E
Yes, this is incredibly high in vitamin E making it wonderful for the skin and body. Vitamin E has been studied in detail and researchers believe it has great antioxidant effects and can make it easier to fight serious organ conditions. Whether it’s the heart or immune system, it’s important to have a good amount of vitamin E daily.
This is why more and more people continue to take a look at what cashew oil has to offer. It works in several different ways and the high levels of vitamin E help fight cancerous developments too.
Reduces Inflammation
Along with being high in vitamin E, cashew oil is also well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is great for the immune system and can strengthen it over time. This makes it easier to fight off health problems while staying strong at the same time.
If you are dealing with eczema, arthritis or general pain, it’s always important to take a look at cashew oil. It’s an easy-going solution that does wonders when it’s time to tackle your inflammation flare ups.
Cashew nut oil as plenty of uses and is also an healthy option . It can be a wonderful addition to a your skin care routine and your favorite dish. Whether it’s through topical application or dinner, there’s nothing better than a little bit of cashew oil to keep the body in good shape.