Guest writer Linda Miller reports on the health benefits of cashews.

University of Montreal doctors have found that cashew extract may be useful in treating diabetic issues.

A new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research indicates cashew seed extract may play an important role in both preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.

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

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

More than three million Canadians have diabetes, and this number is expected to reach 3.7 million by 2020, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In U.S.A, the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, published by the American Diabetes Association, states that there are total of 23.6 million children and adults in the United States - 7.8% of the population - with diabetes. 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.

Scientists examined cashew tree leaves, bark, seeds and apples. They found that only the cashew seed extract increased the absorption of blood sugar by the cells. Extracts from other plant parts had no such effect, indicating that cashew seed extract likely contains active compounds, which might have potential anti-diabetic properties.

In most people who have diabetes, a common condition called insulin resistance prevents the body from processing insulin. Insulin regulates energy and processes sugars in the body. Deficiency in insulin may result in heart or kidney diseases over time.

The cashew nut is a popular snack, and its rich flavor means it's often eaten without treatment, lightly salted or sugared. Cashews are a staple in vegan diets and can be utilized as a base for sauces and gravies, in addition to taking on sweet properties for frostings and cookies.

Cashews 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).

Having no cholesterol, cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients too. And because of their high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, they also help support healthy amounts of good (HDL) cholesterol.

This Cashew Curry recipe serves 4 and can be made in 45 minutes using a wok or frying pan, a wooden spoon an the following ingredients:

½ pound whole cashews
2 T extra virgin olive oil
5 shallots, thinly sliced
5 curry leaves
2-inch piece of lemongrass or zest of just one 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

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

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

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

About the author - Linda Miller writes for type two diabetes cookbooks, her personal hobby blog focused on cooking techniques to help individuals eat healthy to reduce or handle type 2 diabetes.

References:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2010/Jul/cashew-seeds-can-help-fight-agai...
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117935711/grouphome/home.html