Cashews
Cashews originated in Brazil through the cashew tree, but has since been developed to cultivate through warm climates across the globe. They’re often described as being tree nuts, they are actually a form of seed. The reason why cashews are on this list is due to their abundance of flavonoids. The flavonoids present in cashews have pro oxidative effects, but it’s best to have cashews uncooked, as heat can potentially damage antioxidants.
That said, the benefits of these tree seeds don’t stop there. While it might not technically be a tree nut, it shares many of the health benefits found in other nuts. They’re rich in various nutrients and many beneficial plant compounds, and are linked to weight loss, blood sugar control, and improved heart health. While cashews contain fats, it just so happens to be unsaturated fats, which are known to help reduce the risk of premature deaths due to heart disease.
Cashews also contain a surprising amount of protein, similar to what you might find in cooked meat. The aforementioned copper and zinc help not only in keeping the skin feeling vibrant, but it also boosts the immune system.