‘2 handfuls of cashews is the therapeutic equivalent of a prescription dose of Prozac’. (‘Food Matters’)
Cashews contain the amino acid L-tryptophan which is broken down into calming niacin (B3). Tryptophan is also made into serotonin, one of your body’s most important neurotransmitters. Serotonin gives a feeling of well-being and happiness. Prozac and similar antidepressants usually either mimic serotonin or artificially keep the body’s own serotonin levels high.
For mild to moderate cases of anxiety and depression you can do the same thing using food as medicine. Eat your cashews mindfully – a lot of work goes into getting just one cashew from the fruit and into your mouth.
Ideally buy them organic, eat them raw, lightly roasted, or for increased nutrients that are easier to digest – soak them (activate) for about 5 hours then drain.
