The production of 4 million cashew kernel results in 16 million tons of cashew shell which needs to be disposed.

With the latest technology in place, this shell can be 100% utilized in tangible products, hence helping the environment.

The processing of the shell results in 3 products ensuring ZERO WASTAGE.

1. CNSL oil
2. Combustible gases
3. CNSL charcoal briquettes

1. CNSL Oil (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid)
   • This oil has multiple nonedible uses including being used as furnace oil, a base for paints, etc.
2. Combustible Gases
   • During the production of the oil combustible gasses are released and these gasses are recycled to run the oil extraction process hence there is no air pollution during the CNSL oil extraction.
3. Cashew Nut Shell Charcoal Briquettes
   • The residue post the oil production is used to make charcoal briquettes. These briquettes can be used as fuel for:
     • Cooking fuel for BBQs, homes, and restaurants (bakeries, grills, etc.)
     •  Fireplaces
     • For boiler consumption

Traditionally wood charcoal is made from different types of wood by burning the wood under controlled conditions. Wood charcoal is mostly pure carbon, called char made by heating wood above 400° C in a low oxygen environment. The process burns off volatile compounds such as water, methane, hydrogen, and tar. Besides deforestation, there is air pollution duringthis process.

Wood charcoal production in tropical regions of the world is often perceived to have devastating ecological and environmental effects and governments, public forestry institutions and non-government organizations have been particularly concerned about these charcoal-related impacts.

Mining Coal is defined as having more than 50 percent by weight (or 70 percent by volume) carbonaceous matter produced by the compaction and hardening of altered plant remains namely, peat deposits. Different varieties of coal arise because of differences in the kinds of plant material (coal type), degree of coalification (coal rank), and range of impurities (coal grade).

Hazards of mining and preparation

• • Mining operations are hazardous. Each year hundreds of coal miners lose their lives or are seriously injured
  • Coal mines and coal-preparation plants have caused much environmental damage.

Pollution from coal utilization

Coal utilization is associated with various forms of air pollution

Densely populated areas that burn coal directly for heating can suffer from unhealthy levels of air pollution, and areas near coal-burning power plants frequently have poorer air quality.

The burning of coal, like the burning of all fossil fuels, releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and is a major driver of global warming

Even though wood charcoal, cashew shell charcoal, and coal have their advantages in usage, wood charcoal and coal have many environmental effects, harm to human life, and global warming.

The cashew shell charcoal is made from the waste material directly from the cashew shell after extracting oil. It can help to minimize global warming by not utilizing natural resources like wood and coal for producing charcoal.

Cashew shell charcoal is like renewable energy from the waste cashew shells which are disposed of in huge quantities and burnt/buried in remote areas in African countries.

Having attained the properties almost matching the natural charcoal and coal, cashew shell charcoal is a good substitute product that helps prevent environmental pollution and global warming.

The objective was to encourage them to sell to local processors, leading to value addition to their produce and generation of livelihoods in the local communities of Mali.

Buyers from neighbouring countries disrupt the market by offering high prices to the farmers, who then re-export RCN from their home country. It is crucial to raise awareness among the farmers of the positive effect of selling to local processors.

The partners understood and acknowledged the importance of selling locally, the value their cooperation would bring to the country’s economy as well as their fellow countrymen and women.

We at MACC are working towards developing a sustainable and win-win partnership with the cooperatives and partners. We conducted knowledge-sharing discussions on organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Training them on various

We continue to provide support to farmers and cooperative leaders by offering good quality seeds and cleaning equipment so they can get a better price for their produce.

And for those who do not know, the gum arabic is one of the miracles of the Holy Quran, which Allah spoke about (mentioned in the name of Manna ) in several Quranic verses, including what is mentioned in Surah Taha: O Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We appointed with you a tryst on the right side of the Mount and We sent down to you manna and quails (80) And the gum is kind of the Manna according to the interpretation of the scholars, which is one of the greatest blessings that God gave to the children of Israel.

Among the properties of gum arabic, we cite that it helps to form beneficial bacteria that contribute to treat and prevent serious diseases such as the liver and kidneys. These deseases are difficult to cure with chemical drugs, so gum arabic is one of the most medical and therapeutic structures that help to get rid of these diseases. It give good results in the treatment of patients with renal failure, heart and bone and colorectal diseases. Gum Arabic is considered as the best herbal cure for renal failure at present. It is the subject of interest of specialists worldwide. It is still new in Tunisia because the culture of herbal treatment is still not known.

While you may not be using til a lot, your ancestors sure used it in a variety of dishes to prolong their life by building up good immunity along with fibre and protein content. These tiny nutty-flavoured seeds undoubtedly offer an excellent alternative to the processed foods used for the same reason.

Top 11 health benefits of Sesame Seeds

#1 Healthy Skin and Hair

Are you losing hair by the lump or feel like your skin glow is diminishing? Then, turn to sesame seeds before you pick up any manufactured skin and hair product. The seeds and its oil contain tremendous organic properties that restore the skin’s glow and hair’s strength. Packed with Vitamin B complexes, such as thiamine, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine, and riboflavin, these seeds are among the best organic alternatives to attain healthy skin and hair.Along with regular seeds consumption one can get into once a week scalp and body massage routine to improve skin and hair health.

#2 Stronger Bones

Til contains a considerable amount of calcium required for the human body. Even the presence of zinc acts as a critical mineral in strengthening the bone structure. As per multiple studies, eating sesame seeds regularly can help prevent osteoporosis later in life.

#3 Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Multiple studies have claimed that eating sesame seeds or their oil helps regulate blood sugar, especially for diabetic people. In the long run, it acts as an organic blood sugar regulator due to its low carbohydrates, high protein, and healthy fats content. Additionally, the presence of pinoresinol, a high-value plant-derived lignan with multiple healthy effects, plays an essential role in maintaining and regulating blood sugar levels.

#4 Keeps Blood Pressure in Check

You already know that sesame seeds are rich in magnesium. But, did you know that they help to prevent hypertension and blood pressure? Polyunsaturated fats and the compound present in sesame oil are known to keep blood pressure levels in check.

#5 Organic Source of High Energy

Along with numerous vitamins and minerals, sesame seeds are also a good source of energy as they have high-fat content mainly the omega 3 fats. They also contain elevated amounts of fibre, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that boost energy levels

#6 Pain and Allergy Reliever

Til is rich in essential minerals and provides your body with a much needed dose of copper, magnesium, and calcium. While copper is suitable for people with rheumatoid arthritis, magnesium is ideal for people with respiratory problems.

#7 Good for Your Thyroid Health

Our thyroid gland contains the highest concentration of selenium of any organ in the body, playing a critical role in making thyroid hormones. Sesame seeds supply almost 18% of the selenium reference daily intake (RDI) from both unhulled and hulled seeds, making them the right dietary choice to combat thyroid. Additionally, the presence of iron, copper, zinc, and vitamin B6 in these seeds support the creation of thyroid hormones and aid thyroid health.

#8 Improve Body Immunity

With all the coronavirus talk going around the world, immunity has become a trending topic. Sesame seeds help you in building up your immunity with their power-packed minerals and vitamins. For instance, the intake of zinc helps to develop and activate T-lymphocytes which are part of the body’s immune system that recognize and attack invading microbes.

#9 Helps Maintain Mental Well-being

Sesame oil contains an amino acid, tyrosine, which impacts serotonin activity. It is a neurotransmitter that affects our mood. An imbalance of serotonin could lead to depression or stress, and sesame seed oil helps in the production of serotonin, lowering the chances of anxiety and improving feelings of positivity.

#10 Improves Digestion

Constipation is a common digestive issue faced by multiple people. If you’re also struggling to maintain a clear digestive tract, turn toward black sesame seeds. They help in curing constipation with their high fibre and unsaturated fatty acid content. While the oil found in these seeds can work as lubricate for your intestines, the fibre helps to keep smooth bowel movements.

#11 Contains Antioxidants and Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Sesame oil has sesamol and sesaminol. They are two antioxidants that have positive effects on your health. They reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, sesame oils also have anti-inflammatory properties which help to treat joint inflammation, toothaches, and scrapes.

Cashew nuts are not technically nuts but they are seeds. Cashews have a rich nutty flavour, similar to almonds or peanuts. When pureed, it may be hard to distinguish cashew butter from other nut butter like a peanut. Cashew nuts can be consumed raw, roasted, or salted. 

The Nutritional Profile of cashew nuts

Cashew nut is one of the nutritious nuts out of other nuts. However, you cannot consume it daily due to the presence of high-calorie content.That is the reason why there is a big NO for cashew nuts in diet-conscious people. Apart from calories, cashews are rich in –

• Essential fatty acids 
• Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Vitamin K
• Minerals – calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and folate 
• Antioxidants
• Fibres 
• Proteins and carbs 

Benefits of cashew nuts

 Cashew nuts are nutrient-dense and rich in healthy fats, proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals. It can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. 

1: May prevent cardiovascular diseases 

Unlike other misconceptions, cashew nuts are beneficial for our heart health. Cashew nuts are rich in essential fatty acids, potassium, and antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health. It contains phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and oleic acid for heart health and makes blood vessels stronger. 

Cashew nuts help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the internal inflammation that may cause a risk of getting heart disease. 

2: Help lower the blood pressure 

Cashew nuts are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and L-arginine. It helps reduce blood pressure drastically by dilating your blood vessels. 

3: May prevent and control diabetes

For people with type 2 diabetes, adding cashew to their diet can essentially control the blood sugar level. It is a good source of fibre, a nutrient that helps prevent blood sugar spikes. However, due to high-calorie content, it is recommended to have only 3-4 cashews per day. 

4: Immunity booster 

Cashew nuts are rich in zinc and vitamins that keep you healthy. Zinc is an immune-boosting compound that is vital for basic cell processes. Regular intake of zinc may provide you with the required amount of zinc and vitamins that ultimately enhance your immunity. 

5: It May help strengthen bones

For healthy bones, we need a lot of minerals, and cashew nuts have them all. Cashew nuts are rich in copper and calcium that gives strength to our bones and make them stronger. Copper helps in keeping your joints flexible by synthesizing collagen.

6: Help boost brain functions 

The brain is the most active organ of our body that requires a steady supply of fatty acids through diet to stay active. Cashew nuts contain brain booster nutrients that may help boost brain functions and keep your memory sharp. To improve brain function, you can eat overnight soaked cashews. 

7: Help control weight 

Cashews are consumed as a snack and also used in nut mixes. Cashew nuts are high in calories, proteins, and fibres that make you fuller for a longer time and kill your cravings. But since nuts are high in calories, it’s essential to consume them in moderation.

8: Good for health 

Cashew nuts contain a natural oil that is rich in selenium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants. It keeps your skin young and fresh. Copper improves the production of elastin and collagen. Collagen is an integral structural protein that is responsible for the elasticity of your skin. 

9: Beneficial for hair 

Copper present in cashew helps produce hair pigment-melanin that enhances hair colour. The essential fatty acids also keep your hair shiny and healthy. 

10: Good for eye health 

Cashews contain zeaxanthin and lutein that are antioxidants that protect from UV rays. The antioxidant pigments naturally occur in the eyes and are an essential defence against damaging light and may reduce the risks of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

11: May increase male fertility

Cashew nuts are rich in zinc that is essential to improve sperm count in males and fertility chances. Also, regular intake of cashew may help control weight and diabetes that increases male fertility drastically.