Traditional Cashew Nuts

Health benefits of cashews

1. They help protect against narrowed arteries
2. They help you to live longer
3. They contain antioxidants, to help protect against certain diseases
4. They reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
5. They may reduce osteoarthritis symptoms
6. They may help manage colitis symptoms
7. They may help healthy weight loss
8. They may help manage blood sugar levels
9. They may help reduce the risk of stroke
10. They may help prevent memory loss

Are cashew nuts good for you?

1. They help protect against atherosclerosis and may lower cholesterol levels

Cashew nuts contain folate and vitamin E which help to protect against blocked or narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis). A 2019 study also found that daily consumption of cashew nuts may help improve cholesterol levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

2. They help you to live longer

Research has found that diets higher in unsaturated fats, as found in cashew nuts, reduce the risk of both total and cause-specific mortality.

3. They help protect the body against oxidative stress

Oxidative stress can, over time, cause damage to organs, tissues and even cells which may result in various diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Antioxidants help to ‘mop up’ oxidative stress and cashew nuts are an excellent source of antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and carotenoids.

4. They help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

Homocysteine is an amino acid, but if levels get too high in the body it increases inflammation and therefore the risk of heart disease or a stroke. Consuming cashew nuts has been linked with reducing homocysteine levels in the body.

5. They may help reduce osteoarthritis degeneration

A 2020 study demonstrated that the combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of consuming cashew nuts helps against the negative effects of osteoarthritis.

6. They may help in the management of colitis

Colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition and research suggests that cashew nuts may help reduce inflammation and help in the management of colitis.

7. They may help with healthy weight loss

Research indicates that diets that include a higher intake of nuts, like cashew nuts, are associated with reduced weight gain and a lower risk of obesity.

8. They may help in managing blood sugar levels

A 2019 study found that daily consumption of cashew nuts helped to improve insulin sensitivity, and therefore blood sugar management in those with diabetes. This is probably due to the high protein and unsaturated fat content that helps promote healthy blood sugar regulation.

9. They may help reduce the risk of a stroke

Cashew nuts are a good source of magnesium, and research has found that higher blood levels of magnesium have been linked with a reduced risk of a stroke.

10. They may help protect against memory loss

The good nutritional profile of cashews – protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals – work together to help offer possible benefits against memory loss.

Are cashew nuts safe for everyone?

It is possible to have a cashew nut allergy, and if there is any sign of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or lips, then call 999 immediately, as this can be life-threatening.

Those with an existing nut allergy are more likely to be allergic to cashew nuts.

Is cashew cheese good for you?

When it comes to vegan cheese, cashew cheese is one of the better choices as it is minimally processed and typically contains just cashew nuts and water, or perhaps a little lemon juice and yeast flakes. Check the label when buying cashew cheese to ensure that it doesn’t have lots of added extras like sugar or extra oil.