Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) are kidney-shaped nuts that come from the tree of the same name. Cashews were originally grown in North-Eastern Brazil, but they are now grown all over the world. The name “cashew” is derived from the Portuguese word caju.

Health Benefits of Cashews

Cashews offer a number of potential health benefits, which is why many people choose to ingest cashews or cashew oil.

Below are some of the benefits that can be reaped from eating cashews:

Cashews Reduce The Risk of Cancer

Cancer is a condition that will affect 30 percent of women and half of men at some point in their lives. Eating cashews on a regular basis is one of the simplest things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Cashews contain proanthocyanidins, which are a type of flavonols. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins stop cancerous cells from reproducing and starve tumors.

Additionally, cashews are an excellent source of copper. Copper can remove free radicals from the body. When free radicals begin to accumulate in excess, they can increase the risk of cancer.

Cashews are Good For Your Heart

Cashews has less fat than many other types of nuts. However, they are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat can reduce triglyceride levels. If your triglyceride level is high, then you will be more likely to develop heart disease.

Not only can cashews reduce triglyceride levels, but they are also very high in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that can help lower blood pressure and reduce your chance of having a heart attack. There was one study done that suggested people can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by up to 37 percent by eating cashews.

Cashews Reduce The Risk of Gallstones

Gallstones are hard, crystalline masses that build up inside of the gallbladder. Cashews can reduce the risk of gallstones. There was a study done that involved 80,178 women. The results of the study showed that women who ate cashews once a week were 25 percent less likely to develop gallstones.

Cashews help with Weight Loss

Many people avoid eating any type of nuts because they think that they will gain weight. On the contrary, nuts can help prevent weight gain. People who eat cashews or other types of nuts two times per week are less likely to gain weight than those who do not eat nuts at all.

Cashews are low in saturated fat and high in fiber. A fiber-rich diet can protect against weight gain.

Improved Bone Health with Cashews

You probably already know that calcium is one of the minerals that keeps your bones healthy. Magnesium is another mineral that is needed for bone health. In fact, the majority of the magnesium in the body is stored inside of the bones. Because cashews are rich in magnesium, they can also keep the bones healthy.

Cashews Help with Healthy Nerves

An excess amount of calcium in the blood can lead to overactive nerve cells. On the other hand, magnesium helps the nerve cells relax by regulating the amount of calcium that enters the bloodstream.

An excess amount of calcium in the blood can also lead to a number of other problems, including high blood pressure and heart attack. Not only does magnesium regulate the amount of calcium that enters the bloodstream, but it can also relieve muscle fatigue, soreness and tension.

How to Take Cashews

Of course most people eat Cashews in their whole form, often roasted and/or salted (only lightly salted if possible).

Cashew Supplements

The oil from the cashew can be extracted and used to make a supplement. This oil can be used for cooking or medicinal purposes. The cashew oil can also be applied directly to the skin.

Where to Buy Cashews

USA:	Amazon.com	
UK:	Amazon.co.uk

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Cashew Notes / Side Effects

Cashews and Cashew oil are very safe for most people to ingest. However, you should not eat cashews if you are allergic to nuts. A nut allergy can cause diarrhoea, light-headedness, fatigue, breathing difficulties and swelling of the throat.

Furthermore, if you have a kidney problem, then you should check with your doctor before you add cashews or cashew oil to your diet.