Are Cashews Good for You? Here's What You Should Know Before Munching

The fantastic nutritional profile makes cashews good for you. (Image via Unsplash/ Towfiqu Barbhuiya)
The fabulous nutritional profile makes cashews good for you. (Image via Unsplash/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

You're undoubtedly accustomed to seeing cashews in many dishes, but are cashews good for you?

From gourmet nut samplers to gift boxes, cashews are everywhere, as they're one of the most delicious nuts. They're thick and creamy, which explains why cashew-based milk, yogurt, and ice cream satiate in a manner comparable to that of the all-time favorite oat milk.

The good news is that cashews can be enjoyed at any time. It makes sense to include these tiny nuts in your usual diet plan, as they offer a wealth of beneficial elements.

Cashews are high in protein and are a wonderful source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming them in moderation is acceptable for most individuals. It's crucial to know what makes cashews good for you.


Why Are Cashews Good for You?

Cashews are included in vegan and vegetarian diet. (Image via Pexels/Nikita Belokhonov)
Cashews are included in vegan and vegetarian diet. (Image via Pexels/Nikita Belokhonov)

High levels of protein and a wonderful source of minerals like iron and zinc make cashews good for you. These nuts are a fabulous addition to your vegetarian or vegan diet.

Magnesium, another element abundant in cashews, is known to aid recall and slow the onset of age-related memory decline. Also, you may use them as nut butter on crackers or bread or add a handful to a vegetarian stir-fry.


Health Benefits of Cashews

Cashews are an excellent source of protein, good fats, and antioxidants like polyphenols. They also have many other noteworthy health benefits:

1) Aids in weight loss

Do cashews aid in losing weight? In moderation, yes. Cashews are a protein-rich snack full of beneficial fats and antioxidant but have less fiber and more carbohydrates than most nuts.

According to a study titled Nuts and Human Health Outcomes, people who frequently consume nuts are more likely to keep their weight within a healthy range. That's most likely because a tiny serving of nuts can make you feel full and even speed up metabolism.

2) May reduce gallstones

Frequent nut eating is linked to a lower risk of having gall bladder surgery, per a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In studies involving more than a million people conducted over a 20-year period, women who consumed more than five ounces of nuts per week had a considerably lower risk of cholecystectomy than those who had less than one ounce per week.

3) Reduces cholesterol level

Cashews are low in fat., making then good for you. (Image via Unsplash/ Engin Akyurt)
Cashews are low in fat., making then good for you. (Image via Unsplash/ Engin Akyurt)

Saturated fat in cashews traditionally earned the fruit a negative reputation, but it may not be as detrimental as the label says. Stearic acids, which make up a large portion of fat in cashews, are thought by experts to have no effect on blood cholesterol level.

According to research, people who consume a small number of cashews each day have a slight decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, which is another reason why cashews are good for you.

4) May prevent diabetes

When compared with other popular snacks, cashews are low in carbs. Because of how little effect they have on blood sugar, they're a fabulous alternative for people with type 2 diabetes and those looking to avoid the disease.


Now you may understand what makes cashews good for you. Fiber, protein, and healthful fats are all abundant in cashews. They also contain a range of vitamins, minerals, and other plant chemicals that are good for health.

Like other nuts, cashews may help with blood sugar regulation, heart health, and weight loss. However, compared to other nuts, cashews have had less research. Consequently, additional research is required to support their health benefits.

However, there aren't many drawbacks to increasing your cashew intake. Just keep in mind to choose unsalted, dry-roasted, or unroasted options whenever you can.