Cashew Nuts: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Introduction

Cashew nuts or Kaju are technically not nuts but seeds. The scientific name of cashew nuts is Anacardium Occidentale L. and belongs to the family Anacardiaceae.  

Cashew nuts grow on evergreen trees, which are native to Brazil and later expanded to South American countries. The Portuguese introduced cashew nuts in India and Africa in the 16th century.  

A single-seeded nut in a hard grey shell grows at the bottom of the cashew apple (a soft and juicy fruit). There are 33 varieties of cashew nuts identified, out of which only 26 varieties are marketed. The W-180 variety is known as the “king of cashews”.  

Cashew nuts are a popular ingredient known for its rich nutty flavour and is used in various Indian dishes and as a dairy alternatives like cream and cashew milk. As for the nutritional composition, cashew nuts are rich in tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic lipids and several bioactive compounds, all of which have several benefits to human health¹. 

Nutritional Value of Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts provide a range of nutrients per 100g serving, as outlined below²:  

• Carbohydrates: 36.3 g 
• Protein: 17.4 g 
• Fats: 38.9 g 
• Fiber: 4.1 g 
• Energy: 565 kcal 
• Magnesium: 251 mg 
• Sodium: 5 mg 
• Iron: 5.99 mg 
• Calcium: 42 mg 

Cashews have several vital nutrients such as vitamins like vitamin B (thiamine and folate), E, and K. Additionally, they are abundant in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, which are crucial for several body processes¹¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Cashew Nuts

Scientific literature has found that cashew nuts show numerous properties as those mentioned below:  

• Antioxidant properties: They may help neutralise free radicals in the body. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: They might assist in reducing inflammation. 
• Analgesic potential: They may play a role in easing minor discomfort. 
• Antidiabetic activity: They might support metabolic health. 
• Anti-cancer potential: Preliminary research suggests possible protective effects at the cellular level. 
• Cardio-protective properties: They may contribute to maintaining heart health. 
• Antimicrobial effects: They could help defend against certain harmful microbes⁴. 

Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts for Overall Health

Some of the potential benefits of cashew nuts are described below.  

1. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts for the Heart

Consumption of cashew nuts may exert a cardio-protective effect. A study⁵ conducted to assess the effects of cashew nut consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors supported that consumption of cashew nuts may improve triglyceride levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the same study did not find significant effects on other factors like HDL cholesterol or total cholesterol. While these findings are promising, further high-quality research is needed to confirm the potential benefits. Cashew nuts should be consumed in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.  

2. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts for Cancer

Cashew nuts are rich in proanthocyanidins, a flavanol that is associated with cancer cell replication. Additionally, the presence of copper and other minerals may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Thus, this may indicate consumption of cashew nuts may exert an anti-cancer effect. However, we need enough studies to support these claims⁶.  

3. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts in Pain and Inflammation

Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 are involved in the development of chronic pain. Cashew nuts have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties, potentially by reducing the production of these inflammatory molecules. They also possess antioxidant activity, which may help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. These properties suggest that including cashew nuts in the diet may help support the body’s natural response to inflammation and discomfort. However, further research in humans is needed to confirm these potential effects⁷.  

4. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts in the Formation of Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin is a protein that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Iron and copper are essential micronutrients required for the production of haemoglobin. Cashew nuts are a source of iron and copper and thus may help in the formation of haemoglobin. Additionally, the consumption of cashew nuts may help in managing blood disorders. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and we need more studies to confirm these findings⁶. 

5. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts for Improving Vision

Cashew nuts contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant known to protect the macula of the eyes from external damage and improve eyesight. This may indicate that the consumption of cashew nuts can help improve vision. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and we need more studies to support these claims⁶.

6. Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts for Improving Brain Function

Cashew nuts may help in improving brain function. Chemobrain is a term for the adverse effects of chemotherapy-induced brain deterioration. There are no drugs which are available to cure the weakening of the brain caused due to chemotherapy. A study⁸ conducted in 2022 to assess the effects of cashew nuts consumption on cisplatin-induced brain harm in rats showed that cashew nuts could be used as a functional food to manage cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. This indicates that the consumption of cashew nuts may help improve brain function. However, we need more studies to confirm these claims⁷.  

7. Other Potential Uses of Cashew Nuts

Cashe nuts may help in managing diabetes, supporting bone health, and improving brain function. Additionally, cashew nuts may contribute to healthy weight management and provide nourishment to the hair. Some evidence also suggests they may assist in the prevention of certain blood disorders⁹.   

• Although some studies suggest that cashew nuts may offer potential health benefits in various areas, the current evidence is limited. Further research is needed to clearly establish the extent of their effects on human health. 

To my knowledge, cashew nuts offer multiple health benefits as they are packed with micro and macronutrients. They are believed to contain natural compounds that could contribute to immune function, exhibit antioxidant properties, and support general wellness. Some studies¹² also suggest that they may also play a role in maintaining skin health and supporting iron intake.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Cashew Nuts?

Cashew nuts can be used in the following ways¹⁰: 

• As a topping or a main ingredient in desserts 
• As a snack in honey-roasted or salt-roasted form 
• Added to salads or stir-fries for extra texture and flavour 
• Consumed raw as a natural and convenient source of nutrients 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Cashew Nuts

A few side effects related to the consumption of cashew nuts include³:   

• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of nut allergies include urticaria (red bumps on skin, itchy skin), runny nose, and swollen lips.   
• Overeating may result in constipation.  
• Weight gain due to excessive consumption.  

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to cashew nuts, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.  

Precautions to Take with Cashew Nuts

Eating cashew nuts in moderation is generally considered safe for most people. However, it is important to follow certain precautions while consuming cashew nuts¹⁰: 

• Digestion: It is advised to soak cashews overnight, as they contain phytates, which may affect digestion in some individuals. Soaking cashews overnight may reduce the phytate content and make it easier to digest.  
• Salted or roasted cashew varieties: It is advised to eat cashews in raw form as cashews contain high amounts of oils, which may have a negative impact on health.  

Interactions with Other Drugs

Cashew nuts show no significant drug interactions with medicines. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before including cashew nuts regularly in your diet, especially if you are taking prescribed medication.  

Conclusion

Cashew nuts are a nutritious addition to the diet and may offer several potential health-supporting properties. However, they should be consumed in moderation and may not be suitable for everyone. Further studies are needed to confirm their effects on human health. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Rico, Ricard & Bulló, Mónica & Salas-Salvadó, Jordi. (2015). Nutritional composition of raw fresh cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) kernels from different origins. Food Science & Nutrition. 4. 10.1002/fsn3.294. available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282907291_Nutritional_composition_of_raw_fresh_cashew_Anacardium_occidentale_L_kernels_from_different_origin  
2. US Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central [Internet]. Usda.gov. 2019 [cited 2025 May 21]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2515374/nutrients  
3. Siracusa R, Fusco R, Peritore AF, Cordaro M, D’Amico R, Genovese T, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R, Smeriglio A, Mandalari G, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R, Impellizzeri D. The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Anacardium occidentale L. Cashew Nuts in a Mouse Model of Colitis. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 20;12(3):834. doi: 10.3390/nu12030834. PMID: 32245085; PMCID: PMC7146548. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146548/  
4. Mahboobi S. The Effect of Cashew Nut on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (P06-117-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jun 13;3(Suppl 1): nzz031.P06-117-19. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzz031.P06-117-19. PMCID: PMC6573847. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6573847/ 
5. Mahboobi S. The Effect of Cashew Nut on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (P06-117-19). Current Developments in Nutrition [Internet]. 2019 Jun 1 [cited 2025 May 22];3(Supplement_1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6573847/  
6. Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Fusco R, D’Amico R, Peritore AF, Gugliandolo E, Genovese T, Scuto M, Crupi R, Mandalari G, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R, Impellizzeri D. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nuts Counteract Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in an Acute Experimental Model of Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 24;9(8):660. doi: 10.3390/antiox9080660. PMID: 32722199; PMCID: PMC7465066. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7465066/ 
7. Akomolafe SF, Asowata-Ayodele AM. Roasted cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut-enhanced diet forestalls cisplatin-initiated brain harm in rats. Heliyon. 2022 Oct 12;8(10):e11066. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11066. PMID: 36276737; PMCID: PMC9578995. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9578995/  
8. Akintunde JK, Akomolafe VO, Ugbaja RN, Olude AM, Folayan AD. Development of therapeutic supplement using roasted-cashew-nut to protect cerebral vasoconstriction injury triggered by mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of rat model. Toxicology Reports [Internet]. 2025 Feb 5 [cited 2025 May 22];14:101943. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750025000617  
9. Rico R, Bulló M, Salas‐Salvadó J. Nutritional composition of raw fresh cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) kernels from different origin. Food Science & Nutrition [Internet]. 2015 Oct 6 [cited 2025 May 22];4(2):329–38. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4779481/  
10. Services D of H & H. Nut allergies [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. [cited 2025 May 22]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/nut-allergies#symptoms-of-nut-allergies  
11. Akyereko YG, Yeboah GB, Wireko‑Manu FD, Alemawor F, Mills‑Robertson FC, Odoom W. Nutritional value and health benefits of cashew apple. JSFA Rep [Internet]. 2023 Feb;3(3):110–118. doi:10.1002/jsf2.107. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jsf2.107
12. Rosen T, Fordice DB. Cashew nut dermatitis. South Med J. 1994 Apr;87(4):543–6. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199404000-00026. PMID: 8153790. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8153790/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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