Cashew nut commonly known as “Kaju” is a popular and nutritious dry fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamins (E, K and B6), phosphorous, zinc, magnesium making it beneficial for health.
Cashew nuts help to lower blood cholesterol levels and improves heart health. It also improves bone health as it is rich in magnesium.
Adding Cashew nuts to your regular diet helps in weight management as it contains a good amount of healthy fat which gives a feeling of being full and satiated and prevents overeating.
Applying Cashew nut oil to the skin helps in wound healing and improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It also promotes hair growth and improves hair texture[2][5].

What are the synonyms of Cashew Nuts?

Anacardium occidentale, Vrikulh, Pitphal, Kaju, Bhaliya, Lankabhaliya, Gera-bija, Godambe, Kalamawu, Mundhari, Jidiyanti, Jidimamidivittu, Hijali[1].

What is the source of Cashew Nuts?

Plant Based

Benefits of Cashew Nuts

What are the benefits of Cashew Nuts for Skin disorders?

Ayurvedic View

Cashew nut especially its oil helps in quick healing of ulcers when applied to the skin. Cashew nut essential oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. But due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it is advisable to use it after diluting with any carrier oil like coconut, olive oil or with rose water.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Cashew nut powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with rose water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area for quick healing of the wound.

What are the benefits of Cashew Nuts for Corns?

Ayurvedic View

Cashew nut and its oil helps to remove corn when applied on the affected area. Corn is a skin callus (thick skin) that occurs on the thin surface of the sole. Corn is also called as Kadra in Ayurveda. It may develop as a result of vitiation of the Vata and Kapha dosha. Cashew nuts and its oil helps to remove corns due to its Vata and Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Cashew nut oil.
2. Mix with 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to get rid of corns.

How effective is Cashew Nuts?

Insufficient evidence

Corns, Skin disorders, Warts

Recommended Dosage of Cashew Nuts

Cashew Nuts Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
Cashew Nuts Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

How to use Cashew Nuts

1. Cashew nut Powder
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Cashew nut powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area for quick healing.

2. Cashew nut oil
A. For skin
Apply 2-5 drops of Cashew nut oil on the skin and massage gently.

B. For hair
i. Take 3-4 drops of Cashew nut essential oil
ii. Mix it with any carrier oil like Coconut or Olive oil.
iii. Apply on hair and scalp.
iv. Massage gently.
v. Leave it for some time and then rinse off with water.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How many Cashew nut should you eat in a day?

Modern Science View

Cashew nuts have low-fat content, most of which is ‘good fat’. They are a rich source of iron, zinc and magnesium which contributes towards managing anemia, maintaining healthy vision and boosting the immune system. Cashew nuts may be useful in improving memory as well as managing age-related memory loss. It is recommended to consume about 4-5 Cashew nuts daily.

Q. How many calories are in one Cashew nut?

Modern Science View

One Cashew nut has approximately 9 calories.

Q. How can I make roasted Cashew nuts at home?

Modern Science View

To prepare roasted Cashew nuts at home:
1. Toast Cashew nuts with 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan.
2. Keep the flame on medium.
3. Roast the nuts in the pan till they become slightly brown in color.
4. Or you can also roast them for around 2 minutes in microwave at high temperature.

References

1
Balkrishnan A.kaju.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
2
Singh PL,Maiti A.PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE: A REVIEW.AJPER.2017;6(1):40-51.
3
WebMD.Cashew: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
4
García F , Moneo I , Fernández B et al.Allergy to Anacardiaceae: description of Cashew and pistachio nut allergens.J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol.2000;10(3):173-177.
5
Mah E, Schulz JA, Kaden VN, et al.Cashew consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol: a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 May;105(5):1070-1078.
6
De Melo MFFT, Pereira DE, Sousa MM et al. Maternal intake of cashew nuts accelerates reflex maturation and facilitates memory in the offspring. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2017;61:58-67.doi: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.06.006.
7
Manzoor MF, Manzoor A, Siddique R et al. Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Cashew Seed (Anacardium occidentale) Milk. Mod Concep Dev Agrono.2017; 1(1):1-4.
8
Syed A, Malsawmtluangi C. Evaluation of anti-obesity potential of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) in animals. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Research.2015; 5(2):42-50.
9
De Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD et al. Nuts and Human Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9,1311:2-23.
10
Mohan V, Gayathri R, Jaacks LM et al. Cashew Nut Consumption Increases HDL Cholesterol and Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure in Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2018;148(1):63-69.
11
Wattanathorn J, Prabsattroo T, Somsapt P et al. Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions. BioMed Research International.2018;1-13.
12
Obembe, Ige. Sperm parameters of male Wistar rats treated with Anacardium occidentale L. leaf extract. Res. J. of Health Sci.2016; 4(1):82-88.
13
Ros E. Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients.2010; 2(7):652-82.
14
Pasricha JS, Srinivas CR, Krupashanker DS et al. Contact Dermatitis Due to Cashew Nut (Anacardium Occidentale) Shell Oil, Pericarp and Kernel. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 1988;54(1):36-37.
15
Rosen T, Fordice DB. Cashew nut dermatitis. South Med J. 1994;87(4):543-6.
16
Reginella RF, Fairfield JC, Marks JG Jr. Hyposensitization to poison ivy after working in a cashew nut shell oil processing factory. Contact Dermatitis. 1989 Apr;20(4):274-9.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.