Do Cashews Have Anti-Inflammatories? The Truth About This Nut's Power

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

A study in the journal Nutrients highlighted that tree nuts, including cashews, contain properties that may help control inflammation. But do cashews have anti-inflammatories, and what specific compounds are at play? These creamy, versatile nuts are more than just a snack; they pack a powerful nutritional profile designed to fight cellular damage.

Quick Summary

Cashews are rich in beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Scientific studies indicate that compounds like polyphenols, magnesium, and healthy fats help reduce oxidative stress and inhibit inflammatory responses in the body.

Key Points

Antioxidant-Rich: Cashews contain powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids that combat inflammation by neutralizing free radicals.
Mineral Support: They are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory minerals, including magnesium, copper, and zinc, which aid in immune function and cellular health.
Healthy Fats: The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in cashews contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects and promote heart health.
Scientific Backing: Studies in animal models have demonstrated that cashew consumption can reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Part of a Healthy Diet: Including cashews in moderation as part of a balanced diet can support a healthy inflammatory response.
Versatile Ingredient: Cashews can be easily incorporated into many dishes, from snacks to creamy sauces and stir-fries.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Cashew Compounds

Cashews are not just a delicious snack; they are a nutritional powerhouse packed with compounds that have been shown to combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Unlike highly processed snacks that can trigger inflammation, cashews offer a mix of antioxidants, healthy fats, and key minerals that work synergistically to promote a healthy inflammatory response. The mechanism behind their anti-inflammatory action lies in their ability to neutralize damaging free radicals and modulate key inflammatory pathways.

Antioxidant Protection: Fighting Free Radicals

Cashews contain potent antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This damage is a major driver of chronic inflammation. The primary antioxidants found in cashews include:

Polyphenols: These are beneficial plant compounds found in cashews that help reduce inflammation. In a study, cashew nuts were found to inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in edema and pain, which is an action attributed to flavonoids.
Carotenoids: Cashews contain carotenoids, which also contribute to their antioxidant activity.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is known for protecting cells and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Interestingly, some research suggests that roasted cashews might have an even higher antioxidant activity compared to their raw counterparts, though more research is needed.

Minerals that Modulate Inflammation

Beyond antioxidants, cashews are a rich source of several minerals that play critical roles in managing inflammation throughout the body. A single ounce of cashews can provide a significant portion of your daily mineral needs.

Magnesium: Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral vital for regulating blood pressure, nerve function, and—most importantly—reducing inflammation. A magnesium deficiency can be linked to increased inflammation, and a handful of cashews can provide a substantial boost to your daily intake.
Zinc: This mineral is crucial for immune system function and wound healing. Zinc helps strengthen the immune response and plays a part in reducing inflammation.
Copper: Essential for producing collagen and elastin for healthy skin, copper also plays a role in overall inflammatory responses.

The Importance of Healthy Fats

While calorie-dense, the fat content in cashews is primarily composed of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats are known to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. A review of existing research found a strong link between nut consumption and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, partly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of these fats. A balanced fat profile, rich in these healthy fats, helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowers overall inflammation.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Cashew's Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Numerous studies, particularly in animal models, have provided evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of cashews.

Acute Inflammation: In an experimental model of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, oral treatment with cashew nuts significantly reduced edema, pain, and inflammatory markers. The study concluded that cashews have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and analgesic activities.
Chronic Inflammation: Another study demonstrated that cashew nuts could improve oxidative stress and inflammation in a murine model of colitis, a type of chronic inflammatory condition.
Systemic Inflammation: Cashew nuts have also been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways, such as the Nrf2 and NLRP3 pathways, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in pancreatitis.

How Cashews Compare to Other Anti-Inflammatory Nuts

While cashews offer impressive benefits, how do they stack up against other popular anti-inflammatory nuts? Each nut has a unique nutritional profile that contributes to overall health.


Feature	Cashews	Walnuts	Almonds
Key Anti-inflammatory Compounds	Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Polyphenols, Carotenoids	High Omega-3 (ALA), Vitamin E, Polyphenols	Magnesium, Vitamin E, Fiber, Monounsaturated Fats
Omega-3 Content	Lower amount compared to walnuts	Highest amount among common nuts	Contains some omega-3 but less than walnuts
Best For...	Joint health, bone health, reducing oxidative stress	Brain health, heart health, overall inflammation	Heart health, weight management, skin health
Magnesium Content (per oz)	Approximately 83 mg	Approximately 45 mg	Approximately 76.5 mg
Primary Mechanism	Modulating oxidative stress and mineral balance	High ALA content reduces inflammatory markers	Antioxidant action of Vitamin E and fiber

Incorporating Cashews into Your Diet

Including cashews in your diet is simple and can contribute to your anti-inflammatory goals. A balanced diet and moderation are key to reaping their benefits without excessive calorie intake.

Here are some ideas for adding cashews to your meals:

Snack: Enjoy a handful of raw or lightly roasted, unsalted cashews as a satisfying snack.
Stir-fry: Add cashews to your favorite stir-fry for extra crunch and flavor.
Salads: Sprinkle chopped cashews over salads for added texture and nutrients.
Creamy Sauces: Blend soaked cashews to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce for pastas, curries, or soups.
Desserts: Use cashews in homemade energy bars or as a topping for yogurt.
Nut Butter: Make your own cashew butter by blending roasted cashews until smooth.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "Do cashews have anti-inflammatories?" can be answered with a resounding yes. Their rich content of antioxidants, like polyphenols and carotenoids, along with essential minerals such as magnesium and zinc, equips them with significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Scientific research, particularly in animal models, confirms that cashews can reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. By incorporating cashews into a balanced diet, individuals can leverage these natural compounds to support a healthy inflammatory response and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Remember to choose raw or lightly salted varieties and consume them in moderation as part of a varied nutritional plan.

For more information on nutrition and inflammation, consult authoritative sources like the Arthritis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cashews are among the best nuts for fighting inflammation, alongside almonds and walnuts. While cashews offer a great source of magnesium and antioxidants, walnuts are notable for their high omega-3 content, and almonds provide more fiber and vitamin E. A varied intake of different nuts is beneficial for a wide range of nutrients.

A standard serving size is typically one ounce, which is about 18 whole cashews. Incorporating this amount into your daily diet is a healthy way to add beneficial nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds without overdoing the calorie intake.

Some studies suggest that roasting can increase the antioxidant activity of cashews. However, choosing lightly roasted and unsalted cashews is recommended to avoid adding excess sodium or unhealthy oils. Both raw and roasted cashews offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

While not a cure, the anti-inflammatory properties of cashews may help manage the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. The magnesium, healthy fats, and antioxidants found in cashews can contribute to reducing inflammation, a key symptom of arthritis.

The main anti-inflammatory compounds in cashews include polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin E, which are potent antioxidants. Additionally, minerals like magnesium and zinc play a crucial role in modulating the body's inflammatory response.

Consuming cashews in moderation is key. They are high in calories and healthy fats, but excessive intake could contribute to weight gain if not balanced, and some individuals may experience digestive issues from excessive fiber. As with any food, a balanced approach is best.

Salted cashews retain their anti-inflammatory compounds, but the added sodium can be detrimental to overall health, especially for those managing blood pressure. Opting for unsalted or lightly salted cashews is the healthier choice to gain the benefits without the negative effects of high sodium.