Tag: Cashews

Over 2023, global cashew production was approximately 4.3 million metric tons, highlighting their popularity as a snack. Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, cashews are a creamy and satisfying food often debated for its calorie density, so are cashews healthy to eat?.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, incorporating cashews into your diet can lead to a reduction in total and bad (LDL) cholesterol. This demonstrates just one of the many benefits of eating kaju, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support overall health.

Overnight soaking of nuts is an age-old tradition in many cultures, and modern science confirms that this practice can have real benefits. Certain nuts should be soaked to break down enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making them easier to digest and their nutrients more bioavailable.

While most common nuts are perfectly safe to eat, the raw shell of the cashew nut contains urushiol, a toxic oil also found in poison ivy. It is a little-known fact that humans cannot consume certain types of nuts in their raw state due to naturally occurring poisonous compounds.

Raw, unsalted cashews contain a remarkably low amount of natural sodium, with a one-ounce serving typically having only about 3-5 milligrams. This makes the natural answer to whether do cashews contain sodium a surprising 'not really,' though the processing method can drastically increase the sodium content.

According to Monash University, the institution that pioneered the FODMAP diet, raw cashew nuts are high in FODMAPs and should be avoided during the elimination phase. This is because cashews contain high levels of fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which can cause digestive distress for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, there are nuances to consider regarding portion sizes and preparation methods.

With a low glycemic index of approximately 25, cashews are not likely to cause a significant spike in blood sugar when consumed in moderate portions. This is a reassuring fact for many individuals managing their glucose levels, as these versatile nuts offer a delicious and nutritious snacking option.

According to the USDA, a 1-ounce (28g) serving of raw cashews contains approximately 1.7 grams of natural sugars, with only trace amounts being fructose. This demonstrates that cashews are not high in fructose and are a naturally low-sugar nut.

According to a 2011 report from Human Rights Watch, some cashew production in Vietnam involved forced labor at drug rehabilitation centers, raising serious ethical questions. These issues reveal a hidden human cost, prompting many vegans to question if cashews are truly vegan friendly in practice.

In traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, cashews are classified as a "heating" food, a perception that contrasts with their mild, creamy flavour. So, are cashews hot or cool for your body? The answer depends on different health perspectives and how they are prepared, as their nutrient density can increase internal body temperature.