Cashew Nuts
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts or commonly known as Kaju is a popular and nutritious dry fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamin E, K, B6 and phosphorous, zinc and magnesium. Apart from this, Cashew nuts also contain healthy fat. Some of the medicinal properties of Cashew nuts are blood pressure and cholesterol lowering[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
Modern Science View
Cashew nuts might be beneficial in the management of metabolic syndrome. It has good antioxidant property that reduces the complications associated with metabolic syndrome[3].
Ayurvedic View
Cashew nuts help to control the symptoms of metabolic syndrome like diabetes and obesity. According to Ayurveda, these diseases occur when excess Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) is accumulated in the body. Taking Cashew nuts regularly helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by improving the digestive fire. This is due to its Ushna (hot) property. This thus helps to control the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
Tips:
1. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts.
2. Have it with milk once or twice a day to manage the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
Tips:
1. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts.
2. Have it with milk once or twice a day to manage the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
How effective is Cashew Nuts?
Insufficient evidence
Metabolic syndrome
Precautions when using Cashew Nuts
Allergy
Modern Science View
Cashew nuts may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachio or pectin. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming Cashew nuts if you are allergic to any of the mentioned nuts[3][4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Cashew nuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Cashew nuts supplements during breastfeeding[3].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, consuming large amounts of Cashew nuts may increase glucose levels in the blood. So it is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose level regularly while taking Cashew nuts[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Cashew nuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Cashew nuts supplements during pregnancy[3].
How to use Cashew Nuts
1. Cashew nuts
a. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts a day.
b. Or, you can add a few Cashew nuts to salads.
2. Cashew nut Powder
Use 1-2 teaspoons of Cashew nut powder in cooking as flour.
a. Take 4-5 Cashew nuts a day.
b. Or, you can add a few Cashew nuts to salads.
2. Cashew nut Powder
Use 1-2 teaspoons of Cashew nut powder in cooking as flour.
Benefits of Cashew Nuts
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQs about Cashew Nuts benefits
Recommended Dosage of Cashew Nuts
- Cashew Nuts Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Cashew Nuts Oil - 2-5 drops 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.
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
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.
Modern Science View
One Cashew nut has approximately 9 calories.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cashew nut is good for arthritis when it is taken on a regular basis. This is because arthritis is due to an aggravated Vata. Cashew nuts help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis like pain and inflammation due to its Vata balancing property.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cashew nuts help to control a cough. It helps to remove excess mucus from the lungs and gives relief from cough. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Cashew nut helps to lower the blood glucose level. It increases the level of insulin and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Ayurvedic View
Although Cashew nut helps to improve digestion, it can increase the symptoms of gastritis due to its Ushna (hot) property.
Ayurvedic View
Cashew nuts are good for hair growth. Cashew nuts or its oil help to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Cashew nuts or its oil act on hair fall by balancing Vata. It removes excessive dryness on the scalp. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cashew nuts are good for the skin because of its Ropan (healing) property. Cashew nut essential oil gives quick result in healing when applied to the affected area.
References
- Balkrishnan A.kaju.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Singh PL,Maiti A.PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE: A REVIEW.AJPER.2017;6(1):40-51.
- WebMD.Cashew: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- 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.
- 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.
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.