HealthyPIG Magazine

Cashew is a kidney-shaped seed that comes from the cashew tree-a tropical tree native to Brazil but now grown in various warm climates around the world. Although "raw" cashews are widely sold, real raw cashews are not safe to eat because they contain a substance called urushiol, which is present in poison ivy. Urushiol is toxic, and exposure to it can cause skin reactions in some people. Cashew kernels are cooked during processing to remove this toxic liquid, and the resulting product is sold as "raw". Although they are commonly called tree nuts and are nutritionally equivalent to them, cashews are indeed seeds. They are rich in nutrients and beneficial plant compounds and are easy to add to many dishes.

Like most nuts, cashews may also help improve your overall health. They are associated with benefits such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a healthier heart. This article reviews the nutrition, benefits and disadvantages of cashew nuts to determine if they are good for you.