Cashew
OTHER NAME(S): Acajou oil, Anacarde, Anacardier, Cajou, Cajuil, Cashew Oil, East Indian Almond, Kaju, Marañon, Noix d'Anacarde, Noix-Cajou, Noix de Cajou, Oleum Anacardiae, Pomme-Cajou, Anacardium occidentale, Anacardo, Noix De Cajou
Overview
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a tree native to Brazil. Its nut, also known as cashew, is commonly eaten as food and also used as medicine.
Cashew contains unsaturated fatty acids that might help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It also contains chemicals that might fight certain bacteria.
People sometimes use cashew for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Cashew overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Cashew is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, it's possibly safe when used as up to 11% of calories in the diet. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people are allergic to cashew.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Cashew is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, it's possibly safe when used as up to 11% of calories in the diet. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people are allergic to cashew.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cashew is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if cashew is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts.
Allergy to certain other nuts or pectin: Cashew might cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to hazelnut, Brazil nut, pistachio, almond, peanut, sumac, mango, pink peppercorn, citrus seeds, yuzu, or pectin.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Cashew overview.
Dosing
Cashew is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
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- de Oliveira LFN, Maia CSC, Nogueira MDA, et al. Cashew nut consumption reduces waist circumference and oxidative stress in adolescents with obesity: A randomized clinical trial. Nutr Res 2025;134:60-72.
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