Cashews and Health: The Creamy Nut That Loves Your Heart, Skin, and Healing

Rich, creamy, and full of warmth — the cashew nut is one of India’s most loved ingredients. From temple sweets to curries, festive hampers to daily snacks, cashews add a luxurious smoothness wherever they go. But beyond their indulgent taste, cashews are also among the most nutrient-dense and healing foods nature offers.

Across Ayurveda, folk medicine, and modern nutrition, cashews have long been valued for their ability to nourish, restore, and balance — supporting everything from your heart to your skin, and even helping the body’s natural repair process.

Cashew: A Coastal Gift Turned Global Treasure

Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) arrived in India from Brazil through Portuguese traders around the 16th century. The warm, coastal climate of Goa, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh turned out to be perfect for the cashew tree — and India soon became one of the world’s leading producers.

Over time, cashew became more than just a crop; it became a comfort.
From kaju katli and paneer korma to dry fruit laddu and snack mixes, it has become India’s most versatile nut — combining pleasure with quiet power.

What’s Inside a Cashew: The Nutrition Story

According to the studies present every 100 grams of cashews provides:

This unique mix of plant protein, minerals, and unsaturated fats makes cashews both energising and restorative.

Cashews and the Heart: Balancing the “Good Fats”

Cashews contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the same types found in olive oil and avocados. These fats are known to:

·   Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

·   Improve HDL (“good”) cholesterol

·   Reduce inflammation in blood vessels

·   Support heart rhythm and blood pressure

A long-term dietary survey cited by ICMR–NIN and Harvard Health Publishing found that people who regularly included nuts like cashews in place of fried snacks or refined carbohydrates had better cardiovascular markers and a lower risk of heart-related issues.

In simple words: replacing a plate of namkeen with a handful of cashews can be a heart-smart swap — delicious, satisfying, and beneficial.

Cashews and Healing: How They Help the Body Repair

Cashews aren’t just fuel; they actively support the body’s healing and recovery process — from the inside out.

Rich in Zinc and Copper

Both minerals are crucial for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.
When you get a cut, burn, or minor skin injury, your body needs zinc to form new tissue and copper to build connective fibres. Cashews deliver both — gently assisting your natural repair mechanism.

Magnesium for Nerve & Muscle Balance

Cashews are one of the richest plant sources of magnesium, a mineral that calms nerve signals, relaxes muscles, and helps reduce cramps or soreness after physical stress or exercise.

Vitamin E and Antioxidants

Cashews contain compounds like tocopherols and polyphenols that act as antioxidants, helping neutralise the oxidative stress that slows healing.
When you include cashews regularly in a balanced diet, these antioxidants quietly work behind the scenes — helping your body rebuild faster and age more slowly.

(Note: Cashews don’t “treat” wounds — but they supply nutrients your body uses to repair itself more efficiently.)

Cashews for Skin and Hair: Beauty from Within

In Ayurveda, cashews are described as “Snigdha” (moisturizing) and “Balya” (strengthening) — meaning they nourish both inner vitality and outer glow.
Modern science agrees:

·   Copper supports melanin and collagen, improving skin tone and elasticity.

·   Zinc helps repair acne-prone or inflamed skin.

·   Vitamin E and healthy fats keep the skin barrier strong, preventing dryness and dullness.

·   Iron and protein help keep hair healthy, reducing brittleness.

Some Ayurvedic practitioners even recommend applying cashew oil mixed with almond or coconut oil to moisturize rough elbows, knees, or cracked heels — an age-old home remedy that’s still gentle and effective.

Cashews and the Brain: Calm Focus, Gentle Energy

Cashews contain amino acids like L-tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin — the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Combined with magnesium and B-vitamins, cashews support calm energy and balanced mood.

That’s why many traditional diets include nuts like cashews and almonds for students, professionals, and elders — foods that keep energy steady without restlessness.

 Cashews and Blood Sugar: Smart for Balance

Contrary to their creamy image, cashews have a low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Their protein and fat content help slow carbohydrate absorption, making them an excellent companion for fruits or smoothies.

A small handful mid-morning or evening keeps you full, stable, and away from sugar cravings — a trick many nutritionists and Ayurveda-inspired meal plans recommend.

Cashews in Ayurveda: Nourishment with Restraint

In Ayurvedic wisdom, cashews (Kaju Phala) are considered a tonic for strength (Balya) and fertility (Vrishya), but also mildly “heating.”
That’s why the texts recommend:

·   Eating soaked or lightly roasted cashews (not deep-fried).

·   Avoiding excess during peak summer or if you have high body heat (Pitta imbalance).

·   Pairing with cooling foods — milk, dates, or ghee — to balance their warmth.

This is the reason so many Indian sweets combine cashew with milk and cardamom: it’s not just taste, it’s ancient balance.

How Much Is Just Right?

Cashews are nutrient-dense, which means a little goes a long way.
ICMR–NIN dietary guidelines suggest about 30 grams of nuts per day (roughly 15–20 cashews) as part of a balanced diet.

·   Choose dry-roasted or plain cashews over salted or fried versions.

·   Combine with fruits, seeds, or raisins for variety.

·   Store them in airtight containers away from humidity to preserve their natural oils.

The Kedia Pavitra Thought

At Kedia Pavitra, we believe food should be both comforting and clean — the kind that heals gently and nourishes deeply.
The cashew, to us, represents that perfect harmony — rich yet pure, luxurious yet wholesome.

From supporting your heart and glowing your skin to quietly helping your body repair, this creamy nut proves that good taste and good health can indeed share the same bowl.

If you’re looking for premium, purity-assured cashews, get yours from Kedia Pavitra.