Can cashews be eaten raw? Uses of cashews when eating

Cashew nuts are a food that is loved by many people around the world. Cashew nuts have a fatty taste that is often used in the preparation of daily dishes or used directly. However, many people wonder if cashews can be eaten raw?

Cashew nuts can be easily found everywhere, it helps to add many essential nutrients to the body. Cashews are often roasted or processed into many different dishes. But can cashews be eaten raw if not roasted? Let's find out with SignsSymptomsList!

Origin of cashews

Cashews come from the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical root tree. Cashew trees are commonly grown in areas such as Brazil, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, and other countries with warm climates. The fruit of the cashew tree is shaped a bit like an apple, especially the cashew nut is located below the fruit. Cashews are removed, separated from the fruit and then processed into various products such as roasted cashews, toasted cashews, cashew butter and cashew milk.

Cashews are below the cashew nut

Can cashews be eaten raw?

Many people wonder if cashews can be eaten raw? Is it harmful to health? According to researchers, it is not advisable to eat raw cashews. Eating raw cashews can cause poisoning because raw cashews contain Phenol urushiol. This is a substance that causes food poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea , especially when in contact with the skin, it can cause allergies, itching or dermatitis .

In short, raw cashews are not edible because they can affect health. Should eat cashews that have been peeled and roasted to limit health risks.

Eating raw cashews can cause poisoning

Benefits of cashews

Cashews provide nutrients, have many uses when eaten, including:

• Provides nutrition: Contains plenty of fiber, protein, vitamins (such as vitamin E, B-complex vitamins) and minerals (such as magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium) important for health. They provide energy, support metabolism and strengthen the immune system.
• Promotes Heart Health: Cashews are rich in healthy fats, including unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3s. They have the ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL) and improve cardiovascular function, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases .

Eating cashews improves heart health

• Supports brain health: Cashews are rich in natural amino acids called L-arginine, which can help improve blood circulation and brain function. This helps to improve memory, concentration and learning ability.
• Antioxidant: The antioxidants in cashews like polyphenols and flavonoids help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and aging diseases.
• Aids in digestion: Cashews are high in fiber, which improves metabolism and digestion, prevents constipation , and maintains gut health.

Notes when using cashews

Although cashews have many good uses for health. However, there are still some notes when using such as:

• Allergies: Cashew nuts can cause allergies such as rashes, itchy rashes, difficulty breathing or life-threatening if your body has a history of allergy to nuts.
• Weight gain: Cashews are quite high in calories and fat. Consuming too many cashews without other dietary adjustments can lead to weight gain. 
• Contains oxalates: If you have a history of kidney stones or problems related to oxalate, you should limit your intake of cashews.
• Digestive problems: Some people may experience digestive problems after eating cashews. Because cashews contain fiber and fat, consuming too many cashews can cause indigestion, bloating or diarrhea.

So through the above article, SignsSymptomsList hopes to help you find the answer to the question of whether cashews can be eaten raw . Cashew nuts bring many benefits, but you should still pay attention not to abuse too much because it can cause side effects affecting health.