Nut
Cashew
A creamy, kidney-shaped nut rich in magnesium and heart-healthy fats that supports the heart, eases muscle cramps, and steadies cholesterol.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 88/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Cashews grow as a single curved seed dangling beneath the cashew apple, a tropical fruit. The kernel is roasted to remove a mildly irritating shell oil before it reaches store shelves, leaving the smooth, buttery nut we know.
✨ Why it's good for you
- May help support the heart with its blend of unsaturated fats
- May help ease muscle cramps thanks to its magnesium content
- May help support steady cholesterol levels as part of a balanced diet
- Traditionally used to support healthy skin and hair with its copper and zinc content
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 oz (28 g, about 18 kernels) · about 157 calories
- Protein 5.2 g
- Magnesium 83 mg
- Copper 0.6 mg
- Unsaturated fat 9 g
- Iron 1.9 mg
Source: USDA FoodData Central
🥄 How to use it
Snack on a small handful, blend into creamy sauces, or sprinkle over dishes for richness.
How much: A practical food amount is a small handful, about a quarter cup, on most days.
Show full details & how to prepare it
The cashew is a buttery, kidney-shaped nut that grows curiously from the base of a tropical fruit, native to Brazil and now cherished the world over. Its mild sweetness and creamy texture make it a favorite both as a snack and blended into rich, dairy-free sauces.
Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, the quiet mineralA natural building block your body needs in small amounts, like calcium or magnesium. More → that helps muscles relax and unclench — a comfort to anyone troubled by cramps — and they carry the heart-friendly fats that help steady cholesterol. They also bring copper, zinc and plant compounds that support the blood vessels and the body's daily repair.
They are a wholesome and safe food for most people. As a tree nut they must be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy, and being rich and calorie-dense they are best enjoyed unsalted and in a modest handful.
Ways to prepare it
⚠️ Cautions
- They are a tree nut, so anyone with a nut allergy must avoid them entirely.
- Choose unsalted cashews and keep to a small handful, as nuts are rich and calorie-dense.
📚 What others say
- A nut native to Brazil, now loved worldwide
- Valued for its buttery texture and gentle sweetness
Learn more
🕊️ A word of encouragement
A handful of creamy nuts is a small daily kindness to the body. Take heart in the gentle, steady gifts of ordinary food.
💬 Ask Remy about Cashew
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
Your vote is saved. Source endorsement totals come from books and studies (+7 per book, +5 per article). You can change your vote anytime from this device.
💬 Comments & experiences
Share what worked for you — and reply or 👍 like the experiences that resonate. Comments get a quick review before they appear publicly, to keep things safe and honest. Please don't make medical claims.
💚 Have an experience to share? Create a free account to join the conversation — your words might be exactly what someone else needs. Reading is always open to everyone.
Know a remedy like this?
Share a structured suggestion and our team will review it for the site.
Suggest a similar remedy