What Is Cashew? Other Names: Acajou Oil, Anacarde, Cajuil

What is Cashew?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Cashew nuts, derived from the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.), are a popular type of tree nut consumed worldwide. They are known for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits, making them a staple in various diets and cuisines. Other names include: Acajou Oil, Anacarde, Anacardier, Anacardium occidentale, Anacardo, Cajou, Cajuil, Cashew Oil, East Indian Almond, Kaju, Marañon, Noix d’Anacarde, Noix-Cajou, Noix de Cajou, Oleum Anacardiae, Pomme-Cajou.

Nutritional Profile

Cashews are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Despite their high content of saturated fats, a significant portion is stearic acid, which is neutral concerning blood lipids1 4 5. This unique composition makes cashews a potentially heart-healthy snack, similar to other nuts.

Health Benefits of Cashew

Cardiovascular Health

Several studies have explored the impact of cashew consumption on cardiovascular health. A randomized controlled trial found that incorporating cashews into the diet significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with or at risk of high LDL cholesterol1 5. Another study highlighted that cashew nut oil could reduce LDL cholesterol and atherogenic markers, contributing to cardiovascular risk reduction2.

Blood Pressure and Diabetes

Cashew nuts have also been shown to have positive effects on blood pressure and lipid profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A study involving Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that cashew supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure and increased HDL cholesterol without adverse effects on body weight or glycemic control3.

Conflicting Evidence

Despite these benefits, some studies have reported no significant impact of cashew consumption on blood lipids or other cardiovascular disease markers. For instance, a controlled trial found no significant changes in blood lipids or blood pressure after cashew consumption, although a decrease in PCSK9, a protein associated with cholesterol regulation, was observed4.

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Adverse Effects of Cashew

Allergic Reactions

Severe Allergies: Cashew nuts can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, even in minimal amounts. Symptoms often include gastrointestinal issues, oral allergy, skin reactions, and in some cases, anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine treatment1 6.

Metabolic Effects

Increased Glycemia: In dyslipidemic rats, cashew nut consumption was associated with higher blood glucose levels, despite reducing visceral fat2.

Liver Fat Accumulation: Cashew nuts led to increased liver fat accumulation in dyslipidemic rats, which could be a concern for liver health2.

Toxicity Concerns

Cashew Nut Shell Extract: High doses of cashew nut shell methanol extract can cause cytological damage in the lungs and liver of rats, indicating potential toxicity through redox disruption4.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neutrality

No Adverse Cardiovascular Effects: In humans, cashew nut consumption did not adversely affect blood lipids, blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors in controlled studies3 5 7 9.

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How has Cashew Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Cashew nut supplementation has been associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure and an increase in HDL cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes, without affecting body weight or glycemic control1. Additionally, cashew consumption has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease4 6.

Lipid Profile Improvements: Daily consumption of cashews has been linked to a decrease in serum insulin and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, suggesting improved lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes2. However, some studies found no significant changes in blood lipids or other cardiovascular markers3.

Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory Effects

Gastroprotective Properties: Extracts from cashew apple byproducts have demonstrated gastroprotective effects, potentially reducing gastric lesions induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)5.

Inflammatory Markers: While cashew consumption did not significantly alter intestinal permeability or inflammatory markers in one study, it did show potential in reducing certain inflammatory markers and improving liver function in another7 8.

Body Composition and Weight Management

Weight and Body Composition: Cashew consumption, as part of an energy-restricted diet, has been associated with reductions in body fat and improvements in body composition, although these effects were not significantly different from control groups7 8 10.

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Cashew Mechanisms of Action

Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol Reduction: Cashews are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are known to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that incorporating cashews into the diet can lead to significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, making them beneficial for heart health1 3.

Neutral Saturated Fat: Although cashews contain saturated fats, a significant portion is stearic acid, which is neutral concerning blood lipids. This suggests that cashews may have similar heart health benefits as other nuts despite their saturated fat content1 3 5.

Blood Pressure and HDL Cholesterol: In individuals with type 2 diabetes, cashew consumption has been associated with reduced systolic blood pressure and increased HDL cholesterol, further supporting cardiovascular benefits7.

Anti-inflammatory and Gastroprotective Effects

Gastroprotective Properties: Extracts from cashew apple pomace, enriched with carotenoids and anacardic acids, have shown potential in reducing gastric mucosa lesions and inflammation, indicating a protective effect against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers2.

Inflammation Modulation: Cashews may help modulate inflammation, as seen in studies where cashew consumption did not significantly alter inflammatory markers but showed potential in improving endothelial health and reducing visceral fat6 9 10.

Body Composition and Metabolic Effects

Body Fat and Composition: Cashew consumption, especially when part of an energy-restricted diet, can lead to reductions in body fat and improvements in body composition, although effects on glycemic control and liver fat accumulation may vary4 9 10.

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Common Complaints Associated with Cashew Use

High Saturated Fat Content: Cashews contain a relatively high amount of saturated fatty acids, which can be a concern for individuals monitoring their saturated fat intake. Although one-third of the saturated fat in cashews is stearic acid, which is neutral on blood lipids, the overall saturated fat content can still be a point of concern for some1.

Allergic Reactions: Like other tree nuts, cashews can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Caloric Density: Cashews are calorie-dense, which means that consuming them in large quantities can contribute to weight gain if not balanced with other dietary components. This is particularly important for individuals who are managing their weight.

Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, after consuming cashews, especially if they are consumed in large amounts.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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