How Many Calories Are In Cashew Nuts?

Cashews have a lower fat content compared with most nuts, and more than half the fat in cashews is oleic acid, a heart-healthy fat. Cashew nuts are a very good source of copper, which is known for playing a vital role in supporting joints, notes George Mateljan, author of, "The World's Healthiest Foods."

Calories

Roughly nine cashews are in one-half ounce, making up 78 calories; 6 grams total fat, of which 1 g is saturated fat; 9 carbohydrates; and 5 g of protein, notes the USDA. Therefore, one cashew nut has close to 9 calories. Author Bonnie Taub-Dix says a calorie is a unit of energy that measures how much energy a food gives to your body.

Fat

The American Heart Association website recommends you limit saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories per day. Eating one-quarter cup of cashews provides 16 g fat, of which 3 g are saturated. This equates to 143 calories from fat, exceeding the recommended daily amount in a 2,000-calorie diet. Eating cashews in moderation makes good sense.

Nutrients

Cashews are rich in magnesium, tryptophan and phosphorus, providing the body with several health benefits. Magnesium and phosphorus give bones strength and structure. Tryptophan promotes good sleep and raises your mood, according to Mateljan.