Raw cashews are found in a variety of forms, such as cashew nut butter, whole or halved cashews and in restaurant salads. Cashew nuts are the seeds of the cashew tree and are located on the bottom of the cashew apples that grow from this tree. These nuts are kidney-shaped and have a distinct, slightly sweet flavor.
Tree-nut Allergy
Cashews to not generally affect people. Cashews are part of the list of ingredients that are considered allergens to a minority of people. Other nuts in this category of potential allergy-causing nuts include pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios and almonds. KidsHealth.org states that if you are allergic to cashews, some of the symptoms you will experience include itching, hives, eczema, skin rash, tingling and inflammation in the mouth area, shortness of breath, congestion, wheezing, lightheadedness and dizziness.
Caustic Resin
If raw cashews were not shelled, it would provide consumers with a potent element found on the inside of the cashew shell, called caustic resin. Caustic resin or cashew balm is so potent, it can be used for insecticides and varnishes, and is not good for humans to eat. In fact, raw cashews must be thoroughly cleaned of any caustic resin residues before they are sold in stores.
Fat
Cashews contain a heart-healthy fat called monounsaturated fat and are similar to olive oil, containing oleic acid. Oleic acid aids in lowering cholesterol and is healthy for diabetics and those with heart conditions.
Copper
Cashews are high in copper, which helps you rid your body of free radicals, use iron, generate bone and connective tissue and create hair and skin pigment. If you do not consume enough copper in your diet, you may experience osteoporosis, arthritis and joint issues, iron-deficiency anemia, damaged blood vessels, irregular pulse and brain malfunctions.
Magnesium
Cashews provide your bones, muscles and nerves with an essential mineral, magnesium. Magnesium helps strengthen your bones. It also regulates your calcium levels, muscles and nerves. If you do not have enough magnesium, the side effects include muscle spasms, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, tension, soreness and fatigue, according to the University of Maryland.
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