Rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants such as polyphenols, cashews offer several health benefits:

Reduced cholesterol

Cashews have had a bad reputation for containing saturated fat. But much of the fat in cashews comes from stearic acids, which experts think have little effect on blood cholesterol. Research suggests that people who eat a small serving of cashews every day may see a small reduction in LDL “bad” cholesterol. 

Heart disease prevention

Not only can they lower bad cholesterol, cashews may help prevent heart disease due to their high magnesium content. Getting enough magnesium may reduce your risk of ischemic heart disease, which happens when your heart doesn’t get enough blood.

Stroke prevention

The magnesium in cashews may help reduce the risk of stroke. This link is thought to be strongest for hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into the brain.

Diabetes prevention or management

Cashews are low in carbohydrates, especially compared to many other common snacks. This limits their impact on blood sugar, making them a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes, as well as for those looking to prevent the condition.