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Cashew (Kaju) Benefits: 8 Reasons to Eat Them Daily

House of Nuts editorial teamUpdated 2 July 20265 min read
Cashew (Kaju) Benefits: 8 Reasons to Eat Them Daily

Quick answer

Cashews (kaju) are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plant protein, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Eaten in moderation, they can be part of a heart-healthy diet. A standard 28 g serving is about 20 W320 cashews.

key takeaways

  • A handful (28g) of cashews delivers heart-healthy fats, protein and key minerals.
  • A good source of iron, magnesium, copper and zinc.
  • Choose plain or lightly roasted over heavily salted for daily eating.
  • 4–6 a day is a sensible amount for most adults.

Kaju (cashews) are one of India's most-loved nuts — creamy, satisfying and surprisingly good for you. Here's what a small daily portion delivers.

Top benefits of cashews

  • •Heart health — monounsaturated fats help support healthy cholesterol.
  • •Strong bones — rich in magnesium, copper and manganese.
  • •Energy & iron — a quick, satisfying plant-protein snack.
  • •Immunity — zinc and antioxidants support your defences.
  • •Skin & hair — copper aids collagen and natural pigment.
  • •Eye health — lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants.

How to eat them

Enjoy 4–6 cashews a day as a snack, soaked overnight, in gravies, or as kaju katli. Choose plain or lightly roasted over heavily salted for the most benefit.

Sources

Nutrition figures are per the USDA FoodData Central records below. This article is general information, not medical advice.

People also ask

The questions readers most often ask about cashew.

Is it OK to eat cashews every day?+

Yes, in a moderate portion. A standard 28 g serving is about 20 W320 cashews; a lighter habit of 4–6 cashews is only about 6–9 g. Keep portions moderate and prefer plain or lightly roasted over heavily salted.

Do cashews increase weight?+

Not in a normal portion. A handful a day fits easily into a balanced diet. Cashews only add up if you eat large quantities, since they're calorie-dense like all nuts.

Are cashews good for skin?+

Yes — cashews provide copper, which supports collagen and natural skin pigment, plus antioxidants and healthy fats that help keep skin supple.

Should I soak cashews before eating?+

Soaking cashews for a few hours or overnight makes them softer and easier to digest, and some people find the nutrients absorb better. It's optional — dry cashews are perfectly healthy too.

Are cashews good for high blood pressure?+

Cashews are rich in magnesium and potassium, which support healthy blood pressure. Choose unsalted or lightly salted versions if you're watching sodium.

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