Cashew Nut is amongst the top five most consumed Nuts is Nigeria today… But most people don’t understand its also dangerous to consume if not properly prepared.
For those who do not know what Cashew Nuts are: Cashews are a kidney-shaped seed sourced from the cashew tree — a tropical tree native to Brazil but now cultivated in various warm climates across the world.
Cashew Nuts are rich in “Unsaturated fats” which is linked to a lower risk of premature death and heart disease. It also contains almost the same quantity of protein as equivalent to a cooked meat. 
Research has it that cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. They’re also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health.
If it has all these benefits, what makes it dangerous?
Most people do not know that Cashew Nuts contains ‘URUSHIOL”, a chemical which is found in Poison ivy, and can be fatal if consumed in large quantity.
Urushiol Chemical is an oily mixture of organic compounds with allergenic properties found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, especially Toxicodendron spp. and also in parts of the mango tree. In most individuals, urushiol causes an allergic skin rash on contact, known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.
Urushiol is toxic, and contact with it can trigger a skin reaction in some people.
What to do to make Cashew Nuts Healthy for your Consumption
To be able to consume cashew nut, the kernel has to be well cooked in process to remove the toxic liquid, this result product can be sold as raw to improve your overall health. Research has it that Cashew Nuts can improve blood sugar control & lead to a healthy heart. Cashew Nuts also has weight loss benefits.
Unroasted and unsalted Cashew provides you with nutrients around:
- Calories: 157
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbs: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Copper: 67% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Magnesium: 20% of the DV
- Manganese: 20% of the DV
- Zinc: 15% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 13% of the DV
- Iron: 11% of the DV
- Selenium: 10% of the DV
- Thiamine: 10% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 8% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV
