About Cashews

Cashews are a tree nut produced by the cashew tree.  They are native to Brazil, but are now primarily cultivated in Vietnam, Nigeria, and India.

Nutrition Benefits of Cashews

Cashews are rich in copper, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.

Over 80% of the fats in cashews are unsaturated fats (known as the “healthier fats”).  2/3 of the unsaturated fats are mono-unsaturated fats and 1/3 is poly-unsaturated fats.  Poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats have both been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels.  An an example, Omega-3 is a type of poly-unsaturated fat.

Why Raw Cashews?

The benefit of roasted is that the heating process will kill any potential dangers from bad bacteria.  However, roasted cashews are typically roasted in soybean or canola oil and have salt added to them.  The roasting process also slightly degrades the nutrition quality of the nuts.  We don’t need or want those extras when putting cashews into a smoothie.