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Let’s know What are the side effects of eating cashews, ranging from allergies to digestive upset. This guide details who should moderate intake plus tips to enjoy cashews safely.

What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Cashews?

Table of Content

•         Introduction
•         Benefits of Cashews
•         Cashew Nutrition Profile
•         Potential Side Effects of Cashews

Ø  Cashew Allergy Symptoms

Ø  Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Ø  Anaphylaxis Warning Signs

Ø  Gastrointestinal Upset

Ø  Weight Gain

Ø  Kidney Stones

Ø  Medication Interactions

•         Who Should Limit Cashew Intake?
•         Tips to Enjoy Cashews Safely

Ø  Check for Tree Nut Allergies First

Ø  Go Easy When Newly Adding Cashews

Ø  Soak or Roast Cashews to Aid Digestion

Ø  Pay Attention to Portions

Ø  Store Properly to Avoid Rancidity

Ø  Avoid Added Sugars and Salts

Ø  When in Doubt, Ask Your Doctor

•         The Takeaway: Moderation With Precautions
•         FAQ’s and Answers
•         Conclusion

 

What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Cashews?

Introduction

Crunchy, subtly sweet yet nutritious cashews can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Full of plant protein, antioxidants and minerals like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, cashews offer worthwhile nutrition in a tiny package.

However, for some individuals, overdoing cashew consumption can lead to undesirable side effects. This raises the question - what are the side effects of eating cashews and who may need to practice moderation? Let’s analyze how enjoying cashews can go awry plus tips to consume cashews safely.

Benefits of Cashews

First, let’s highlight why cashews deserve honoured place in a healthy diet. Some science-backed advantages cashews provide include:

• Plant protein provides amino acids for tissue growth, repair and enzyme production without excess saturated fats found in some animal protein sources
• Unsaturated fats that help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk
• Rich antioxidant content combatting free radical damage from inflammation, stress and aging
• Minerals like magnesium and copper crucial for proper nerve conduction, immune function, metabolism of carbs and proteins
• Phytochemicals that reduce inflammation tied to chronic diseases and cognitive decline
• Fiber satisfying hunger while supporting healthy digestion and weight management

Clearly, integrating raw or roasted cashews into meals, snacks and recipes like stir fries, salads, trail mixes, green beans amandine, or smoothies offers worthwhile nutrition. However taking in too many cashews for some individuals can cause adverse reactions.

Cashew Nutrition Profile

To understand why side effects, occur, let’s briefly outline what cashews contain. A 1-ounce serving of cashews (about 18 whole nuts) provides:

• 5 grams of protein - 10% daily value
• 13 grams of fats, primarily unsaturated fats - most in the form of oleic acid also found in olive oil with smaller amounts of palmitoleic and linoleic acids
• Zero cholesterol and just 1 gram of saturated fats
• 5% DV for carbohydrates/sugars
• 1 gram of natural digestible fiber
• 11% DV for magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium
• Small amounts of B vitamins - niacin, folate and pantothenic acid
• Beneficial phytochemicals like ana cardia acids plus antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene precursors

Now let’s dive into potential adverse reactions tied to overindulging in cashews for certain individuals. We’ll also discuss dosage tips plus who needs extra precautions.

Potential Side Effects of Cashews

While most people tolerate normal cashew intake just fine, excessive portions may provoke:

Cashew Allergy Symptoms

• Skin flushing, tingling sensation around the mouth
• Swelling or itching of lips, tongue and throat
• Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• Nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms

Allergy severity varies by individual but anaphylaxis is possible in those severely allergic, requiring epinephrine. Let’s discuss other allergy forms.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Some people may deal with an oral allergy syndrome triggered by cashews. This occurs when contact with food proteins creates an allergic reaction localized to the mouth and throat area. OAS sufferers can typically handle cooked forms of problematic fresh foods since heating alters structures. But caution is still needed when introducing new foods.

Anaphylaxis Warning Signs

While rare, some individuals may experience anaphylaxis - a systemic, severe and potentially life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical care. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include:

• Skin reactions like hives, swelling, flushed skin, or itching
• Constricted airways with difficulty breathing, wheezing
• Rapid heart rate and severely low blood pressure
• Panic, dizziness, collapse or loss of consciousness

If observing someone with anaphylaxis after cashew exposure, administer epinephrine if available and call emergency services immediately - this is a medical emergency. Foregoing cashews altogether is necessary for these severely allergic individuals.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Overdoing portions of cashews may also provoke gastrointestinal troubles like:

• Temporary diarrhea or constipation
• Excess gas, burping, bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Generalized indigestion and nausea

Those with diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seem most predisposed but even healthy people may experience some GI consequences if they binge too heartily. Using moderation allows cashews to provide benefit rather than distress.

Weight Gain

Additionally, since cashews are an energy-dense food with 50-60% of calories coming from fats, excess intake contributes to unwanted weight gain over time. A 28-gram serving of cashews contains 157 calories. So portions must be monitored by those watching their waistline or dealing with obesity.

Kidney Stones

For individuals dealing with recurrent kidney stones, emphasizing oxalate-rich foods like cashews may increase stone occurrence. High oxalate intake combined with inadequate hydration raises urine calcium oxalate saturation - promoting crystal growth. While cashews offer benefits like magnesium that hinder kidney stone development, those prone need customized diet plans.

Medication Interactions

Finally, consult your pharmacist or doctor to address whether adding daily cashews could interact with any medications you currently take. For instance, cashews increased the absorption of the blood pressure medication nifedipine in one study - indicating dose adjustments were needed. Individual factors determine outcomes but proactively asking questions is wise.

Who Should Limit Cashew Intake?

The below individuals should moderate daily cashew portions or avoid them depending on reactions:

• Anyone with a confirmed cashew or tree nut allergy - seek emergency care for anaphylaxis
• People who have dealt with oral allergy syndrome or reactions to raw nuts/fruits
• Those following low FODMAP or other IBS-friendly diets that restrict high-fiber foods
• Anyone prone to diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis flares
• Individuals needing to restrict dietary oxalates due to kidney stone patterns
• People watching total fat, carb and calorie intake for weight management
• Anyone on medications that may interact like blood thinners or blood pressure drugs

Next let’s discuss practical tips to integrate cashews safely.

Tips to Enjoy Cashews Safely

Check for Tree Nut Allergies First

• Before ever eating cashews, check with your doctor to see if a tree nut allergy exists requiring avoidance. Get allergy testing done if uncertain.

Go Easy When Newly Adding Cashews

• If introducing cashews, only eat a few nuts in one sitting to check for tolerance before increasing portions.

Soak or Roast Cashews to Aid Digestion

• Soaking raw cashews for a few hours reduces phytic acid content linked with GI issues in some folks. Roasting cashews also increases digestibility.

Pay Attention to Portions

• Stick to the recommended serving size of about 1 ounce or palm-full of cashews at a time to supply benefits without overkill.

Store Properly to Avoid Rancidity

• Purchase truly raw cashews from transparent specialty shops if you don’t plan to roast them. Store cashews in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for the longest freshness since their monounsaturated fats are prone to rancidity with heat or time. Discard any nutty, stale or musty-smelling cashews.

Avoid Added Sugars and Salts

• Select plain roasted cashews to skip unnecessary added sugars, corn syrup and excess sodium commonly added to commercial flavored versions. Or flavor cashews yourself.

When in Doubt, Ask Your Doctor

• Check with your physician about integrating more cashews if dealing with chronic conditions, prescription medications or recurrent kidney stones necessitating customized nutrition advice.

The Takeaway: Moderation With Precautions

In summary, while rich in healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants, eating too many cashews for some individuals predisposed to tree nut allergies, oral allergy syndrome, diverticulitis flares or kidney stones may cause undesirable reactions.

Additionally, their concentrated calories demand reasonable portions for weight management. Using basic precautions makes integrating cashews into your diet minimally risky and maximally healthy.

FAQs and answers on What are the side effects of eating cashews:

Can cashews be harmful for those with kidney issues?

Yes, cashews are high in phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium so those with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure should avoid eating cashews due to mineral imbalances.

Do cashews interact with any medications?

Cashews incorporate a small quantity of coumarin, which may want to theoretically interact with blood thinners like warfarin or increase the consequences of some antibiotics. Check with your doctor.

Can overeating cashews cause digestive problems?

Eating more than a handful of cashews in one sitting may cause diarrhea, bloating or stomach discomfort in sensitive people due to their high fat and fiber content. This can lead to dehydration.

Why would cashews cause weight gain if eaten frequently?

Cashews are very high in calories and fats, so snacking obsessively could lead to unwanted weight gain over time. Stick to a 1-ounce serving per day.

Can cashews trigger gout attacks in prone individuals?

Possibly. Cashews contain modest amounts of purines, which can raise uric acid. Those with gout should avoid nuts and seeds high in purines during acute attacks.

Do cashew consumption cause headaches?

Rarely. Some people report headaches after overdoing cashew intake, likely related to increased inflammation, their amino acid tyrosine, or dehydration when too many are eaten.

Can eating cashews raise cholesterol levels?

No, studies show cashew nuts improve good HDL cholesterol. However, avoid salt, sugar-coated and chocolate-covered cashews which detract from health benefits.

Why might someone get a rash after eating cashews?

Tree nut allergies can develop at any time and cashews are a top allergen. Hives, swelling and trouble breathing require immediate medical care in serious cases.

Do cashews pose risks during pregnancy?

No food restrictions exist for cashew intake during pregnancy. Some report heartburn or reflux if they over-indulge. Otherwise, cashews can be safely enjoyed in moderation.

Can cashews worsen diverticulitis for those prone?

Possibly. Avoid ALL nuts, seeds and popcorn during acute diverticulitis flares to prevent further intestinal inflammation and perforation risk.

Why soak raw cashews before eating?

Soaking raw cashews neutralizes trace enzymatic compounds that may cause gastric upset for sensitive people. Soaked nuts are also easier to blend into creamy dishes.

Can cashews affect thyroid medications?

Very high nut intake could theoretically impact the absorption of thyroid hormones, though the evidence is weak. Check with your endocrinologist to be safe if following a vegan or plant-based diet.

Do cashews increase the risk for developing kidney stones?

No. Most nuts do not promote kidney stone formation, though cashews are not recommended for people already suffering from chronic kidney disease for other reasons.

Can cashews cause problems for people with irritable bowel diseases?

During flares, high-fiber nuts may worsen diarrhea or intestinal inflammation. Work cashews back into your diet slowly once symptoms resolve if previously tolerated.

Are moldy cashews unsafe to eat?

Yes, never eat rancid or moldy nuts including cashews. Discard any nuts that smell musty or look spoiled. Store cashews in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Conclusion

For most healthy people, enjoying cashews in moderation as part of mixed nutrition offers worthwhile protein, unsaturated fats and mineral intake - benefiting cardiovascular and brain health, immunity, eyesight and more.

However, take sensible precautions by assessing allergy risks, adjusting doses based on digestive reactions, proper storage to prevent rancidity and checking for medication interactions. With some care taken, cashews can be integrated safely long-term as part of your healthy diet.

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