25 replies to this topic

[TheFountain]

I have seen some people slam cashews on this forum and I don't get it. Some even call them 'pro-inflammatory'. How so? They have almost the same ratio of mono to polyunsaturates per serving as extra virgin olive oil. So what gives with the cashew hate?

The only way I can see them as being pro-inflammatory is if you eat maybe 5 servings in one sitting.

[Brafarality]

I am pretty sure it has something to do with AGEs, but don't believe it: The AGE research of recent years is so myopic, so missing of the bigger picture, that it is not even worth considering. Not sure what qualifies as a low AGE diet, but I would be willing to butt health-appearance-longevity-preservation heads with anyone on such a diet against my nut butter, chai tea and hummous heavy diet and see just who is the champion of these forums....Wo! Got a bit carried away there. None of thatz serious! :O)
BTW, if my comment is too frivolous or useless for this thread, reply to thread or PM and Ill delete it so as not to clutter and dilute the possible more clinical and scientific direction this thread can take. Cheers.

[Forever21]

they are toxic, carby and contain too much omega 6.
bet you can't eat just one.

[TheFountain]

they are toxic, carby and contain too much omega 6.
bet you can't eat just one.

I think the 'toxic' thing is a myth. Their husks contain urushiol which is suppose to be used in pesticides but they are pretty much completely removed during processing. And do you use olive oil? If so realize that olive oil and cashews have just about the same ratio of O-6 to mono and about the same amount of those PUFAs are in 0-6. A handful of cashews a day isn't killing anyone. And 8 grams of carbs is not alot per serving.

[JLL]

I think it's just that Atkins people avoid cashews because they're higher in carbs + lower in fat than other nuts.

[Rick Moranis]

Many common allergies: milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, and cashews (we even try to test for trace amounts of cashew). Cashews are a rich source of copper.

Nut/seed oils should be avoided due to omega-6 -- and cashews have half (2179mg/oz) the omega-6 as peanuts (4250mg/oz) -- do we think peanuts are healthy?

Edited by Rick Moranis, 25 July 2010 - 10:59 PM.

[TheFountain]

Many common allergies: milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, and cashews (we even try to test for trace amounts of cashew). Cashews are a rich source of copper.

Nut/seed oils should be avoided due to omega-6 -- and cashews have half (2179mg/oz) the omega-6 as peanuts (4250mg/oz) -- do we think peanuts are healthy?

Again olive oil and cashews contain practically the same amount of each fatty (and oleic acid content) per serving. Yet olive oil is tauted as being amazingly beneficial here while cashews are seen as poison.

[TheFountain]

I personally try to avoid any nuts that contain more than 2.5 servings of polyunsaturates per serving. I seldom eat peanuts but I do not think eating them on occasion will kill anyone. And I don't think a handful of cashews a day (or even two) is going to do any serious inflammation damage. As long as you're not eating 5 other different food sources that are rich in Omega 6s and as long as you are balancing your 0-6 consumption with 0-3. I would keep PUFas at no more than 10 grams a day or lower. But I have read some articles that suggest Monounsaturates render the inflammation causing compounds of 0-6 PUFAs pretty much ineffective. And we know that cashews contain 7 grams of mono per serving.

Edited by TheFountain, 26 July 2010 - 12:28 AM.

[Logan]

I personally try to avoid any nuts that contain more than 2.5 servings of polyunsaturates per serving. I seldom eat peanuts but I do not think eating them on occasion will kill anyone. And I don't think a handful of cashews a day (or even two) is going to do any serious inflammation damage. As long as you're not eating 5 other different food sources that are rich in Omega 6s and as long as you are balancing your 0-6 consumption with 0-3. I would keep PUFas at no more than 10 grams a day or lower. But I have read some articles that suggest Monounsaturates render the inflammation causing compounds of 0-6 PUFAs pretty much ineffective. And we know that cashews contain 7 grams of mono per serving.

No reason to avoid nuts IMHO. Certain nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts definitely should not be avoided. I think peanuts are the least valuable nutritionally out of all the nuts.

[maxwatt]

they are toxic, carby and contain too much omega 6.
bet you can't eat just one.

I think the 'toxic' thing is a myth. Their husks contain urushiol which is suppose to be used in pesticides but they are pretty much completely removed during processing. ....

Urushiol is the ingredient in poison ivy that binds to your skin causing a rash, but it occurs in a much smaller amount in cash husks -- and also in mango skins. People who are extremely sensitive to poison ivy will get a rash on their lips from eating cashews, or mangos, or handling the skin. It is also found in Japanese lacquer (from the plant it's made from) and some individuals break into a rash from handling Japanese lacquer ware.

Consumption of nuts -- and nut, including peanuts -- has been associated with longevity. Especially almonds.

In moderation, I see no good reason to avoid nuts, any nut. It all depends on the rest of your diet.

[mike250]

http://www.dietobio..../nuts/fats.html

from that list it looks like walnuts are the worst of the bunch

[Logan]

http://www.dietobio..../nuts/fats.html

from that list it looks like walnuts are the worst of the bunch

Really??? Why??? Because of the high polyunsaturated fat content?

http://www.google.co...Vol8CH-medeY9ig

http://www.google.co...3PjOYb7F4-jz-Cw

Edited by morganator, 26 July 2010 - 02:50 AM.

[mike250]

http://www.dietobio..../nuts/fats.html

from that list it looks like walnuts are the worst of the bunch

Really??? Why??? Because of the high polyunsaturated fat content?

http://www.google.co...Vol8CH-medeY9ig

http://www.google.co...3PjOYb7F4-jz-Cw

yep. I think the other nuts have a better profile.

[TheFountain]

yes, even though walnuts are relatively high in Omega 3s they are still 4 times higher in omega 6. And as other's have pointed out, these compete for the same metabolic pathways which makes it more than likely the Omega 6 is getting through to the cells while blocking much of the Omega 3s. And the amount of Monounsaturates is too little compared with the amount of PUFAs to have any beneficial effect.

Edited by TheFountain, 26 July 2010 - 09:26 AM.

[Forever21]

have u seen charts that lists the numbers for each nuts?
plz post
thx
taek care

[TheFountain]

Any reputable site will do. Such as this one.

Scroll down to where it has the specific sub-chart for fatty acids.

For other nuts just use the search bar.

http://nutritiondata...products/3095/2

[Rick Moranis]

Many common allergies: milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, and cashews (we even try to test for trace amounts of cashew). Cashews are a rich source of copper.

Nut/seed oils should be avoided due to omega-6 -- and cashews have half (2179mg/oz) the omega-6 as peanuts (4250mg/oz) -- do we think peanuts are healthy?

Again olive oil and cashews contain practically the same amount of each fatty (and oleic acid content) per serving. Yet olive oil is tauted as being amazingly beneficial here while cashews are seen as poison.

Maybe it is the vitamin E in olive oil (4 mg/oz in olive oil [vs] 0.3 mg/oz cashews [vs] 1.9 mg/oz in peanuts) or it's unique polyphenols (which cashews probably lack).
The vitamin E is there to protect the fatty acids from oxidation. It's generally better to eat fresh nuts that you can crack yourself at the time (if you have the resources).

Edited by Rick Moranis, 28 July 2010 - 10:58 PM.

[yoyo]

yeah some chopped cashews go with lots of dinners. low w-6.

[TheFountain]

Many common allergies: milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, and cashews (we even try to test for trace amounts of cashew). Cashews are a rich source of copper.

Nut/seed oils should be avoided due to omega-6 -- and cashews have half (2179mg/oz) the omega-6 as peanuts (4250mg/oz) -- do we think peanuts are healthy?

Again olive oil and cashews contain practically the same amount of each fatty (and oleic acid content) per serving. Yet olive oil is tauted as being amazingly beneficial here while cashews are seen as poison.

Maybe it is the vitamin E in olive oil (4 mg/oz in olive oil [vs] 0.3 mg/oz cashews [vs] 1.9 mg/oz in peanuts) or it's unique polyphenols (which cashews probably lack).
The vitamin E is there to protect the fatty acids from oxidation. It's generally better to eat fresh nuts that you can crack yourself at the time (if you have the resources).

Oleic acid is another thing olive oil is sited for being good for. And the oleic acid content of olive oil and cashews is virtually identical. And cashews are generally sited on lists of high polyphenol foods.

[yoyo]

Many common allergies: milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, and cashews (we even try to test for trace amounts of cashew). Cashews are a rich source of copper.

Nut/seed oils should be avoided due to omega-6 -- and cashews have half (2179mg/oz) the omega-6 as peanuts (4250mg/oz) -- do we think peanuts are healthy?

Again olive oil and cashews contain practically the same amount of each fatty (and oleic acid content) per serving. Yet olive oil is tauted as being amazingly beneficial here while cashews are seen as poison.

Maybe it is the vitamin E in olive oil (4 mg/oz in olive oil [vs] 0.3 mg/oz cashews [vs] 1.9 mg/oz in peanuts) or it's unique polyphenols (which cashews probably lack).
The vitamin E is there to protect the fatty acids from oxidation. It's generally better to eat fresh nuts that you can crack yourself at the time (if you have the resources).

Oleic acid is another thing olive oil is sited for being good for. And the oleic acid content of olive oil and cashews is virtually identical. And cashews are generally sited on lists of high polyphenol foods.

there are differences in how helpful polyphenols are, and the tyrosol/hydroxytyrosol type ones found in olive oil have significant evidence that they are beneficial. I haven't seen similar research on any polyphenols that cashews contain.

[Brafarality]

they are toxic, carby and contain too much omega 6.
bet you can't eat just one.

That's right...omega 6s.
Remember that problem from circa 2000, but thought it was played out and that AGEs were the thang these dayz.
OK, so AGEs and omega 6 to omega 3 imbalance: both of which are valueless. Ignore all and get a jar of cashew butter, put it in a glass with a few ounces of soymilk, whip till its like mud, then pour on cereal, bread or pretzels, possibly sprinkle a few blueberries over all, and join us in the realm of indefinite youth.
Cheers.

[CobaltThoriumG]

have u seen charts that lists the numbers for each nuts?
plz post
thx
taek care

Table of fatty acid content for various nuts.

[yoyo]

I've thought this chart http://en.wikipedia....s_(996x563).PNG from wikipedia is useful. Doesn't have specific fatty acids but has protein content.

[TheFountain]

they are toxic, carby and contain too much omega 6.
bet you can't eat just one.

That's right...omega 6s.
Remember that problem from circa 2000, but thought it was played out and that AGEs were the thang these dayz.
OK, so AGEs and omega 6 to omega 3 imbalance: both of which are valueless. Ignore all and get a jar of cashew butter, put it in a glass with a few ounces of soymilk, whip till its like mud, then pour on cereal, bread or pretzels, possibly sprinkle a few blueberries over all, and join us in the realm of indefinite youth.
Cheers.

Because we all know drinking a bottle of olive oil is healthier.

MODERATION!

There is virtually NO difference between a serving of olive oil and serving of cashews in terms of health impact. The fatty acid profile is almost identical. Yet olive oil is loved in this community. Makes no sense.

[meursault]

There is virtually NO difference between a serving of olive oil and serving of cashews in terms of health impact. The fatty acid profile is almost identical. Yet olive oil is loved in this community. Makes no sense.

Maybe it is the vitamin E in olive oil (4 mg/oz in olive oil [vs] 0.3 mg/oz cashews [vs] 1.9 mg/oz in peanuts) or it's unique polyphenols (which cashews probably lack).
The vitamin E is there to protect the fatty acids from oxidation. It's generally better to eat fresh nuts that you can crack yourself at the time (if you have the resources).

Oleic acid is another thing olive oil is sited for being good for. And the oleic acid content of olive oil and cashews is virtually identical. And cashews are generally sited on lists of high polyphenol foods.

there are differences in how helpful polyphenols are, and the tyrosol/hydroxytyrosol type ones found in olive oil have significant evidence that they are beneficial. I haven't seen similar research on any polyphenols that cashews contain.

Until that research is presented, olive oil looks better than cashews.

Edited by czukles, 16 August 2010 - 03:53 PM.

[yoyo]

they don't really substitute though. I can't pour cashews on a salad, or chop up olive oil for a stir fry, or sweat onions in cashews. and 'oil' is inherently refined and without minerals, protein, etc.