Cashew Fruit: 7 Surprising Health Benefits of the Vitamin C-Rich Cashew Apple

Cashew fruit (cashew apple) can be a healthy addition to the diet. It’s the fleshy fruit attached to the cashew nut and is eaten fresh or used for juice in many tropical regions.

Health benefits of cashew fruit

• Rich in vitamin C — supports normal immune function and collagen production. 

• Provides antioxidants — including vitamin C and plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. 

• Supports digestion — the whole fruit provides dietary fibre, which helps bowel regularity. 

• Heart-friendly nutrients — its potassium and antioxidant content can contribute to an overall heart-healthy diet. 

• Supports skin health — vitamin C is needed for normal collagen formation and wound healing. 

• Hydrating — fresh cashew apple has a high water content. 

• Relatively nutrient-dense — it can add vitamins and plant compounds without being a highly calorie-dense food. 

Best choice: Eat the fresh fruit when available rather than sweetened cashew-apple juice, which can contain substantial added sugar.

One important point: the raw cashew nut attached to the fruit should not be eaten straight from the shell. The shell contains irritating compounds and cashews require proper processing before consumption.