According to United States Department of Agriculture researcher David Baer, who co-authored 2019 study, the difference in calories could be attributed to the fact that not all of the calories in cashews are digested by the human body — especially those in the cell walls of the nuts. “Until we break open that cell wall, the things inside the cell aren’t available for digestion,” Baer explained to Triathlete.
This is why cashews could potentially help you lose weight — when consumed in moderation, of course. A 2018 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition of 373,293 men and women between 25 and 70 years old revealed that eating nuts frequently was linked with reduced weight gain and a smaller chance of becoming overweight or obese over the five year study period.
Other reasons why cashews make a good snack for those looking to lose weight are related to the nut’s high protein, fat, and fiber content — all of which can help you feel fuller for longer. Nuts, like cashews, are also relatively expensive and “may not be consumed in excess in the way that cheaper energy-dense foods may be,” as explained by Nutrition Communications Manager at British Nutrition Foundation, Bridget Benelam (via BBC Food). Furthermore, nut consumption has been linked with a boost in metabolism – which is another factor linked to weight loss.
