What's in a cashew?

If I had to pick a nut to eat, it would be the cashew. My husband too. He sometimes buys the big container when shopping in bulk and together, we manage to polish the whole thing off. Not in one sitting, mind you, but we probably do eat too many, too quickly. And then we swear off these nuts for a while because we're never quite sure how healthy they are, in the whole scheme of nuts.

According to The World's Healthiest Foods, cashews are good, in moderation. Here's why.

• Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts.
  
• About 75 percent of their fat is unsaturated fatty acid, and 75 percent of this fat is oleic acid, the same heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat found in olive oil.
  
• Consuming a handful of cashews four times per week can lower the risk of heart disease.
  
• Consuming a handful of cashews at least twice a week helps lower risk of weight gain.
  
• Cashews contain copper, good for iron utilization, elimination of free radicals, development of bone and connective tissue, and the production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin.
  
• Cashews contain magnesium, good for the bones, muscles, and nerves.
  
• Cashews help prevent gallstones.
  
  

So, what's in a cashew? Some pretty good stuff and about 196 calories per one-fourth cup -- another reason to keep this nutty pursuit to a minimum.