Nuts tend to be high in calories and fat content, and many people avoid them for that reason. But the truth is that many nuts are nutrient-dense foods that can absolutely help you maintain a healthy diet, and you should consider incorporating them into your menus. Raw cashews are a great place to start, as they offer many unexpected health benefits. Take a look at a few of the great things that raw cashews can do for your health.

Relieve Depression Symptoms

Millions of Americans are affected by depression. And while there are many effective therapies and prescription medications available to treat the condition, they don't appeal to everyone. If you're looking for a way to take a natural approach to treating depression, cashews might just be the answer.

Cashews work because they contain tryptophan, which can be a mood elevator in the right dosage. Three and a half ounces of cashews, which equals about half a cup or roughly two handfuls, contains enough tryptophan to be the equivalent of a low dose of Prozac – about 470mg of tryptophan. Cashews also contain niacin, which can also be used to treat depression.

Improve Gallbladder Health

Most people don't worry about their gallbladder the way they worry about other organs, like the heart or the brain. But if you develop gallstones, which can be very painful, you'll definitely start to worry more about how you can keep your gallbladder healthy and prevent any more gallstones from forming. That's where cashews come in.

Gallstones are often made up of hardened cholesterol. Cashews are a good source of healthy cholesterol. Cashews, along with peanuts, can be an important factor in preventing future gallstones. According to some studies, women who eat cashews as part of their regular diet can see as much as a 20% increase in gallbladder health.

Weight Loss

As nuts go, cashews are actually on the lower end of the calorie scale. But more importantly, cashews contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and fiber. Not only are these nutrients good for you, they'll also help you feel full faster and stay full longer. Eating cashews for a snack can help you avoid overeating.

It's important to note that roasted cashews may be cooked in unhealthy hydrogenated oils or heated to such a high temperature that their nutrients are destroyed. The healthiest cashews to eat are always raw cashews. Raw cashews can easily be soaked and pureed and added to smoothies or creamy soups, if you have trouble eating them on their own.

If you're looking for an easy way to add something healthy and also tasty to your diet, raw cashews may be just the snack or ingredient that you've been looking for. For more information, check out retailers that offer health foods and organic choices.