Health Benefits of Peanuts
Health Benefits of Peanuts
Peanuts also known as groundnut, is an edible seed of a legume, belonging to the Fabaceae family. Peanuts do not meet the botanical definition of a nut but is usually categorized as nuts for culinary purposes. The peanut plant originated in South America. Peanuts are now grown worldwide. Peanuts have been developed into a variety a products such as peanut oil, roasted peanuts, peanut butter and peanut milk to name a few.
Peanuts are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, reservatrol, phenolic acids and phytosterols. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases.
Peanuts have anti-inflammatory properties.
Peanuts contains essential vitamins and minerals including biotin, copper, niacin, folate, manganese, vitamin E, thiamine, phosphorus and magnesium.
Peanuts is a good source of co-enzyme Q10 and contains all 20 of the essential amino acids with the highest amount of arginine.
Peanuts are high in fat content but consists of mainly monounsaturated polyunsaturated fat that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. There is a small amount of saturated fat in peanuts and therefore should be consumed in moderation.
Peanuts have a low glycemic index and may lower blood sugar levels.
Peanuts are rich in protein which is essential for building and repairing body cells.
Peanuts are rich in dietary fiber that promotes heart health. Peanuts may also promote weight loss. Studies have shown that eating peanuts and other nuts may reduce the risk of obesity over 5 years.
Peanuts are lectins. Lectins are an anti-nutrient protein that binds to certain carbs. The GI tract has trouble breaking down lectins and may lead to impairing digestion, reducing nutrient absorption, cause inflammation in your immune system and disrupt the balance in your microbiome. This may affect people who have an autoimmune disease.
If you are allergic to peanuts then please do not consume.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-peanuts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4711439/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peanuts
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325003
https://nuts.com/healthy-eating/benefits-of-peanuts
https://peanut-institute.com/about-peanuts/good-for-every-body/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/peanuts-linked-heart-longevity-benefits-pricey-nuts-201503057777