Peanuts are taken as snacks in many countries. In India, they are used a lot. It is a type of nut which is originating in South America. The scientific name is Arachis hypogeal. It can be found by other names, such as goobers, earth nuts and groundnuts. Technically, peanuts are not nuts. They belong to the legume family and they are related to soy, lentils and beans. They can be eaten in raw form, but mostly they are eaten as roasted and salted whole peanuts or peanut butter.
Peanuts are rich in fat, protein and many other healthy nutrients. Peanut allergy can be severe and potentially life – threatening so if you are allergic to peanut, then you should avoid it as well as peanut products. Peanuts have phytic acid which impairs the absorption of zinc and iron. If peanuts are stored in warm and humid conditions, then they can become contaminated with aflatoxin which could lead to liver problems.
Health benefits of peanuts
Fights depression: If you have low serotonin levels, then this could lead to depression. Peanuts have tryptophan which can increase the release of this chemical and it can help to fight against depression.
Regulates blood sugar: Peanuts have manganese which can help in calcium absorption. Also it helps in carbohydrates and fats metabolism. It can help to regulate the sugar levels in the blood.
Helps in fertility: If you are taking peanuts before and during the early pregnancy, then the folic acid in it will lower the risk of baby being born with serious neural tube defects. There are some studies in which are shown that peanuts can reduce it by up to 70%.
Good for hair: It has several hair-friendly nutrients which can be very beneficial for the maintenance of healthy hair. Also it has high amounts of Omega – 3 fatty acids which can strengthen the scalp health and hair follicles which will promote the hair growth.
Colon cancer: It is known fact that peanuts can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer, especially in women. It is recommended eating at least two spoons of peanut butter two times per week because it will reduce the risk for colon cancer. In some studies are shown that it can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 27% in men and 58% in women.
Low risk of weight gain: Those women who eat peanuts or peanut butter at least two times per week are having decreased chances to be obese compared to people who do not eat. Also you can eat peanut butter every morning with bread slices because in this way you will have less chances of gaining weight.
Gallstones: You should eat an ounce of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter because it can help you to reduce the risk of gallstones by 25%. In the most cases, gallstones are composed of cholesterol. Peanuts have cholesterol – lowering properties so this is a reason why it can be used as a natural treatment for it.
Heart health: One of the leading causes for death is the heart disease. There are some studies in which are shown that peanuts and other types of nuts can protect you against heart diseases. It is known fact that peanuts are rich in many heart – healthy nutrients. It has oleic acid, copper, niacin and magnesium and many antioxidants, such as resveratrol which all of them are heart – friendly.
Protects skin: Peanuts have Vitamin E which can help to maintain the integrity of cells of mucous membrane and the skin. This will protect your cells from the damage of free readicals.
Fights stomach cancer: Peanuts have poly – phenolic anti – oxidants. It has P – Coumaric acid which can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the production of carcinogenic nitrous – amines.
Growth: Peanuts are rich in proteins and also they have amino acids which are very effective for the proper growth and development of the body.
Cholesterol: Peanuts can help to lower the bad cholesterol and it can increase the good cholesterol in the body. Also they have mono – unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid which can help in the prevention of coronary diseases.
