10 Surprising Benefits of Peanuts: Uses & Side Effects
Peanuts are an excellent plant-based source of protein. They are high in various vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. Peanuts can be useful as a part of a weight loss diet and may reduce the risk of both heart disease and gallstones. They offer a list of benefits that you might not aware of.
More About Peanuts
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) or groundnut is a legume crop of global importance and is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Peanuts are not nuts but are actually legumes as they grow underground (unlike walnuts and almonds that grow on trees).
Properties of Peanuts
Peanuts contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and anti-oxidants and thus are a rich source of energy. Some of the properties of peanuts are:
- Antioxidant
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Iron
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Resveratrol
Benefits of Peanuts
10. Lowers Cholesterol
Peanuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid that prevents coronary diseases (impaired blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the heart). It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body.
9. Fights Stomach Cancer
Poly-phenolic (Anti-oxidants) are present in peanuts in high concentrations. It has the ability to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the production of carcinogenic nitrous-amines.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar
Manganese in peanuts helps in calcium absorption, fats and carbohydrates metabolism and sugar level regulation in blood.
7. Low Risk Weight Gain
High in healthy monounsaturated fats and nutrient-rich, it’s one favorite food for weight loss. If you eat peanut butter every morning with bread slices, you have less chances of gaining weight.
6. Fights Depression
Inadequate secretion of serotonin by the nerve cells in the brain is responsible for causing depression. Peanuts contains an amino acid called tryptophan which aids the release of serotonin, thus helping you fight depression.
5. Provides Clear Skin
Toxins can cause breakouts and excess oil on your skin. The high content of dietary fiber in peanuts helps in flushing out excess toxins, thus making your skin clear and flawless.
4. Anti-Ageing Benefits
Peanuts contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E which can prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles, spots and fine lines. They also contain resveratrol, a potent anti-ageing phytochemical also found in grapes and red wine.
3. Good Source of Biotin
Biotin is a B-vitamin that is vital for hair growth and overall scalp health. It is produced by our bodies themselves in the intestines and also found in many food items. Deficiency of biotin can lead to hair loss. Peanuts are good sources of B vitamin and folate which contribute to healthy hair.
2. Prevents Hair Loss
Peanuts contain Vitamin C which assists in the production of collagen that keeps the tissues of our hair together. They contain I-arginine which is used in the treatment of male pattern baldness while omega-3 fatty acids strengthen our hair follicles and promote hair growth.
1. Improves Memory
Peanuts are often called the “brain food” as they contain Vitamin B3 or niacin which improves brain functioning and boosts memory. They also contain a flavonoid called resveratrol which helps in improving blood flow to the brain by 30%.
5 Different Ways to Eat Peanuts: –
- Direct out of the nutshell
- Make Peanut butter adding the following:
- 1 cup of peanuts
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Dash of salt
Now, blend all together in a high-powered blender or food processor.
- Eating Trail Mix (Peanuts, Raisins, Cheerio and Chocolate Chips).
- Add them to Granola bar
- Add Peanuts to Sundaes or Oatmeal
Side Effects of Eating Too Many Peanuts
Eating too many peanuts could interfere with the absorption of minerals and if you buy salted peanuts, you’ll consume a lot of sodium. This might undo the health benefits that you’ll get, if you consume the required number of peanuts.
These are the side effects of eating too many peanuts:
- Weight Gain
- Nutrient Deficiency
- Mineral Absorption Issues
- High Blood Pressure
Why We Must Boil Peanuts Before Eating?
Boiled peanuts taste extremely delicious and are quite addictive. These are very healthy as they boost the disease fighting compounds by almost four times. Moreover, they contain just a little amount of saturated fat which makes them a perfect diet food.
How to do that?
- Wash the peanuts thoroughly and soak in water for 1 hour
- Take 200 ml of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt to it
- Add a handful of peanuts and let it boil for 1 hour
10 Important Questions About Peanuts Answered
Are peanuts good for you?
Peanuts are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. They are highly beneficial and offer numerous health benefits to the users.
What are the benefits of peanuts?
Peanuts are extremely effective in enhancing memory, preventing hair loss, increasing biotin, providing anti-ageing benefits, offering radiant skin, combating depression, regulating blood sugar, fighting stomach cancer, and reducing cholesterol.
Do peanuts make you gain weight?
Peanuts comprise of healthy monosaturated fats and are nutrient-rich. They are helpful in losing weight and do not encourage weight gain.
Do peanuts help in increasing libido?
Peanuts are libido boosters and help to spark the sexual appetite. They are specifically useful for men and comprise of L-arginine that helps to relax the blood vessels.
Can you eat too many peanuts?
No, peanuts are high calorie foods and must not be eaten in excess. High dosage of peanuts can lead to weight gain and result in high blood pressure.
How many peanuts should you eat in a day?
You can consume about 1-2 ounces of peanuts everyday to avail the various health benefits of this food.
Is it good to eat peanuts every day?
The consumption of peanuts can offer a wide range of benefits to the users. However, you must not overdose and not take more than 1-2 ounces of peanuts every day.
Are peanuts unhealthy?
No, peanuts contain antioxidants as well as nutrients. They are extremely healthy to consume as they offer a plethora of benefits to the users.
Do peanuts make you lose weight?
Peanuts are high in healthy monounsaturated fats and are nutrient-rich. Thus, they are useful in reducing weight.
Do peanuts make you gassy?
Peanuts are rich in fibre and may give rise to digestive problems if consumed in large amounts. Moreover, consuming peanuts with foods having high fibre content may lead to the production of gas in your body.
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