Heath benefits, nutrition value and importance of taking peanuts; here is what you need to know.
Whether you call it peanut, groundnut or a monkey nut, these small, oval shaped nuts were perhaps one of the first few domesticated grain legumes by the mankind. Not so long ago, these seeds or legumes, that are crunchy, flavourful and aromatic to the taste- thanks to its high oil content were a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens.
Peanuts provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They may have other health benefits, including promoting fullness and helping protect against heart disease.
In the most developed countries, peanuts are rarely eaten raw. Instead, they are most often consumed roasted or as peanut butter.
Other peanut products include peanut oil, flour, and protein. These goods are used in a variety of foods, such as desserts, cakes, confectionery, snacks, and sauces.
Peanuts offer various health benefits, including promoting heart health, aiding in weight loss, reducing the risk of diabetes, lowering inflammation, and potentially preventing cancer.
Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are highly nutritious. The nutritional value in peanuts is about 26% protein, 49% fat, and 16% carbohydrates by difference. Additionally, groundnuts are fiber-rich, with 8.5 grams of fiber per serving.
They are also a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Moreover, groundnuts contain several B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. Also, there is zero cholesterol in groundnuts.
There are a total of 567 calories in groundnuts (100g). Groundnuts provide essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Peanuts have numerous health benefits in the human biological functionality. Although for the longest they have been misconstrued as only aiding in ‘manpower’, here are various heath benefits of taking nuts.
- Heart health
Peanuts are good for your heart health because they have healthy fats. Additionally, they don’t contain bad fats like trans fats or cholesterol. Studies show that regular consumption of peanuts can decrease the risk of heart disease, enhance blood lipid levels, and protect the heart. Peanuts are rich in antioxidants, which further contribute to their heart-protective properties. - loss
Peanuts are rich in protein and fats, which can make you feel fuller for longer periods. This means you eat less, reducing overall calorie intake. Eating groundnuts for weight loss helps your stomach full faster. According to a study, Eating 35 grams of peanuts before two main meals daily can help you shed weight. - Lower diabetes risk
Daily consumption of peanuts may reduce the risk of diabetes by 25%. This may be due to high magnesium and dietary fiber content, which help lower blood glucose spikes. - Reduced inflammation
Peanuts have antioxidants that can help your body deal with inflammation and oxidation. These substances can stop harmful molecules from causing damage and reduce swelling. - Cancer protection
Groundnuts have various unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals, and bioactive components with cancer-preventive effects. - Improves brain function
Consistently eating peanuts might improve memory and how well you handle stress. A diet rich in peanuts may also help you prevent age-related cognitive decline. - Prevent gallstones
Regularly consuming peanuts can reduce your risk of developing gallstones.
I hope you realised I did not mention ‘manpower’ as a health benefit from taking peanuts.
by Hussein Waiyaki
