Peanut is a member of the legumes family, like beans, peas, it is known by several names like, groundnut, earth nut, monkey nuts. Thus, unlike its name, peanut is not really a nut but a legume and like most legumes, an excellent plant based source of protein. However, it is often classified as a nut because it possesses all the qualities of true nuts, like almonds. These nuts are enclosed in a hard wrinkled outer shell or pod which contains two or sometimes, three kernels. The seeds are egg shaped and their size depends upon the cultivar type. The shell has to be broken to eat the seed inside. These seeds have a thin brown skin and can be split into two parts like other legumes

Peanuts is very rich in a variety of nutrients like Vitamin E, folate, niacin, manganese and protein, peanuts are considered a cheaper substitute for other nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashews, pine-nuts and walnuts, it has variety of health benefits which are as follows:

1. Prevents Diabetes:

According to a recent study, a serving of peanut can lower the risk of diabetes by 21%. This can be attributed to the presence of manganese, a mineral that plays an important role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation.

2. Good for Heart:

The high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in peanuts help to keep your heart healthy. Oleic acid, in particular, helps to lower the LDL or “bad” cholesterol and increase “HDL” or good cholesterol level in the blood. Thus, they prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by promoting healthy blood lipid profile.

3. Prevents Cancer:

Legumes like peanuts have a high concentration of a form of phytosterol called beta-sitosterol (SIT). These phytosterols protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth. A research conducted in the United States observed that men and women who consumed peanuts at least twice a week respectively had 27% and 58% lower risk of getting colon cancer.



4. 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. Prevents Gallstones:

Consumption of peanuts can help prevent gallstones. According to studies, eating an ounce of peanuts or peanut butter can lower the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.

6. Help Fight Depression:

Serotonin is one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. Inadequate secretion of serotonin by the nerve cells in the brain is responsible for causing depression. Peanuts contain an amino acid called tryptophan which aids the release of serotonin, thus helping you fight depression. It can further raise serotonin anti-depressant effects when there is an increased serotonin formation in the blood.

7. Aids Weight Management:

Though it appears strange, regular consumption of nuts is associated with lower risk of weight gain. The combination of fibre, fat and protein content in peanuts makes them a high satiety food. Thus, they can keep you full for longer and thus lowering your appetite. They are also good sources of energy and help in increasing the metabolic rate. All these properties contribute to weight loss.

8. Beneficial in Pregnancy:

Peanuts are a good source of folate. Certain studies have shown that women who consumed 400 grams of folic acid before or during early pregnancy had up to 70% lower risk of having a baby born with neural tube defect. Eating peanuts during pregnancy can also lower the risk of allergic diseases, like asthma, in children.

9. Clear Skin:

The heart healthy monounsaturated fats and resveratrol play an important role in providing you with a glowing skin. Toxins can cause breakouts and excess oil on your skin. The high content of dietary fibre in peanuts helps in flushing out excess toxins, thus making your skin clear and flawless.

10. Prevents Hair Loss:

Peanuts contain Vitamin C which assists in the production of collagen that keeps the tissues of our hair together. Besides, 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.



Source: Health beckon

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