Peanuts are legumes that are related to beans and lentils. They are loaded with protein, fat, and various healthy nutrients. Peanuts are also known as groundnuts, goobers, and earth nuts and are usually consumed roasted or in their raw form. Consumption of them has been linked to weight loss and lowered risk of heart diseases. Just a handful of peanuts per day provide enough recommended levels of phenolic antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein.
Healthy Fats
Most of the fats that are present in peanuts are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are a healthful type of fat.
Adding monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats in our diet can help improve our blood cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Packed With Dietary Fiber
Peanuts contain 8.5 g of fiber per 100g. This is around one-quarter of a male’s recommended fiber intake or one-third for females. Fiber, which is a heart-healthful nutrient, improves blood cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of various diseases including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Helps Boost Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Eating peanuts, as well as other types of nuts, may protect against heart disease, according to studies. This effect is mainly attributed to the peanut’s heart-healthy nutrients including niacin, copper, magnesium oleic acid, and numerous antioxidants, such as resveratrol which has also been found to have a protective function against cancers, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and viral/fungal infections.
Helps Prevent Gallstones
Gallstones are stones or lumps that develop in the gallbladder or bile duct when certain substances harden. According to an observational study, frequent peanut consumption may cut the risk of gallstones in both men and women. Peanuts have cholesterol-lowering effects that work against gallstones that are largely composed of cholesterol.
Helps In Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Since peanuts have a low glycemic index (GI), they are an excellent food for people with diabetes or a risk of diabetes. They are high in protein, fat, and fiber but relatively low in carbohydrates. Fiber is beneficial since it slows down the digestive processes, thus allowing a steadier release of energy, and protein takes longer to break down than simple carbohydrates.
