Peanuts Benefits

Peanuts are considered the highest source of protein (about 25%) compared to other nuts.

They are also said to have high levels of fats (monounsaturated fats) which are considered heart friendly.

The nuts are rich source of minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

They are especially, rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleicacids that help to lower LDLor "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol". Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.

These nuts are good source of dietary protein compose fine quality amino acids that are essential for growth and development.

Research studies have shown that peanuts contain high concentrations of poly-phenolic antioxidants, primarily in p-coumaric acid, which is believed to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Peanuts are excellent source of resveratrol, another polyphenol antioxidant, which has been found to have protective function against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease, and viral/fungal infections.

Studies suggests thatresveratrolreduces stroke risk by alteration of molecular mechanisms in blood vessels (reducing susceptibility to vascular damage through decreased activity of angiotensin, a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure) and by increasing production of the vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.

Recent research studies suggest that boiling enhances antioxidant concentration in the peanuts. It has been found that boiled peanuts have two and four fold increase in isoflavone antioxidants biochanin Aand genisteincontent, respectively. (Journal of agricultural and food chemistry).

The nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E (a-tocopherol); containing about 8 g per100 g. vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant which helps maintain the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen free radicals.

The nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, andfolates. 100 g of peanuts provide about 85% of RDI of niacin, which contribute to brain health and blood flow to brain.

The nuts are rich source of minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Consuming about a handful daily will provide you with the following peanuts benefits.
Resveratrol: Is an antioxidant containing anti-aging effects and also known to help protect against heart disease. The ingredient is believed to protect against cancer, brain and heart damage, and help reverse conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Niacin: Also referred to as Vitamin B3, niacin helps improve functions of the brain and blood circulation. In addition, niacin is among vitamins that help convert food into energy. Niacin helps in synthesizing starch to be stored in liver and body muscles and used as a source of energy. Other functions of niacin include: supporting genetic processes, used in fat metabolism, and insulin activity regulation.

Antioxidants: Peanuts benefits compared to most nuts and fruits are known to contain high amounts of antioxidants. According to University of Florida, roasted peanuts are known to increase levels of antioxidants up to 22%. Antioxidants play essential roles in the body such as eliminating heavy metals and free radicals as well. In return, this helps protect against cancer and heart disease.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This element is necessary for basic functions of the cells. However, levels of CoQ10 are said to decrease with age and are known to be low in people with conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and muscular dystrophies. Also, some medications can also lower levels of CoQ10.