10 Health Benefits Of Peanuts That Will Make You Want To Pop One Immediately

These are some of the most interesting and lesser-known health benefits of peanuts that are absolutely amazing and make a viable case for everyone to consume them daily. 

Peanuts, groundnuts, monkey nuts, or moongfali is one of the healthiest legumes we have and there are some super amazing health benefits of peanuts. This indigenous plant of South American and Brazilian origin was introduced to the Indian subcontinent in the first half of the sixteenth century by the European settlers who followed Vasco da Gama when he first lowered his anchor on the Konkan shores. 

Peanuts are considered to be an excellent source of protein and good fats which is why they’re available almost everything good that one should consume, from peanut butter to protein bars to protein powder. 

In this article, we tried to list down some of the health benefits of peanuts which are numerous in their entirety. While some of these benefits are well-known and admired, some will pretty sure leave you startled.

1. Good For Brain – Health Benefits Of Eating Peanuts

Peanuts are often termed as the “fuel for grey matter” 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%. Also, the niacin and vitamin E present in peanuts helps a lot in fighting Alzheimer’s disease and decline in the cognitive functioning of the brain due to aging.

2. Lowers Cholesterol – Peanuts Fight Diabetes

Peanuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids also called good fats. Like the oleic acid that prevents coronary diseases (blocking or irregular blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the heart). It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. Also eating peanuts can lower the risk of type two diabetes.

3. High In Protein – Health Benefits Of Eating Peanuts

These health benefits of peanuts are, particularly for the gym heads. Peanuts are a rich source of protein and hold about 26grams of protein. So if you’re a vegan or a vegetarian and are trying to gain those extra kilos of muscle mass then don’t forget to add peanuts in your diet.

4. Fights Depression

Serotonin is the hormone which is responsible for regulating our moods, feeling of well being and happiness. It affects our whole body and inadequate secretion of serotonin by the nerve cells in the brain is responsible for causing depression. Luckily Peanuts contain an amino acid called tryptophan which aids the release of serotonin, thus helping you fight depression. Also, the polyphenols present in peanuts makes them a good mood food, as the polyphenols have shown the potential to enhance mood.

5. Rich In Biotin

Biotin or Vitamin H belongs to a group of Vitamin B complex group of vitamins. It is mainly known for boosting the growth of nails and hair and peanuts are one of the richest sources of biotin and since biotin is not synthesized by our cells we’ve to add it to our diet.

6. Rich In Antioxidants

Another one of the health benefits of peanuts is that it is super rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are the chemicals that are known to inhibit the aging process of the cells, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Studies have shown that peanuts are so rich in antioxidants that even some fruits are not par this level. In fact, roasted peanuts contain as much as antioxidants as blackberries or strawberries do.

7. Helps Fighting Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that consumption of peanuts reduces the risk of breast cancer by 2-3times. Surprising, isn’t it? Compounds like Resveratrol and polyphenols are known to reduce the risk of the generation of cancer-causing cells in the body. Also, peanut consumption can reduce the risk of estrogen negative breast cancer – a type which is harder to treat.

8. Good For Bones

Due to the rich content of manganese and phosphorus in Peanuts, it helps a lot in the proper maintenance of bones in our body. Manganese helps in the secretion of an enzyme which strengthens the bone structure while Phosphorus is an essential element in bone formation.

Suggested Read: 5 Delicious And Healthy Oats Recipes For Weight Loss

9. Provides Energy

Peanuts, due to their protein and fiber-rich profile, get digested slowly and thus supply a steady and constant energy supply. That’s the reason most of the energy bars have so many peanuts in them.

10. May Aggravate The Weight Loss Rate

If you’re trying to lose some weight and need to consume foods that are particularly contributing to the process then do add peanuts to your diet. While these nuts are higher in calories, they are also energy-dense foods hence contributes to weight loss instead of weight gain. They also elicit the feeling of fullness when you consume it as a snack. 

Here’s a quick and healthy recipe you can enjoy your peanuts as and replace your existing snacks with it. 

Things you require:

1. Peanuts

2. Oats

3. Skimmed or almond milk

4. Bananas

Procedure:

Take about 50 grams of peanut in a blending jar. To this add half serving of oats with a ripe banana. Blend it into a smoothie consistency with the milk and your healthy peanuts smoothie is ready.

These were some of the health benefits of peanuts that have turned them into a crowd favorite and a super simple snack recipe involving peanuts for your morning or evening cravings.