Health Benefits of Peanut

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Sep 03, 2021 • 3 min Read

Peanut is one of the most go-to snacks that is delicious and nutritious. It contains essential nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Peanut is also an excellent and cheap alternative to meat.

In the Philippines, the peanut is considered one of the major field legumes grown by local farmers.  It is eaten raw, used in recipes, made into solvents, oils, etc. Popular confections made from peanuts would include salted peanuts, peanut candy bars, peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, and cups, peanut brittle, and shelled nuts (plain/roasted).

Here are some of the amazing benefits of peanut:

1. Rich Source of Protein

Peanut contains a high amount of protein that is broken down into amino acids and utilized in cell repairing and building.

2. May Lower Cholesterol Levels

Peanuts can be an excellent source of compounds that completely stop the absorption of cholesterol from the diet. It can help lower the bad cholesterol level and may help promote the circulation of the good cholesterol. The fat content in peanut contains both polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats good that does not put the heart at any risk.

3. May Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Consuming peanuts can be beneficial in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Unsaturated fats in peanuts may have been noted to improve insulin sensitivity. Research showed that a higher intake of peanuts and other nuts can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Can be a Good Source of Vitamins

Peanut contains many vitamins that can be good for our body to function properly. Vitamin A can be helpful for eyesight, Vitamin C may help boost the immune system and heals simple ulcers faster, while Vitamin E can be a very important micronutrient needed by our body to dissolve complex fatty acid structures and fat blockages in the arteries.

5. Antioxidant Properties

Peanut contains antioxidant properties and one of which is resveratrol – a polyphenolic antioxidant that may help in controlling chronic diseases.

6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Peanut is a good source of magnesium and this makes up 42% of the daily recommended value needed. Magnesium has an important role to play in muscle, bone, and immunity development in the body and can also help in regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Its presence in our body may help in more than 300 biochemical reactions that are extremely important for our survival.

7. Possibly High in Potassium

Peanut contains potassium that may act as an electrolyte and is a fluid-balancing element in the body. Potassium is a heart-friendly element that is found in peanuts.

8. May Reduce Risk of Gallstones

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition relating to the risk of gallstones showed that for over 2 decades, women who consumed peanuts and other nuts regularly may have reduced the risk of developing gallstones.

9. Rich in Dietary Fiber

Peanuts and peanut butter are both high in dietary fiber that is one of the most important parts of our diet since a lack of it can lead to several health problems and diseases such as constipation, diabetes, cholesterol, and various heart diseases.

So now, do you have any plans on having a peanut butter sandwich? Go and enjoy its benefits!

Stay healthy and safe!