10 reasons why the humble peanuts are great for you!

In terms of nutrition, peanuts pack a punch. Here are some its health benefits.

Sameer Jha | Updated: February 25, 2015 5:41 pm

Peanuts or moongfali are crunchy to taste and easier on the pocket as compared to other nuts. A member of the legume family, along with peas and beans, peanuts are available throughout the year all across India. In terms of nutrition too, these pea-sized nuts pack a punch. Here are the top 10 health benefits of peanuts.

1. Reduces risk of heart disease

70% of the urban Indian population is at risk of heart disease. This is an alarming percentage and the factors responsible are sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and stress. Peanuts are rich in monosaturated fats and oleic acid which makes it good for your heart. Eat a handful every day, to keep heart disease at bay! (Read: Take the natural route to heart health – home remedies that work!)

2. Prevents cancer

Peanuts have high concentration of a form of phytosterol called beta-sisterol which inhibits tumor growth, thus preventing you from having a deadly disease like cancer. Research has also linked the consumption of peanuts to a decreased risk of colon cancer. (Read: Top 10 food habits to prevent cancer)

3. Boosts memory

Vitamin B3 and niacin present in peanuts can boost your memory. Additionally, a flavonoid called reservatol can help in improving blood flow to the brain by 30%!

4. Helps fight depression

Depression is caused due to a lack of serotonin secretion in the brain. Peanuts have tryptophan which help release serotonin helping you fight depression.

5. Great for pregnant women

Pregnant women are often confused about what they should eat. Peanuts could be a great option since a study has found that children whose mothers ate nuts (including peanuts) during pregnancy can decrease the risk of allergic diseases like asthma in children. (Read: 10 diet dos and don’ts during pregnancy by expert dietician Naini Setalvad)

6. Good for growing children

What a child eats in his/her growing years will lay the foundation for his entire life! Peanuts are a good source of protein and have amino acids present in them which promotes growth.

7. Eliminates toxins

Peanuts are loaded with fibre which helps in flushing out the excess toxins from your body making it great for your skin. Toxins are responsible for breakouts, excess oil on our skin. Additionally, peanuts have Vitamin C and Vitamin E which prevents wrinkles and signs of ageing.

8. Prevents hair loss

Vitamin C present in peanuts help in the production of collagen, which keeps the tissues in our hair together. They also have l-arginine which is used in treating male pattern baldness, and omega 3 fatty acids which strengthens our hair follicles and promotes hair growth. (Read: Prevent hair loss with these foods)

9. Prevents gallstones

According to a study conducted over 20 years, eating just one ounce of peanuts every week can reduce the risk of developing gallstones by 25%. The study was conducted on 80,000 women making the results all the more convincing!

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of gallstones.

10. Helps you lose weight

Peanuts are rich in fibre which means that eating peanuts before your meal can leave you feeling fuller and make you eat lesser. They also are good sources of energy and helpful in increasing your metabolic rate. Not only this, peanuts are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which makes you feel energetic! (Read: 10 food items for weight loss!)

So, the next time you see a vendor selling peanuts, make sure to grab a handful. However, some people are allergic to peanuts and peanut products and if you have food allergies, it is better if you avoid them.

Tip: According to a research published in Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, boiling peanuts can improve their antioxidant concentration.

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Published: November 29, 2013 4:00 pm | Updated:February 25, 2015 5:41 pm

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