Peanuts are one of the most popular healthy snacks for obtaining protein, healthy fat, and fiber. They’re cheap, accessible, and easy to eat, and of course, they taste great!
There are many ways you can enjoy the benefits peanuts provide. You can eat them straight from the pack or sprinkle them on almost any dish to improve the flavor and texture. You can also use peanut butter and peanut oil, and peanut flour is considered a healthy gluten-free substitute for wheat flour.
Peanuts are full of nutritional value. They are rich in fat, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. We have cataloged below some of the benefits of eating a few peanuts. Remember, moderation is essential! Eating a whole bag is not healthy; that’s over-indulging. You will now see why peanuts are more than just a delicious addition to your diet.
Excellent For The Heart
One common misconception is that peanuts are bad for cholesterol levels because they are high in fat. While it is true that peanuts have a high concentration of fat, peanuts contain monosaturated fat that helps lower LDL (the so-called ‘bad’) cholesterol level. The fat content is similar to the composition of olive oil – unsaturated, healthy fat.
Monosaturated fats can help clear arteries and improve blood circulation, lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other severe cardiovascular health problems.
Stimulates Weight Loss
Tree nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are popular among the weight-conscious. Peanuts can be added to the list as they benefit those wanting to slim down. Peanuts are full of fiber, which helps the digestive system. They contain protein and fiber, which keeps you full for longer, so you eat less.
Again, make sure you eat in moderation. They can help you feel satiated for an extended period, but they can make you gain weight if you eat too often. The best trick is not to keep eating until they are all gone but to pause for a few minutes after you have had some. This will trigger your satiety hormone, leptin, to let your brain know you are no longer hungry.
Incredible Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Aside from being a source of protein and healthy fats, peanuts also contain a range of vitamins and minerals which benefit your health. Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, which helps promote heart health. Eating healthy servings of peanuts can also help with nervous system functions and muscle repair, as they contain thiamine. Peanuts also contain magnesium, folate, niacin, copper, and biotin.
Helps Keep The Brain in Optimal Health
Peanuts are known for their brain-boosting properties too. Many people view peanuts as a ‘brain food,’ and they have good reason to believe that. Peanuts contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps blood circulation and is beneficial for the brain.
Resveratrol help boosts cognitive abilities and improves short-term memory. It helps the brain process new information more quickly. Resveratrol helps fight cognitive decline, lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Considerations When Eating Peanuts
Aside from Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, peanuts can also help reduce the incidence and severity of colon health problems. Peanuts can also help prevent gallstones due to their cholesterol-lowering properties.
Eating dry roasted peanuts with the skin on them is the healthiest way to consume them. Don’t think that the sweetened versions of peanuts provide the same benefits. Those sweetened packs can spike your sugar levels.
The same applies to salted peanuts. If you are a salt lover, don’t eat copious amounts of peanuts to get your salt hit. Make sure your sodium intake doesn’t exceed healthy levels.
In summary, you can’t eat a whole bag every day, but you can eat approximately forty grams, which equals about sixteen peanuts a day. That’s only a tiny handful, but they have significant health benefits.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API