Peanuts are among the most consumed snacks in the globe to date. They contain a lot of nutrients, and in the following ways are of great benefits to the body. Not only are peanuts rich in proteins, but they also play a role in heart; health and therefore deserve a place in our diets. For this blog, I will be chronicling how peanut is good for your health, how to use it in preparations, and why it should be included in your list of snacks.
What Are Peanuts?
Groundnuts referred to as peanuts, are technically not nuts but are a type of legume. They form the group of legumes, which are plants that include beans, lentils and peas. However, peanuts are classified as nuts because they resemble nuts in terms of taste andfeel at least when processed. Peanuts are not tree nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, growing underground like other nuts. Some have slightly sweet taste while others reminds of the sweetness of oats; they are crispy to crunch and popular among many.
Health Benefits of Peanuts
Many people know peanuts simply as a snack food, but the facts prove otherwise. They contain many types of nutrients and associated health benefits.
- Rich in Protein
Peanuts are some of the best sources of plant proteins that people can take. Indeed, they provide around 25 – 30% protein by weight thus making them a source of protein second only to meat among the Pulse crops. Protein is crucial in the process of muscles repair, immune systemogenesis, enzyme and hormones biosynthesis.
- Packed with Healthy Fats
In the content context, peanuts contain healthy fat such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They assist in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and are good for the heart. In addition, peanuts rank high among foods with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid which are helpful for brain and decrease inflammation in the body.
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- Boosts Heart Health
Several research supported that consumption of peanuts can help improve the health of the heart.. Apart from antioxidants, those healthy fats in peanut make cholesterol levels healthy thus lowering risk of contracting heart diseases. In the same way, peanuts contain certain component known as magnesium, which has relationship with the regulation of blood pressure or the lack of it. This design make peanuts to be essential in maintaining of cardiovascular health.
- Loaded with Antioxidants
Among the healthy nutrients, peanuts contain antioxidants such as resveratrol found also in red wine and grapes. These antioxidants work to minimize cellular oxidation or irritation and eradicate free radicals that are associated with critical diseases for instance cancer and diabetes. When you consume peanuts, the body is protected from free radicals that cause cell damage.
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How to Incorporate Peanuts into Your Diet
It is easy to include them in your diet plan and also very flexible. These can be consumed as a snack on their own or used in many other recipes to complement the food.
- As a Snack
Peanuts can literally be carried anywhere and can be a perfect snack when you are on the go. = You can choose between roasted peanuts, having taken the salted variant, but refined peanut with no additional salt. For better health, go to dry-roasted peanuts that contain no oils or salt added to them.
- In Smoothies
Smoothies – You may add peanuts in the mix to increase the protein content of your smoothie. This will thicken your smoothie making them creamy and more satisfying instead of being a thin liquid.
- In Salads
The Cubes of peanuts can be useful when included in salads. Avocados complement best with greens, carrots, cumber and avocados. Why not just add the peanuts that have been chopped, and then sprinkled over the topping for the much needed crunch.
- Peanut Butter
Peanut is a paste made from roasted peanuts which is used like a spread. It can be smoothened and eaten with whole grain bread, crackers or even toast and this is a very healthy snack.
Peanuts and Allergies
On a positive note, peanuts have many health benefits, but they are considerate one of the causing major allergies. Some of the side effects of peanut allergy include; skin redness, itching, breathing difficulties and anaphylaxis. One should always be careful if he has any allergies and avoided eating peanuts or anything having peanuts on it. Click here for the source
