Peanuts have a crunchy taste and are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of proteins, fats and are power packed with all essential nutrients good for health. They are a healthy snacking option loaded with surprising health benefits. However, there is an ongoing debate about peanuts claiming them as a fat food, but it mostly has monosaturated fats which are considered good for the heart.
Belonging to the legume family, peanuts are known to have several health benefits when taken in good amounts. A handful of peanuts can do the needful. Whether your aim is to put off some weight or for your overall health benefits, here are few convincing answers on why one should include peanuts in their diet.
Following Are Top Reasons Why One Must Eat Peanuts:
Memory Enhancer:
Niacin and Vitamin B3-rich peanuts help boost your memory. It is known as one of the affordable nuts that help enhance memory. It also contains resveratrol which helps in improving the flow of blood to the brain. Eating a handful of peanuts every day helps maintain steady sugar levels on the body and helps in boosting memory.
For Healthy Heart:
An Unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risks of heart diseases. Hence, you need to follow healthy eating habits. Instead of munching on salty chips, eating handful peanuts every day can lower the risks of heart attacks. They are a rich source of oleic acid and monosaturated fats that are considered good for the heart.
Protects From Cancer:
Peanuts contain beta-sitosterol that helps prevent colon cancer. Research studies mentioned that women who eat handful peanuts every day or at least twice a week are 58% less likely prone to cancer risks. Folic acid and other important nutrients in peanuts help fight cancer.
Weight-loss Food:
Peanuts are known as a satiety food i.e. when taken a handful; it can make you feel fuller. They are good sources of fiber and hence eating handful peanuts before your meal will make you eat lesser than usual. It enhances your body’s metabolism rate and can help you in your weight loss goal.
Prevents Gallstones:
Eating one ounce of peanuts a week can cut down 25% of the risks of developing gallstones. Being a potent source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, peanuts can help prevent such risks.
Lowers The Risks Of Diabetes:
Few studies have mentioned that eating handful peanuts in the morning can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and maintain the balance of blood sugar levels. Eating peanut butter or handful peanuts can lower the risks of diabetes by 21%.
Promotes Healthy Cholesterol:
Peanuts have good amounts of phytosterols. Hence, eating handful peanuts can help enhance HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Good For Kids And Pregnant Women:
If you are not allergic to peanuts, including them in your diet is definitely a good idea. Peanuts are good sources of amino acids, proteins and nutrients that are good for growing kids and pregnant mothers. It helps prevent birth defects as well, thanks to folates in it that helps in brain development.
Promotes Fertility:
Peanuts have good amounts of folic acid. Few studies indicated that good amounts of folic acid can help improve the fertility rate in women. Peanuts being a rich source of zinc, research studies proved that it can help in enhancing sperm count in men.
Combats Depression:
Peanuts are a good source of tryptophan, an important amino acid which is essential for the production of serotonin that helps regulate mood. Lower levels of serotonin can lead to depression. Hence, tryptophan in peanuts can boost your mood and fights depression.
Rich Source Of Nutrients:
Peanuts belong to the legume family and are considered to have an abundant source of proteins and nutrients than the other nuts. They are an amazing source of nutrients, especially Vitamin E which we will not be able to get enough of from our diet.
For Strong Bones:
Peanuts are a good source of magnesium and folate, which helps in building strong bones and preventing birth defects. Peanuts contain potassium, which protects against calcium loss in urine.
Protects From Alzheimer’s Disease:
Being a rich source of niacin, peanuts help in protecting from Alzheimer’s and other age-related cognition decline problems. Few nutritionists have mentioned that people getting at least 22mg of niacin a day were less likely prone to Alzheimer’s.
Rich Source Of Antioxidants:
Peanuts are considered to be a rich source of antioxidants as many other fruits. Also, roasted peanuts have far richer antioxidants than other foods such as apples, beets, carrots.
Protects Skin And Hair:
Resveratrol and healthy monosaturated fats in peanuts are considered good for healthy and glowing skin. Also, peanuts are a good source of folate and B vitamins that help contribute to lustrous hair.
