|
Peanuts are an especially good source of healthful fats, protein, and fibre. They also contain plenty of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and B vitamins. Despite being high in calories, peanuts are nutrient-rich and low in carbohydrates. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of raw peanutsTrusted Source contain 567 calories. The mixture of healthful fats, protein, and fibre in peanuts means they provide nutritional benefits and make a person feel fuller for longer. This makes peanuts a healthful, go-to snack when people compare them with chips, crackers, and other simple carbohydrate foods.
Peanuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering 25.8 g per 100 g of peanuts, or around half of a person’s daily protein needs.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for proteinTrusted Source in adults is:
Protein is essential for building and repairing body cells. The amount of protein a person need varies, depending on their age and activity level.
Fatty acids are an essential part of every diet. Most of the fats in peanuts are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthful types of fat.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), consuming monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats can improve a person’s blood cholesterol levels. This, in turn, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
There is also a small amount of saturated fat in peanuts. Saturated fat is less healthful than unsaturated or polyunsaturated. Doctors link too much-saturated fat with cardiovascular disease. As a consequence, it is best to eat peanuts in moderation to get their optimal health benefits.
Peanuts are a good source of dietary fibre. They contain 8.5 g per 100 g, which around one-quarter of a male’s recommended fibre intake or one-third for females.
The current Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source recommend that adults get the following amounts of fibre per day:
Fibre is a heart-healthful nutrient. The AHA report that eating fibre-rich foods improves blood cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
4.Eating peanuts has three main health benefits:
The following sections discuss these benefits and the science behind them.
Peanuts contain more healthful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than they do saturated fats. This fat ratio makes peanuts better for the heart than fat sources with a higher proportion of saturated fats. A 2014 study trusted Source found that eating 46 g of peanuts or peanut butter each day may improve heart health for people with diabetes.
Because peanuts are full of healthful fats, protein, and fibre, they make a satisfying snack. Eating them in moderation may help a person maintain a healthy weight.ResearchTrusted Source found that women who ate nuts, including peanuts, twice a week had a slightly lower risk of weight gain and obesity over 8 years than those who rarely ate nuts.A large-scale study found that eating peanuts and other nuts may reduce a person’s risk of obesity over 5 years.
Peanuts are an excellent food for people with diabetes or a risk of diabetes. Peanuts have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they do not cause big spikes in blood sugar levels. Nutritionists see foods with a GI of 55 or lower as low-GI foods, and those with a GI of more than 70 are high-GI foods. Peanuts have a GI score of 23, making them low-GI food. Learn more about the GI scale here. Peanuts help control blood sugar levels because they are relatively low in carbohydrates but high in protein, fat, and fibre. Fibre slows down the digestive processes, allowing a steadier release of energy, and protein takes longer to break down than simple carbohydrates. Research suggests that eating peanut butter or peanuts may help women with obesity and a higher type 2 diabetes risk to manage their blood sugar levels.4. Risks and considerations
Peanuts contain proteins called reaching and contracting. Some people are severely allergic to these proteins. For these people, peanuts can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Because peanuts are high in calories, it is sensible to eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consuming too many calories may lead to weight gain. This is true regardless of whether the foods those calories come from are nutritious or not. Roasted, salted peanuts may be less healthful than raw peanuts due to their high sodium content. That said, if people consume them in moderation, they can enjoy them as a part of a healthful, balanced diet.
Peanuts are a nutrient-rich source of protein, dietary fibre, and healthful fats. Eating them in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, may:
Peanuts are a good option for people with diabetes for these reasons. They are also a good snack option for those looking to reduce carbohydrates and increase healthy fat intake.
For their optimal health benefits, choose raw peanuts with the skin on. Raw peanuts with their skin on are high in cell-defending antioxidants.
Roasted, salted peanuts are high in sodium, which health professionals link to heart disease. That said, eating roasted, salted peanuts as part of a balanced diet is okay.
As with most foods, the key to enjoying peanuts is eating them in moderation as part of a healthful, calorie-controlled diet