Peanuts are rich energy source and contain various health benefiting nutrients like protein, fiber, minerals and fatty acids and antioxidants. In India, they are taken as snacks and added in various Indian cuisines. Here are some well known health benefits of peanuts.
1. Regulate Blood Sugar Level
Manganese in peanuts aids in blood sugar regulation, and a major part in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. A handful of peanuts could provide about 35% of this mineral.
2. Prevents Gallstones
Studies have shown that eating nuts such as peanuts or cashew nuts, can reduce the risk of developing gall stones. A natural substance named Lecithin, found in peanuts, helps prevent gallstones by keeping cholesterol from solidifying in the gallbladder.
Note: Don’t overeat peanuts, as excess of lecithin could lead to liver problems or other complications.
3. Fight Depression
Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, which in turns triggers the production of Serotonin. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain.
5. Boosts Memory Power (Vitamin B3)
Peanuts are rich in Folic acid and Vitamin B3 or niacin. Studies have shown that food rich in folic acid helps in improving memory. Peanuts also helps maintain normal brain functioning.
6. Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels (Copper)
Peanuts reduces cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of heart disease. Copper present in peanuts aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
7. Lowers risk of neural defects during pregnancy
Peanuts provide health benefits during pregnancy. They contain a good amount of folate. According to research, women who had a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduced their risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by up to 70%.
8. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. A handful of peanuts can do wonder by reducing your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
9. Lowers Risk of Cancer
A form of phytosterol , is found in high concentrations in peanuts. Phytosterols protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
10. Lowers Risk of Weight Gain:
This one might have surprised you.Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain.Peanuts are rich in dietary fiber which gives a feeling of fullness and controls hunger.