Peanuts, despite the fact that they can be not only useful, but also harmful, are considered the most popular nut in the world. Although in reality it is a very conditional nut, but scientifically it is classified as an oilseed crop and belongs to the legume family. So what are the benefits and harms of peanuts?
Peanuts, the benefits and harms of which still haunt scientists and nutritionists, are nevertheless very much loved by ordinary people. It is known that peanuts contain polyphenols. In structure, they are similar to antioxidants, and the latter, in turn, act in the body as a protector of cells from the effects of dangerous free radicals.
In other words, cells do not deteriorate, remain healthy and prevent the body from aging prematurely.
It turns out that the structure of the cells of all organs is preserved, in particular this concerns the cardiovascular system, since it wears out, as you yourself understand, one of the very first. Moreover, supporters of the opinion that roasted peanuts are more harmful than usual are deeply mistaken. When peanuts are fried, even more polyphenols are produced in it, which means that its beneficial qualities on the body only increase.
Substances contained in peanuts increase blood clotting, so it is useful for diseases such as hemophilia. Also, the use of peanuts has a beneficial effect on immunity, especially during viral and colds epidemics.
The benefits of peanuts lie not only in the peanuts themselves, but also in the products made from them. So, peanut butter (not to be confused with peanut butter, we’ll talk about it later) contains a whole range of vitamins and minerals. The oil contains polyunsaturated linoleic acid, vitamins E and B, fats and proteins. By the way, peanuts are 30% protein and 60% fat. That is why, the processing of peanuts into butter preserves all of its useful qualities as much as possible.
There is a product called peanut milk, which is made from peanut flour and boiled water. This “milk” has a positive effect on stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Well, one cannot fail to mention such a well-known peanut product as peanut butter, so beloved in the USA and Europe. It is not only tasty, but also high in calories, so it should be eaten only for breakfast, when our body needs to “charge” with calories for the whole day.
What can be the harm of peanuts?
As with any food, eating peanuts also has negative sides. As already mentioned, peanuts slow down the flow of blood in the body, making it thicker. And this harms the vessels. In particular, eating peanuts is contraindicated in people with varicose veins.
Peanuts are classified as active allergens due to the proteins hidden in them. An allergic reaction to peanuts can cause itching, redness, vomiting, and heartburn, and in extreme cases, laryngeal edema and anaphylactic shock. The consequences of a peanut allergy are serious, so you need to closely monitor your body’s response to peanuts.
Frequent consumption of peanuts is harmful to people with arthritis, arthrosis and gout due to the abundant protein content of these peanuts.
In addition, peanuts are very high in fat. Therefore, for the slenderness of the figure, it is clearly not useful. And thanks again to their high fat content, peanuts are often completely excluded from the diet of diabetics.
Each product has pros and cons. It `s naturally. This is nature. But, most importantly, do not succumb to the temptation and control the use of peanuts in food.