Peanuts are rich in energy (567 calories per 100g)and contain health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
They compose sufficient levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), especially oleic acid, MUFA helps lower LDL or" bad cholesterol " and increases HDL or" good cholesterol "level in the blood. Research studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps prevent coronary artery disease and stroke risk by favoring healthy serum lipid profile.
Peanut kernels are a good source of dietary protein. Compose fine quality amino acids that are essential for growth and development.
Research peanuts studies are an excellent source of resveratol, another polyphenolic antioxidant. Resveratol has been found to have a protective function against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease and viral/ fungal infection.
Research studies have shown that peanuts contain high concentrations of polyphenolic antioxidants, primarily p coumaric acid. This compound has been thought to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by limiting the formation of carcinogenic nitrosaminesin the stomach.
Furthermore, studies suggest that resveratrol may reduce stroke risk through altering molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels (reducing susceptibility to vascular damage through decrease activity og angiotensin, a systemic hormone responsible for blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure), and by increasing production of vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.
Recent research studies suggest that roasting /boiling enhances antioxidants bio availability in the peanuts have 2 or 4 fold increase in isoflavone antioxidants biochanin-A and genistein content.
The kernels are an excellent source of vitamin - E (a-tocopherol) containing about 8g per 100g. Vitamin - E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidants which helps maintain the integrity of mucosa and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen free radicals.
The nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, vitamin-B-6, and folates. 100g of peanuts provides 85% of RDI of niacin, which contributes to health and blood flow to the brain.
The nuts are rich sources of minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, just a handful of peanuts per day provide enough recommended levels of phenolic antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and protein.
Peanut skins also contain potent rich antioxidants. It has been noted that the when peanuts are consumed with their skins, their antioxidant capacity doubles and roasting can at times actually increase this capacity as well