Peanuts: benefits and harm to the body

There is a fine line between the harm and benefit of peanuts. The fruit growing in the ground is tasty, nutritious, endowed with a lot of useful properties and at the same time can provoke dangerous reactions in the body, even lead to death.

Is a peanut a nut or legume?

Peanuts are also called groundnuts, although in reality they are not.The herbaceous annual plant produces good yields in countries with a warm climate and suitable humidity.

Having a shell-like shell and a kernel similar to a nut, the fruit is misleading to many. In fact, peanuts belong to the “legume” family, with about 30 species. A feature of the crop is the obligatory contact of the peduncle with the ground, otherwise, paradoxically, the nut will not form. The most valuable thing in plants is beans. Their length reaches 6 cm. Each core is covered with a protective shell. It protects the beans from pests, and in itself can cause harm. The pigment has a reddish color and can provoke intoxication of the body.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of peanuts

To understand the benefits of using a product, you should study its chemical composition. The daily amount of product consumed depends on how much BJU is contained in peanuts. Excessive consumption of a nut rich in proteins and fats can cause serious harm to the body, negating all the beneficial properties.

How many calories are in peanuts

The energy value of peanuts in their pure form without additives per 100 g is 567 kcal.

The calorie content of the product of different types of processing is described in the table.

Considering the high nutritional value, the advisability of including groundnuts in the diet by those who are on a diet menu is very doubtful.

Glycemic index of peanuts

The glycemic index of a product is an unstable unit that can deviate from the norm if stored and processed incorrectly.The number can be influenced by the area where the legume plant is grown, climate and many other factors. Also, when cooking, the GI changes.

The glycemic index of a high quality raw product is taken as a basis. Indicator – 13 (low). This value allows you to use peanuts for type 2 diabetes, but after consulting a doctor.

How much protein is in peanuts

The nut kernels consist of 30% proteins, which makes the product valuable for bodybuilders. 100 g of dried peanuts contain 26.3 g of protein.

How much sugar is in peanuts

The total amount of carbohydrates in the raw kernel is 16.13 g per 100 g. A small amount of sugars ensures a low glycemic index, which allows people suffering from diabetes to consume fruits in small doses.

It is worth noting that this figure includes sugars, starch and dietary fiber. Monosaccharides and saccharides of the total volume account for 4.2 g.

What vitamins are in peanuts

The vitamins in peanuts are presented in the table.

By consuming nuts within reasonable limits, you can nourish your body with natural vitamins and benefit from the product you consume. Small doses in the absence of individual immunity cannot cause harm.

What are the benefits of peanuts for the human body?

If we compare the benefits and harms of peanuts for the body, the advantages of eating nuts will definitely take the leading position.

What is the value of peanuts for humans:

• has antioxidant properties, protects the body from external and internal negative factors;
• has a positive effect on the vascular system and the condition of the heart muscle;
• reduces the likelihood of developing cancer;
• useful in the diagnosis of hemophilia, as it is endowed with hemostatic properties;
• restores blood cholesterol levels;
• is an excellent remedy for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes;
• reduces the chance of developing coronary heart disease;
• regulates blood glucose levels;
• has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of a person;
• strengthens the body's protective functions;
• stabilizes blood pressure;
• helps the immune system resist seasonal illnesses, emotional shocks, and lethargy;
• has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora;
• good for brain function;
• normalizes the digestive process, provided that there are no serious pathologies in the organs;
• the presence of folic acid nuclei in the structure makes the nut especially valuable for women planning pregnancy;
• prevents the development of adenoma, prostatitis, has a beneficial effect on potency;
• controls the balance of hormones in the female and male body;
• saturates the body with protein, which is appreciated by athletes;
• serves as a good snack even if you are on a diet;
• thanks to the fiber in its structure, it relieves constipation;
• useful for normalizing sleep;
• improves the condition of skin, hair, nails;
• prevents the development of pellagra.

While fried foods destroy beneficial components and are usually harmful to health, processing peanuts in this way only benefits them. The thermal effect creates a shell on the nut that preserves vitamin E from rapid destruction. In addition, roasting increases the concentration of polyphenols - the antioxidant and anti-sclerotic properties are enhanced.The downside of thermal exposure is a significant increase in calories in the product, which harms the figure and some body functions.

What are the benefits of peanuts for a woman’s body?

The benefits of peanuts for women are noticed visually. The structure of the nut, in combination with vitamins and minerals, contains manganese, which is involved in metabolic processes and cares for hair, skin, and nails. With reasonable consumption of the product, weight does not accumulate and even goes away smoothly.

Thanks to the biotin contained in the nut, the hair follicles are strengthened, which allows the hair to withstand the tests to which a woman subjects it. Curling irons, curlers, varnishes, irons are aggressive harm, which is offset by the benefits of consuming nuts.

The reproductive system functions better, hormonal levels are normalized, and the menstrual cycle is stabilized. During hormonal surges and during age-related changes in the body, peanuts smooth out stress and relieve depression. Doctors recommend including legumes in the diet during menopause, pregnancy and puberty.

What are the benefits of peanuts for men?

Walnut kernels are saturated with methionine, which is involved in the synthesis of adrenaline. It controls the balance of fat in the liver. For weightlifters, this is a product that helps build muscle. This component quickly restores energy after intense physical activity.

Biotin in the structure of peanuts prevents men from going bald early and strengthens the hair follicles. If the product is introduced into the diet on a regular basis, erectile dysfunction, prostate adenoma, and infertility are excluded.

Peanuts have a positive effect on the genitourinary system. By preparing peanut milk, you can strengthen your immune system, heal your respiratory system, and improve digestion.

The benefits and harms of peanuts for men in all other cases are the same as for everyone, regardless of gender and age.

Peanuts during pregnancy

Peanuts are a legume; they have a slightly different effect on the body than nuts. The product causes flatulence, bloating and contributes to the appearance of allergic symptoms. Women during pregnancy should approach the issue of nutrition very carefully so as not to harm the baby.

The composition of the nut is impressive with a variety of useful components, therefore, by consuming peanuts in small doses, you can:

• replenish the body with missing vitamins, eliminate the use of pharmaceutical drugs of questionable effect;
• by consuming kernels at conception and in the first trimester of pregnancy, the body receives folic acid, ascorbic acid and B vitamins, which are important for the development of the fetus;
• micro and macroelements of peanuts contribute to the full development of the fetus - calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, participate in the formation of the skeleton and hematopoietic organs;
• to replenish the daily requirement of amino acids, you need to eat only 100 grams of peanuts (12 essential and 8 non-essential);
• thanks to tryptophan in peanuts, a woman experiences emotional comfort, she produces a hormone of happiness;
• polyphenols in the product prevent the development of cancer cells;
• with a daily requirement of vegetable protein of 12 g, it is enough to consume 50 g of peanuts to get the required amount of useful nutrients;
• high fat saturation improves digestion, improves bowel movements and does not affect the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
• If you are exhausted and underweight, the nut is useful; it can also be an excellent snack - it can relieve hunger for several hours.

There is an opinion that peanuts should not be consumed during pregnancy, but this is partly wrong. It must be eaten wisely in order to saturate the body with useful substances and avoid harm.

Despite the benefits, there are some contraindications:

• if a history indicates a predisposition to allergies, then peanuts are excluded from the diet;
• if relatives in the immediate environment are allergic to something, the probability that the newborn will be allergic is 75%, therefore, groundnuts can be a catalyst for the process;
• Often during pregnancy, a leading specialist prescribes dietary nutrition for a woman - groundnuts definitely should not be included in the diet if you are gaining excess weight;
• legumes cause bloating and gas formation - if symptoms are present, it is recommended to exclude the product;
• with bloating, blood circulation and nutrition of the fetus are disrupted, as the intestines put pressure on the uterus;
• In case of obvious stool disorders or diarrhea, it is advisable to avoid peanuts, as they have a laxative effect.

Beneficial properties of peanuts for children

Starting from 3-4 years old, parents offer their children nuts. At this age, the product is consumed in ground form.

Peanuts have a positive effect on child development, strengthen the immune system, and improve brain activity. School and physical stress are easier to bear. The body is saturated with vitamins and minerals. It is worth noting that the nut is tasty and, in addition to its benefits, brings pleasure. Roasted peanuts eliminate coughs and are a means of preventing many pathologies in the future.

If a child has signs of allergies of any etiology, eating peanuts is out of the question.

Peanuts for athletes

Peanuts contain vitamins A, D, E, D, PP, important for the body, micro- and macroelements, antioxidants - this is the basis of a healthy diet.

For athletes, it is valuable as a product that helps build muscle mass, strengthen blood vessels and the heart. External microtraumas in sports and bleeding go away faster, since peanuts have powerful regenerating properties and the ability to thicken the blood.

Why are peanuts harmful?

Even the healthiest product is not suitable for everyone for various reasons. Peanuts are also not suitable for everyone and can cause harm. The following factors should be taken into account:

• violation of the technology of cultivation, delivery and storage leads to the formation of aflatoxins, which causes an allergic reaction in case of weak immunity;
• Children under 3 years of age should not be offered nuts, and subsequently the daily intake should not be more than 10 nuts - the product is introduced into the diet gradually, under the close supervision of parents;
• for joint diseases, it is recommended to avoid eating peanuts;
• The calorie content of the product is high, therefore, oversaturation can lead to excess weight gain, and obesity disrupts the functions of body systems and harms the functioning of vital organs.

Peanuts have a pleasant taste and smell. When purchasing a product, you should pay attention to some nuances. Pregnant women should be more careful when purchasing, as they are responsible for the life of the unborn baby.

Important points:

1. The plant is grown in soil and requires special processing and compliance with storage rules. To avoid infection with E. coli and helminthic infestation, everyone, and especially pregnant women, are recommended to eat roasted groundnuts.
2. Raw nuts should not be eaten without additional manipulation, as they negatively affect digestion. Before use, the product should be soaked in water or sprouted for several days.
3. If a product becomes damp, it automatically becomes harmful and unfit for consumption. Dampness is a favorable habitat for mold and mildew. Heat treatment does not solve the problem.
4. The structure of peanuts contains erucic acid, which is unable to be absorbed. Moreover, it is destructive and harmful to the liver, muscles, and heart. Acid is dangerous if there is an excess of the product. Eating nuts within normal limits makes it difficult to provoke a disease.
5. When consuming salted peanuts, the effect on the body is ambiguous. Salt retains water and, accordingly, causes the formation of edema. It is not advisable to use it for people with heart disease, kidney disease, urinary system, or for late pregnant women.

These problems can be avoided by paying due attention to quality, quantity and processing.

Is it possible to eat peanuts while breastfeeding?

Peanuts are included in the list of foods prohibited during breastfeeding. Walnut is the strongest allergen. During the period of adaptation of the baby’s digestive system, mothers are faced with the problem of colic, and legumes contribute to gas formation.

Canadian scientists say that peanuts during breastfeeding should be included in the mother's diet. Moreover, they strongly recommend not excluding all possible allergens in order to adapt children to the products and not face the problem of allergies in the future.

Is it possible to have peanuts for gastritis?

Although beneficial, groundnuts are not suitable for use for gastritis. If you experience heartburn after eating such a treat, you should avoid it. The reason for the reaction is the composition of the nut and the kernel that is too hard to digest.

Can diabetics eat peanuts?

Due to the low glycemic index and beneficial properties of the nut, small amounts of peanuts can be consumed in diabetes mellitus without any health consequences. It is worth noting that the nut smoothly lowers blood glucose levels.

Is it possible to have peanuts for pancreatitis?

The consumption of nuts during pancreatitis of any form is prohibited, since peanuts are rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates and can provoke an adverse reaction of the body:

• dangerous pancreatic enzyme response;
• acute phase of inflammation in the tissues of the gland;
• induce vomiting;
• increase the intensity of pain;
• cause diarrhea.

In the stage of stable remission, the inclusion of peanuts in dishes in small doses is acceptable. 1-2 eaten nuts will not cause unpleasant symptoms.

Is it possible to have peanuts for cholecystitis?

In case of acute cholecystitis, nuts are not included in the diet, and you should not conduct experiments immediately after the pain subsides.

The use of peanut milk for pathology has proven itself well, as it has a choleretic effect. Doctors also recommend removing the skin with pigment and eating the kernels in peeled and crushed form. You should not eat the daily norm of a healthy person. Enough to eat a couple of nuts.

How do peanuts affect potency?

Regular consumption of peanuts is beneficial for potency and full erection in men. It is also an excellent remedy for the prevention of prostatitis and adenoma. The benefit of the kernels is that sperm quality improves and reproductive function improves.

Do peanuts increase cholesterol?

The nuts are completely free of cholesterol, so peanuts cannot affect test results. Since the kernels help strengthen blood vessels, the product is a means of preventing atherosclerosis.

How to eat groundnuts correctly

You can exclude peanut poisoning, and often the body’s response to a negative factor, only by choosing the right product and preparing it for use.

Is it possible to eat peanuts with husks?

The red husk is saturated with harmful pigment and should be disposed of. In roasted nuts it can be easily removed, in raw peanuts - to remove the bright shell, the legume is soaked, the pigment becomes discolored. White kernels are not harmful to health or are less aggressive.

How many peanuts can you eat per day?

Most problems associated with groundnuts occur due to excessive consumption of the product. A healthy adult should eat no more than 10 nuts per day; for children, 10 nuts is the maximum dose, which is gradually reached. Nutritionists recommend enjoying the product in the first half of the day in order to be able to expend energy during the remaining time of daily activity.

Can I eat peanuts every day?

Nothing prevents you from eating nuts every day, because every day a person spends energy, engages in mental activity, sports, and professional work. The body needs to strengthen its immunity. In order for the delicacy to be beneficial, you should know the limits and not go beyond the norm.

What happens if you eat too many peanuts?

If you get carried away and eat a lot of legumes at once, nothing will probably happen. The nut can cause diarrhea, heaviness in the stomach, and a severe allergic reaction. How the body reacts to excess peanuts depends on how healthy the person is and what pathologies are present in the body. Legumes can cause exacerbation of hidden diseases. The blood vessels and heart receive increased stress, which is extremely undesirable.

How long does it take to digest peanuts?

Groundnuts are digested by the digestive system in 2-3 hours. To speed up the process, beans can be pre-soaked, but only if they are fresh.

Is it possible to get poisoned by peanuts?

Legumes can cause poisoning. If stored improperly, raw nuts become moldy. As a result of the vital activity of microorganisms, a poison is produced - aflatoxin. Signs of intoxication are clearly expressed:

• diarrhea;
• pain;
• jaundice;
• swelling;
• vomit;
• lethargy;
• convulsions.

First of all, the liver is hit hard. The first symptoms of acute intoxication can become apparent within half an hour, while chronic symptoms often go away asymptomatically within a week.

The nut may be contaminated with salmonella and other pathogens. If the plant is watered with pesticides, this can also cause poisoning.

How many grams is a tablespoon of peanuts?

Knowing the density of peeled groundnuts, we can say that 1 tablespoon contains 11.7 g of product.

Peanuts for weight loss

Whether the product can be consumed while on a diet is a controversial issue. The calorie content of peanuts is too high for you to consume your daily allowance and continue to lose weight. The nut is ideal as a snack, but the volumes intended for a person with a normal lifestyle should be significantly reduced.

Peanuts weaken or strengthen

Walnut kernels are not recommended for use in case of stool disorders. Constipation or diarrhea indicates a serious problem in the digestive system, and this is a reason to refuse the product. Due to its high fat content, it weakens, which can aggravate the situation and cause harm.

Peanut allergy

The body's response to groundnuts is a serious reason to give up the treat forever. If you experience a headache, lacrimation, nausea, or tissue swelling, you should immediately seek help from a medical facility. In such cases, you should not hesitate, as the symptoms can cause Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.

Conclusion

The harm and benefits of peanuts deserve special attention. Legumes have a relatively low cost and are available to consumers. The pleasant taste and aroma of the nut does not always allow you to stop in time, which can cause serious harm to the body. It is important to observe moderation in everything and monitor your health, then everyone’s favorite product will not cause damage, but will only provide energy and benefits to the body.

Recommended Posts

Roasted peanuts: benefits and harms for men and women

Peanuts in sugar at home

Raw peanuts: benefits and harms

How to fry peanuts in a frying pan in the husk, in the oven, in the microwave

How to peel and peel peanuts

Growing groundnuts (peanuts)

How peanuts grow: photo and description

Hazelnuts and hazelnuts (hazelnuts): benefits and harms

Why does hazel not bear fruit in the garden?