What do peanuts benefit from the human organism?

The peanuts are healthy, but only if you are not allergic to them. It will help avoid many serious health problems and relieve existing diseases.

Despite its high energy and caloric value, peanuts are a good food to lose weight. What are the benefits and damages of peanuts for the body, how many peanuts you have to eat to obtain the maximum benefits for the body?

Origin and description of peanuts

The origins of the peanut is unknown, although there is evidence of its existence in the year 950 BC .. it is believed that it was discovered in Peru and Brazil. Missionaries and explorers took him to Africa. From Africa, peanut arrived in America thanks to the slave trade during the colonial era. It was the food of the negreros ships for their flavor and easy conservation.

Although peanuts belongs to the family of nuts, it is an annual cultivation of legumes. After pollinating some yellow flowers similar to the peas, the plant stem is filtered on the ground, where the fruit matures. The fragile brown pods of this herbaceous crop hide a few pale yellow seeds and red cortex that grow on the ground.

Chemical composition and caloric content of peanuts

Peanut contains a series of biologically active and antioxidant plant substances. It has the same amount of antioxidants as most fruits.

The highest antioxidant content is found in the peanut peel. But it is not edible due to its bitter taste. Peanuts itself contains a series of beneficial substances with antioxidant effects such as:

P-cumaric acid. This substance of the polyphenols group is one of the main antioxidants contained in peanuts.
ResveratrolThis powerful antioxidant helps reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Isoflavonas. This group of antioxidants refers to polyphenols (a subgroup of phytoestrogens). In peanuts there is mainly a substance called genysteine. Isoflavones have a series of effects (both positive and negative) on human health.
Phytic acid. This substance is mainly found in plants seeds (that is, several types of nuts, including peanuts). It favors the absorption of iron, zinc and some other substances of the food consumed.
Phytosterols. Peanuts contain phytosterols, particularly β-sitosterol. Reduce cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract.

Nutritional value of peanuts (values refer to 100 grams of authentic peanuts):

Substance, energy	Quantity (100 g)
Kcal	567
Water	7%
Protein	26 г
Carbohydrates	16 г
Sugar	4 г
Fiber	9 г
Fat	49. 2 г
Saturated fat	6. 28 г
Monounsaturated fats	24, 43 г
Polyunsaturated fats	15. 56 г
Omega 3	0
Omega-6	15. 56 г

The chemical composition of the nut also includes a series of minerals:

Copper. This trace element is very important for the body. Its deficiency can have negative effects on the health of the heart.
Manganese. They find traces of this mineral in drinking water and in most of the foods consumed.
Match. Nuts are a good source of phosphorus, a vital mineral for the growth and renewal of cells and tissues of the human body.
Magnesium. Adequate amounts of magnesium in the diet help prevent heart and vascular diseases.

What vitamins contain peanuts

The vitamin complex is mainly formed by the following vitamins:

BiotinPeanuts are a rich natural source of biotin (vitamin B7, also vitamin H), especially important during pregnancy.
NiacinaThis vitamin, also known as B3, performs several important functions in the body. For example, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Folic acid (B9). Important for the correct development of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Therefore, sufficient amount is necessary, especially during pregnancy, for older people.
Vitamin E. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and is found in foods with greater fat content.
Thiamine (B1). Important for the proper functioning of metabolism (it provides energy from carbohydrates), muscles, heart and CNS.

Cacahuetes properties

Beneficial properties of peanuts for the human organism

They favor digestion and emptying;
Acceleration of metabolism
prolonged satiety thanks to the fiber;
normalization of the glycemic level
Prevention of intense hunger and excess eating;
good cholesterol contribution to the organism
Elimination of bad cholesterol from blood vessels
Support for muscle growth, important for athletes
Diabetes and obesity prevention
support for a healthy nervous system;
Improve brain activity and concentration.

Benefits

If you like salty peanuts, pay attention to the fact that, unfortunately, they have little to do with being a healthy product. The high proportion of salt increases the caloric content of the peanut and is harmful to the heart.

For the women

Vitamins E and B (in particular niacin) help maintain blood sugar levels and have a positive effect on skin and digestion. Tiamine is also important, whose lack is associated with concentration and memory problems.

For women, folic acid is useful, which has a beneficial effect on hematopoiesis. It is recommended to increase your intake during pregnancy to guarantee the correct development of child’s nucleic acids.

For men

Peanuts have a significant effect on male sexual libido. In the Middle Ages it was even prohibited in male monasteries. Many people do not know that arginine, the main ingredient of Viagra, comes from this nutrien t-rich dry fruit.

For children

The usefulness of peanuts for children lies in their lower carbohydrate content and their high percentage of fats and proteins. Most fats are healthy. The most valuable substances are represented by unsaturated fatty acids, which favor the normal development of the heart and blood vessels.

The peanuts, whose caloric value has nothing to envy to that of a caramel, are suitable as healthy snack, ingredient of a fruit dessert. Care must be taken if the child cannot bite the food, since there is a risk of suffocation.

Are peanuts harmful to health? In addition to their healthy components, peanuts also contain substances with a certain degree of noise. Apart from allergies, eating peanuts is safe and has no side effects or significant risks. However, it is necessary to be cautious, since sometimes peanuts can be contaminated with toxic substances such as aflatoxins produced by certain types of mold.

Aflatoxin poisoning

Sometimes a peanut can be contaminated with a fungus (Aspergillus flavus) that releases the toxic aflatoxin substance. The main symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning are loss of appetite and jaundice (yellow coloration of mucous and sclera). This toxin causes liver damage, and these two signs are very common tests of deterioration of liver function.

A severe aflatoxin poisoning can cause liver failure and liver cancer. The risk of Aflatoxin contamination depends on how peanuts are stored. Occurs more frequently when stored in a warm and humid environment (especially in tropical climates). Under these conditions it is easy for him to grow up.

Afflatoxin pollution can be avoided by properly drying peanuts immediately after collection and maintaining adequate temperature and humidity during the storage of the dried product.

Antinutrients

Peanuts contain a series of substances called antinutrients that hinder the absorption of nutrients, reducing the nutritional value of the product. The most common antinutrient is phytic acid. It is found in all edible varieties of seeds, nuts, cereals and legumes. The weight of phytic acid weight in peanuts is approximately 0. 2-4. 5%.

The phytic acid is harmful because it interferes with the absorption of iron and zinc in the digestive tract. Therefore, excessive peanut consumption can cause deficiencies of these minerals.

Allergy

Cacahuetes allergy is one of the 8 most frequent food allergies. In our country it is only diagnosed in 0. 5% of allergies, but due to its gravity it is one of the most dangerous.

One of the main problems of peanut allergy is acute anaphylactic shock, which can cause death. In these cases it is enough to consume a small amount of the product.

Contraindications

The only contraindication is the aforementioned peanut allergy. The taboo applies to products and drinks containing peanuts.

Where and how to choose the peanuts when buying them

You can buy peanuts in current overseas stores. The healthiest peanuts are in their peel, which is a natural source of valuable substances. Most of the time they are sold in closed packages, but they can also be purchased at the weight.

When you buy packed nuts, read the information carefully. They can toast, exit or aromatize in any other way. The healthiest variant is natural, without modifications or aromatizing, without refining and without frying.

At what age should children be given to children?

The peanuts, whose benefits and losses we have already spoken, are also suitable for children’s diet. But opinions differ in the optimal period for their introduction in complementary feeding. Until recently, doctors recommended giving peanuts to children not before 3-4 years. But recent studies of Israeli scientists, later confirmed by doctors from the United States and Great Britain, say otherwise.

It was discovered that eating peanuts at an early age (from 4 months) avoids possible allergy to them.

Special uses

It is recommended to consume this dry fruit at a rate of 15-20 g per day. This amount can benefit weight loss, during its maintenance. This dose is enough to improve health in general. Eating more can cause excessive weight increase.

In medicine

Peanut is excellent for the nervous system and favors hematopoiesis. It has a positive effect on the heart, blood circulation, altered metabolism. The use of peanuts is useful in the presence of some skin diseases. Peanuts also have the property of preventing tooth decay. Peanut oil also has most of these qualities.

Infusion of peanut peels to increase immunity

Toast the peanuts, remove the peel and fill with vodka (4 tablespoons per 250 ml.). Insist 2 weeks. Strain. Take 10 drops. It is advisable to water the tincture with milk.

Peanuts with honey to increase power

Put raw or roasted peanuts in a clean glass container, pour hot honey (up to 40 degrees). Cover. Take 1-2 teaspoons per day.

Peanut milk for gastrointestinal tract diseases.

To prepare the jelly you need:

500-750 ml of water;
150 g of peanut without salt (do not have the peanuts);
To sweeten: sugar, honey, dates or other sweeteners;
Water to soak the nuts.

Fill the nuts with cold water, leave them during the night (6-8 hours).
In the morning, rinse and pour water.
Put them into a blender, pour the water. To get a thick peanut milk, add ½ liter of water. For liquid milk, more water can be used.
Stir 3 to 5 minutes.
Strain and squeeze.
Sweeten to taste.
Pour into clean jars and save in the refrigerator.

Peanuts in pressure vinegar

To prepare a delicious snack need (250 g of peanuts)

Water – 1. 5 tablespoons
Wine vinegar – 1. 5 tablespoons;
Onion – ½
Chile – To taste
garlic – 6 teeth;
salt to taste;
IMPROVEAN – A PINK.

Boil nuts in water (15 minutes). Add all ingredients except vinegar and simmer another 5 minutes. Add the vinegar. Let cool. Let macerate a few days.

Decoction of peanuts for cough.

Boil peanuts (90 grams) in water (350 ml). Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. The treatment must be carried out for 1 month. This remedy is useful even with chronic cough.

In the kitchen

The peanut reigns between the components of the sweet dishes. It is used in cocktail preparation, desserts containing chocolate. It is a beautiful complement to Macedonias and ice cream. When adding directly to the dough, it partially replaces fat and flour. This dry fruit is extremely delicious when combined perfectly with cocoa, caramel, vanilla and banana.

There are probably even more recipes for salty dishes with peanuts than sweets. Not surprisingly, it is one of the key ingredients of Chinese cuisine, India and Indonesia. It is impossible to imagine the chicken or the Kung Pao pig without it. The nuts also add a specific flavor to the popular Indian noodles Pad Thai. They serve to accompany meat, fish and fresh or cooked vegetables.

In cosmetology

Peanut oil is one of the most useful oils. It is a source of antioxidants, vitamin E and phytosterols.

Applications in cosmetology

In the treatment of purulent wounds;
In the treatment of diasis in children (it stops hemorrhages under the skin);
Use in cosmetic lotions and creams (2-10%);
use in the elaboration of soaps and shampoos;
Use as massage oil.

How and how long can pean

Peanut storage possibilities

In a tightly closed container (shorter life, over time peanuts can be rooted) in a cool, dark and dry place;
In the freezer (peeled grains) – 1-2 years
in the refrigerator – 6 months;
Dry with shell (it is recommended to peel them just before consuming them) – several years;
In honey – 1-2 years
Sterilized in jars – a few years.

Conclusions

Peanut is a product of high energy value, composed of 50% fat. But this does not mean that it is not healthy. Its inclusion in the diet helps reduce cholesterol levels and triglycerides in blood, without increasing fat deposits. But be careful with salty, fried and chocolate nuts. Not only are they not healthy, but they are also harmful due to some unwanted additives that contain trans fats.