Peanut grows in warm and humid climates. It is found above all in Africa, America, India and China. Originally, peanut was only in South America, before extending to other countries.
Peanut is a highly appreciated product. Not only is it used in the kitchen, but also in medicine and cosmetic. It is also good to feed cattle.
Chemical and vitamin content
Although everyone is used to calling the peanut dry fruit, it is not true. Peanuts belong to the family of legumes. That is why its composition is more similar to that of the beans.
It should be noted that peanuts contain a lot of fatty vegetable oil. Reaches 50%. Its structure is similar to that of almonds, but its flavor is different. In addition, nutritionists have observed a high content of fatty acid glycerides, including linoleic and stearic acids.
They also have a high starch content (21%), sugar (7. 47%) and proteins (more than 35%). Peanuts are rich in vitamins B and E, sodium, zinc and iron. It also highlights the presence of gliadin, which is a wheat protein.
Calories per 100 grams
Toasted peanuts are one of the favorite treats of children and adults. But apart from that it is a very valuable product that has found its place in medicine and cosmetology. Most of the time it is used as food once cooked, that is, roasted. At the same time, the fruit acquires a beautiful color and exquisite flavor.
The peanut is quite caloric. And this value can only be said approximately, since everything depends on the way it has been roasted and the amount of oil that has been used to cook it. On average, roasted peanuts have 622 kcal per 100 g (when they are fried with oil) and 580 kcal (when they are dried dry).
Toasted peanuts are good for the organism
Peanuts are useful both raw and thermally treated. And nutritionists cannot give a definitive and unequivocal response on what type of product to choose. Raw peanuts contain the greatest concentration of vitamins and other nutrients.
However, they are more difficult for the digestive system and can cause indigestion. In addition, the risk of fungal infection or bacteria increases considerably. Therefore, more and more nutritionists advise peanuts.
Benefits of roasted peanuts
When they are properly, peanuts do not lose almost any of their properties. They have numerous health benefits:
- Tostado eliminates the peanut peel, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
- The percentage of polyphenol is higher after cooking. This substance is a natural antioxidant.
- The risk of contracting fungal or bacterial infections is reduced.
In addition, the taste of roasted nuts is more pleasant. It also increases the permitted useful life.
Among the undoubtedly beneficial properties of roasted nuts are included:
- cholesterol reduction;
- Nut antioxidants help clean blood vessels;
- Improves digestion;
- Vitamins and fatty acids containing have beneficial effects on CNS.
Women who consume peanuts regularly indicate the following positive effects
- Stabilization of the hormonal background, improvement of reproductive capacity;
- Increase in serotonin production (happiness hormone)
- Increase in hemoglobin (important for women due to periodic blood losses).
For men, peanuts are beneficial for the following positive factors
- Increase testosterone formation
- improves the general hormonal function;
- Potassium that contains improves the function of heart muscle.
Potential damage and contraindications
Despite its enormous benefits for the organism, peanuts can also cause negative reactions in the body.
Cacahuete is not recommended in the following cases:
- In case of individual intolerance. Allergic reactions may appear.
- In case of varicose veins and after a myocardial infarction there is a risk of worsening of the condition. The product has a tendency to coagulate.
- Nuts are not recommended for people with gastrointestinal diseases, since they are difficult to digest.
- Diabetic people who add it to their diet with caution should be advised.
In addition, we must not forget its high caloric value. People fighting obesity must strictly dose the product, avoiding excessive consumption.
Good recipes
It is best to toast the peanuts at home to be able to control the cooking process. Thus you can control the amount of oil and frying time, which is obviously good for nuts.
There are several ways to heat the nuts
- in a frying pan
- in the oven;
- in the microwave.
Tasted peanuts in pan
Peanuts can be pan-roasted shelled or in-shell. However, roasting shelled peanuts is faster and better. It is recommended to register the peanuts well before cooking them, discarding those that are in poor condition or spoiled.
It is best to choose a saucepan with thick walls and bottom. The peanuts are tossed in a thin layer and deep-fried while sautéing. Whether to add oil or not, everyone decides for himself. This depends on the taste of the grill.
Cooked nuts are poured into a plate. You have to wait another 5 minutes for them to hold. They should be eaten cold so they taste better. Salt or sugar and various spices can be added when roasting.
baking in the oven
Roasting peanuts in the oven is a much easier process than roasting them in a pan. Preheat oven to 150°C before toasting. Peanuts are washed and dried on a towel or cloth. Cover a tray with aluminum foil and spread the peanuts evenly on it.
It is important that the peanuts are arranged in a single layer. After 10 minutes of roasting, remove the peanuts and put them in the oven for another 5 minutes. If you wish to add salt, you can do so immediately after removing the nuts from the oven. If shelled fruits are roasted, the cooking time should be increased by half.
In the microwave
Special mention deserves toasting in the microwave. Peanuts acquire an unusual taste, and the process itself takes very little time. To toast them, you have to place the clean and undamaged peanuts in a microwave-safe container and put it to toast, set to medium microwave power.
You have to stir the nuts every two minutes. After 3 or 4 shakes, the fruit will be ready. The degree of readiness is determined by the taste.
Rule of use
Peanuts are a product rich in calories and fat, so you must refrain from eating them uncontrollably.
Children under 12 years of age should not consume more than 20 g of peanuts, as there is a high risk of allergy.
Recommendations for roasted peanuts
Peanuts are a healthy and nutritious food. They are necessary for both men and women. They are recommended for men as a remedy against impotence. They are also good for insomnia and exhaustion. For women, it is recommended both under normal conditions and during pregnancy.
However, it is important to closely monitor the amount of product consumed and not exceed the recommended amount, since there is a high risk of allergic reactions. Also observe the contraindications, otherwise the product will do more bad than good.
Expiration and conditions
Tasted nuts are preserved much longer, up to a month. It is recommended to keep the product in glass jars or in fabric bags. Wife fruits should be placed in a dry and dark place, since high humidity can cause the development of pathogenic microflora.
The product can be kept up to 3 months in the refrigerator and up to half a year in the freezer. Peanuts are better preserved in the refrigerator. The useful life in the refrigerator is 6-9 months. However, it is important to closely monitor the amount of product consumed and not exceed the recommended amount, since there is a high risk of allergic reactions. Also observe the contraindications, otherwise the product will do more bad than good.
