Peanuts contain a good amount of folate. Repeated studies have shown that women who had a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduced their risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by up to 70%.
2. Aid in blood sugar regulation
One fourth cup of peanuts can supply the body with 35% of the DV of manganese, a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
3. Help prevent gallstones
It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones. But 20 years of studies have shown that eating 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter a week lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.
4. Fight depression
Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain. Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
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5. Boost memory power
Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
6. Regulate cholesterol levels
The same nutrient which gives peanuts their memory enhancing power also helps lower and control cholesterol levels. Added to that is their copper content which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
7. Lower risk of heart disease
Numerous studies have shown that regular nuts consumption is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. Reach for a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
8. Protect against age-related cognitive decline
Study participants have shown that those who have an intake of the most niacin-rich foods like peanuts were 70% less likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease. A quarter cup a day of peanuts can already supply almost a quarter of the daily value for niacin.
9. Cancer protection
A form of phytosterol called beta-sitoserol (SIT) is found in high concentrations in some plant oils, seeds, and legumes including peanuts. Phytosterols not only protects against cardiovascular disease by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol, they also protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
10. Keep unwanted pounds off
Surprise! Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain. Research had shown that people who eat nuts at least twice weekly are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat them.
© K Kristie
