Peanuts: A Wealth of Health Benefits

Did you know that peanuts aren't really a nut at all, but a legume? If you are at all attune to the surge of health interest in the homely peanut, you probably do know this otherwise little-known fact. The peanut boasts many health benefits; probably the best known is its ability to lower total cholesterol and the bad LDL cholesterol due to its high monounsaturated fat content. This alone makes it a heart healthy food, but as you read the rest of this article you will see just how healthy.

According to, http://www.femhealth.com/benefitsofpeanuts.html, another factor is their ability to raise good cholesterol which is due to their high levels of the vitamin (B3) niacin. It says that studies show that even a small amount of peanuts added to the diet on a daily basis can reduce bad cholesterol by 14%. Other benefits attributed to niacin are that it helps the body to stabilize blood sugar, and helps process fat.

Resveratrol the bioflavonoid best known in red wine is another one of peanuts healthy nutrients. Interestingly peanuts actually have a higher level of this bioflavonoid than grapes. This phytonutrient has been shown to act as anticoagulant in the blood therefore reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke. Peanuts do not provide as high a level of Resveratrol as does red wine, but is a till a significant source.

Peanuts are of course high in vitamin (E), protein and fiber. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. There is some evidence that the lack of this antioxidant in early life may have connection to Parkinson's disease late in life. There is some evidence that high dosages of the vitamin can help slow down the disease. Further tests are required to document this fully and more studies are being done. Peanuts are a good source of antioxidants and rival many fruits in antioxidant levels. They are rich in polyphenols which are a chemical compound that have very good antioxidant properties, roasting peanuts has actually been show to increase these levels up to 22 %.

They are also a good source of folate which helps to prevent osteoporosis, helps support proper nerve function; helps deter anemia and healthy cell production in your skin. Peanuts also boast beneficial levels of boron which is a trace mineral to whom is attributed the ability to boost estrogen levels in the blood and act as a natural "estrogen replacement therapy", according to research sited in, Food - Your Miracle Medicine.

This estrogen benefit can be obtained by eating the equivalent of 3 and 1/2 oz. of peanuts a day. Boron for this same reason helps you to retain calcium and mineral in the bones. This is very important information for postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis due to loss of these important minerals.

Researchers in Taiwan have found peanuts to have a protective effect against colon cancer according to a study sited at the following link:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=101,

Their research over ten years with 12,026 men and 11,917 women showed a strong correlation between eating peanuts and the prevention of colon cancer. The correlation of risk was lowered by 58% in women and by 27% in men whom consumed peanuts 2 or more times a week.

For those of you concerned about peanuts because of the calorie and fat content (even if it is healthy fat) there is a diet involving peanut butter called, "The Amazing Peanut Butter Diet", by Colleen Pierre, RD. For more information on how to lose weight by eating peanut butter each day go to www.prevention.com .

So as you can see for yourself the lowly peanut often eliminated completely from the "deluxe nut mix" is truly a star in the health community. Not only do they cost less, but they deliver more than expected.

Sources:

http://www.femhealth.com/benefitsofpeanuts.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=101
www.prevention.com