Benefits of peanuts: Peanuts are a food that contains a very wide range of necessary nutrients for optimal development and functioning of our body. It is an important vegetable source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
It also contains potassium and is low in sodium (if it doesn’t have added salt). It is also rich in phosphorus, potassium, zinc and magnesium; It has B vitamins, thiamine, niacin, vitamin E, among others, which makes peanuts a natural multivitamin.
Have a high fiber contentan ideal condition to help in the function of intestinal transit and generate a feeling of satiety, avoiding large intakes of other foods with less healthy fat content.
healthy fats
Although peanuts provide good quality fat and also its flavor may please many people, each gram provides 9 calories. So you have to be careful with the portions.
Peanuts naturally do not contain trans fats, sugar, or sodium. On the contrary, the fats that peanuts contain are mostly monounsaturated (the type of healthy fats found in olive oil) and polyunsaturated (Omega type fats: 3, 6 and 9). These types of fats are beneficial for the cardiovascular system and provide energy to daily requirements.
protein
Peanuts contain 25% of their nutritional value in protein, the highest concentration of all vegetables. It is important to mention that, unlike animal proteins such as meat, eggs and dairy, peanut proteins are not complete proteins because they do not contain all the essential amino acids for the human diet.
It is advisable to supplement the consumption of peanuts with other protein sources so that the missing amino acids for the diet are supplied. Peanut proteins are slow to digest, which makes it an ideal companion for long-term hiking, mountaineering or sports.
Fiber
The rich natural fiber content in peanuts makes it an especially healthy food for the heart and digestive system. The consumption of foods rich in fiber decreases the risks of developing heart or colon diseases. Dietary fiber helps lower blood cholesterol levels and slows down digestion, helping the body regulate sugar and also lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Peanut Benefits: Aphrodisiac
In the Peruvian culture, main peanut growers, it is given an aphrodisiac value. This may be due to its important content of nutrients and essential fatty acids that are precursors of hormonal production. Peanuts are especially rich in Zinc, a mineral found in cells throughout the body and necessary for numerous metabolic processes, especially during sexual activity.
The high energy content of peanuts helps reduce the feeling of weakness, tiredness and apathy.
peanuts and alcohol
The effect of peanuts on digestion causes the level of alcohol in the blood to decrease and therefore also its effects. Consuming some moderate amount of peanuts before drinking allows for greater stamina and may even (to some extent) prevent a hangover.
Keep in mind that both alcohol and peanuts should be consumed in moderation, the former due to its effects on the nervous system and the latter due to its high caloric content (generally spirits also provide a significant number of calories).
For this reason it is common to find free peanuts in bars. The greater the client’s resistance, the more likely it is that the consumption of liquor will continue.
Peanut Benefits: So is it safe to eat peanuts every day?
The short answer is yes.
By eating peanuts daily you get great health benefits. Peanuts are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
peanut allergy
However, and despite its benefits, a scope must be made, and there are many people who have severe complications when consuming peanuts.
Symptoms
An allergic reaction to peanuts occurs within minutes of exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms may include:
- runny nose
- skin reactions, such as hives, redness, or swelling
- Pitching and tingling sensation in and around the mouth and throat
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting
- throat tightness
- Lack of breathlessness or wheezing
- Anaphylaxis: A potentially fatal reaction
Peanut allergy is the cause most common form of food-induced anaphylaxisa medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection such as EpiPen, Symjepi, and others, and a visit to the emergency room.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include the following:
- narrowing of the airways
- Swollen throat that makes it hard to breathe
- A marked drop in blood pressure (shock)
- rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness
- When should you see a doctor?
Causes
Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful. Direct or indirect contact with peanuts causes the immune system to release symptom-causing chemicals into the bloodstream.
Peanut exposure can occur in a variety of ways:
- Direct contact. The most common cause of peanut allergy is eating peanuts or foods that contain peanuts. Sometimes direct skin contact with peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Cross contact. It is the unintentional introduction of peanuts to a product. It is usually the result of a food being exposed to peanuts during processing or handling.
- Inhalation. An allergic reaction can be caused by inhaling peanut-containing dust or spray from a source such as peanut flour or peanut oil spray.
Risk factor’s
It’s not clear why some people get allergies and others don’t. However, people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop a peanut allergy.
Here are some risk factors for peanut allergy:
- Age. Food allergies are more common in children, especially infants and young children. With growth, the digestive tract matures and the body is less likely to react to foods that trigger allergies.
- Peanut allergy in the past. Some children with a peanut allergy outgrow it. However, even if it seems like you’ve outgrown your peanut allergy, it can come back.
- Other allergies. If you’re already allergic to one food, you may be at higher risk of developing an allergy to another food. Also, having other types of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), increases the risk of food allergies.
- Family members with allergies. You’re at higher risk of peanut allergies if other allergies, especially other types of food allergies, run in your family.
- Atopic dermatitis. Some people who have the skin disease atopic dermatitis (eczema) also have a food allergy.
- Although some people believe that food allergies are related to childhood hyperactivity and arthritisthere is no evidence that this is the case.