Facts About Peanuts, Serving Sizes, Nutritional Benefits and Health Risks

The Inspirer.

The peanut, also known as the groundnut, goober (US), pindar (US), or monkey nut (UK), and taxonomically classified as Arachis hypogaea, is a legume crop grown mainly for its edible seeds. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics, being important to both small and large commercial producers.

Nutritional benefits

Peanuts may help to ensure the repair and building up of body tissues, as well as other protein functions in the body. Peanuts are legumes with a high protein content having about 25 grams of protein are 100 grams.

Peanuts may help to maintain cardiovascular health owing to their rich contents of unsaturated fatty acids.

Possible side effects

Peanut is a very common cause of allergic reactions. Individuals prone to allergy must take peanuts with caution.

Peanuts are also prone to being contaminated with aflatoxins which are very lethal. They may also contain other nutrient inhibitors such as phytate. Peanuts must be thoroughly cooked and stored to avoid contamination.

Fat in peanuts

According to scientific reality, Peanuts are high in fat. They are classified as oilseeds. A large proportion of the world’s peanut harvest is used for making peanut oil (arachis oil). (www.healthline.com)

The fat content ranges from 44–56% and mainly consists of mono- and polyunsaturated fat, most of which is made up of oleic and linoleic acids.

Quantity recommendations

A serving of peanut is about 30 grams of roasted edible portion. About two to three servings of legumes and nuts may be consumed daily according to the food guide pyramid. However, diet diversity must be ensured.