Health Benefits of Groundnut | Peanut

Groundnut

Today we are going to talk about the most consumed dry fruit of all time, we are going to talk about groundnut. We know this popular legume by so many different names like monkey nut, earthnut, goober, pindar, but the most popular name is a peanut. It is widely grown in tropics and subtropics.

Peanut belongs to the Fabaceae family and is taxonomically classified as Arachis hypogaea. It is not considered as a nut. When we look botanically, groundnut is actually a legume which grows underground. Groundnut belongs to the same family as beans and peas. It is an edible seed which is enclosed by a pod.

Advantages of Groundnut

Groundnut or peanut contains symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. It needs less nitrogen-containing fertilizers as it has this ability to fix nitrogen. Peanut also makes the soil fertility better by increasing the general nitrogen content of the soil and also increases the yield of peanut.

It is the cheapest and affordable dry fruit as it is widely grown. Peanut has many health benefits and does not affect much to our wallets. It is also very delicious and can be consumed in different ways like roasted peanuts, salted peanuts as well as in the form of butter ( most popular peanut butter).

 Nutritional Properties of Groundnut

Groundnut is as healthy as it is popular. They are very rich in protein and they are an excellent amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Peanut also contains antioxidants and polyphenols.  They also contain a large amount of 20 amino acids. These compounds help in preventing diseases and give long life.

Arginine, the most abundant compound in peanut, helps to stimulate the immune system. It promotes heart health by controlling cholesterol levels and the antioxidants cut down the risk of cancer.

They can reduce the risk of heart-related diseases. It can cut the risk of stroke. They can aid diabetes treatment and also display protective effects against cancer and many other diseases.

Groundnut is a powerhouse of nutrients.

Groundnut Improves Heart Health

According to the researches, people who consume peanuts regularly are less likely to die from cardiac (or heart) diseases. Although peanuts contain a very high amount of calories, they are rich in nutrients and contain very less amount of carbohydrate.

It decreases bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol directs to the formation of plaque in the blood vessels. They also lower down the inflammation which is one of the reasons for heart diseases.

Groundnuts produce resveratrol  (a type of natural phenol which is produced by many plants to respond to injury and to protect themselves from pathogenic attack) which helps to fight several heart diseases.

Consumption of peanuts on a regular basis also decreases triglycerides (which is a major contributor in the body fat in humans and other vertebrates and as well as in vegetable fat) which leads to the promotion of heart health.

Peanut also increases the level of good cholesterol and gives us a longer life.

Groundnut Lower Downs the Blood Sugar Level

Glycemic load tells us how a specific food will react to the sugar level of our body. The glycemic load of groundnut is just 1, which is very low. That means that groundnut does not raise the level of sugar in our body. Peanut can help in stabilizing sugar level if it is taken with the food containing the high glycemic load.

Intake of peanut or peanut butter in a high amount can decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

Groundnuts also contain magnesium and potassium in a good amount which does not affect blood glucose level and helps in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Having peanut or peanut butter early in the morning may stabilize blood sugar level throughout the whole day.

Groundnut Can Prevent Cancer

Phenolic acid in groundnut can cut cancer risks. It can also reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Groundnuts can also help in preventing gastric and esophageal cancers.  High consumption of groundnut is also related to the reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Also Read: How to grow Peanut

Peanut may Boost Hair Growth

The research on this topic is very less. Groundnut is very rich in protein which is a good supplement to a diet for hair growth.

Peanut is full of various nutrients which are good for our health in different ways.

Groundnut does not affect hair fall.

Conclusion

Groundnut or peanut is a very nutritional food which can be consumed in different ways. A handful of peanut every day is enough to pump up your energy and is a great way to start your day.

Here at gardeninfograph we try to bring in front of you many relatable topics that are can add up to a healthy diet in your homes to keep your family and friends healthy. Some topics that we have covered are coffee, fennel, Fig fruit, garlic, cauliflower, parsley, dragon fruit, giloy, edible flowers, cardamom, black pepper, kiwi, rambutan, olive