health benefits of peanuts

Peanuts are a delicious and convenient legume with an array of health benefits. Adding a few handfuls of peanuts to your weekly diet can greatly improve well-being and decrease your risk for developing serious ailments.

Researcher Frank B. Hu found that 2 4 weekly servings of peanuts might reduce a person's risk of developing heart disease by forty percent. Another study by Rui Jiang in 2002 found that five weekly servings of peanut butter might reduce risk of developing Type II Diabetes by twenty one percent. The health benefits of regular peanut consumption are endless considering the many nutrients they pack.

People typically try to avoid eating nuts because they consider them a fatty food. However, peanuts are full of mono-unsaturated fats, which are beneficial to health. Mono-unsaturated fats are "good fats" in that they decrease risk of cardiovascular disease and lower the noxious LDL's responsible for transporting cholesterol to the arteries.

Diets consisting of "good fats" control weight better than low fat diets, thus making peanuts a great source for weight management.

Peanuts are a significant source of Niacin, a water-soluble vitamin, which provides many health benefits. Niacin assists the body in the stabilization of blood sugar, metabolism of fat, lowering cholesterol, energy production and cellular support. This vitamin prevents decline in cognitive function and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease while Folic Acid, also found in peanuts, helps reduce the onset of dementia.

The powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol, is in peanuts along with red grapes and red wine. Peanuts are close in competition to some of the top sources of antioxidants, such as berries. Resveratrol decreases risk of stroke by improving circulation and blood flow to the brain. Roasting peanuts increases their antioxidant output by twenty two percent.

The high quantities of protein found in peanuts will improve the health and appearance of your hair, skin and nails. There are many misconceptions about the benefits of protein, such as their use for building muscle, but they are the building blocks of life. All systems of the body utilize proteins for structure and adequate intake of peanuts will increase ability of the immune system.

Minerals, such as manganese and copper, are important nutrients found in peanuts. Copper plays a vital role in assistance to enzymes, yet American intake is generally low. Both copper and manganese promote strong and healthy bone structure. Manganese promotes blood sugar stabilization and improved thyroid function.

Peanuts are a simple addition to the diet for increased health benefits, unless there is an allergy. They are available in many varieties to suit your taste and compliment many meals. Increasing peanuts into your meals is easy as using peanut butter as a spread for breakfast and lunch or a handful to snack on during breaks. Whichever way you choose to incorporate them, the health benefits will be everlasting.