What is useful peanuts and why you should definitely include it in your diet? Everyone's favorite raw peanuts - the benefits and harms of peanuts.

Although the peanut is called a nut, it is customary to refer to it as a legume.

This nutritious product has a high energy and biological value, therefore it is recommended for use by nutritionists.

Peanuts contain essential acids, vitamins and minerals. It is included in the diet of people with weakened immune systems. What are the benefits and harms of peanuts?

Legumes contain 53% oils. The oil is rich in glycerides of stearic, palmitic, linoleic, arachidonic, behenic acids.

proteins (37%),
globulins and glutenins (17%),
sugar (7%).

In 100 g of peanuts:

94.5% of the daily requirement of vitamin PP,
80% - biotin,
60% - folic acid,
about 41% - vitamin B1,
35% - panthenic acid,
475% - vanadium,
285% - boron,
97% - manganese,
153% - fatty acids,
400% - phytosterols.

High content of fiber (32.3%), pectin (80%).

In addition, peanuts are rich in vitamins E, C, K, potassium, silicon, magnesium.

Energy indicators (per 100 g):

proteins - 26 g;
fats - 45.2;
carbohydrates - 9.9;
calorie content - 552 kcal.

Medicinal properties

Peanuts are actively used in medicine and cosmetology, due to the following properties:

Legumes have a high content of valuable fatty acids that slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and normalize blood pressure. With regular use of peanuts, heart function improves. According to the results of numerous studies, peanuts reduce the risk of heart attacks.
The tryptophan contained in legumes is synthesized into serotonin, which is responsible for mental state. Often, one increase in the level of the hormone can bring a person out of depression and phobias.
Stearic acid contributes to the formation of brain cells and the development of the nervous system.
Vitamin PP is indicated for irritable, nervous people. It is especially useful for those who quit smoking: when the intake of nicotine from a cigarette stops, a person becomes aggressive and cannot make a decision in peace. Nicotinic acid reduces the action of stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands and strengthens the nervous system. Also, vitamin PP is necessary for the beauty of hair, skin, nails.
The consequences of stressful situations are also smoothed out by folic acid. It ensures the transmission of impulses between nerve cells, regulates the processes of the nervous system.
The biotin contained in large quantities in the nut has an insulin-like effect, lowers blood sugar levels. Biotin is also called the beauty vitamin. The component is often included in the composition of restorative masks for hair and skin.
Peanut oil contains a high content of Omega fats, so the product is used as a massage oil, in the treatment of hair and skin, and acts as an ingredient in caring hygiene products.

In addition, peanuts are rich in phytosterols - effective antioxidants. Substances stop the growth of cancer cells, protect the brain from Alzheimer's, and prevent the absorption of cholesterol.

In addition, the amount of antioxidants increases by 4 times when boiling nuts!

Unfortunately, we do not cook peanuts, as in rural areas in the southeastern United States.

The benefits of peanuts for the body of men

Peanut is useful for erectile disorders and reduced potency. The high content of magnesium in peanuts strengthens stress resistance, helps to cleanse toxins resulting from smoking and drinking alcohol, fatty foods.

Legume components are indispensable for bodybuilders - arachidonic acid supports the work of muscle tissue, promotes the regeneration of muscle fibers and regulates prostaglandin synthesis. Arginine increases strength and endurance, accelerates muscle growth.

Regular use of the product in men contributes to:

normalization of hormonal levels;
improving the quality of sexual life;
increased sperm activity and sperm formation.

Useful and harmful properties of nuts for women

Peanuts promote the production of female hormones, solve cosmetic problems: strengthen hair and nails, moisturize the skin. The depression and anxiety that modern women complain about are overcome by tryptophan, which is found in large quantities in nuts.

Separately, it is worth warning against the use of legumes during pregnancy. The nut is a strong allergen, and when a pregnant woman consumes a nut, a child may develop an individual intolerance to peanuts, milk and soy proteins.

Harmful raw nut. It is poorly digested in the intestines, and pregnant women often complain of upset stools. The danger increases if raw peanuts were stored at high humidity - larvae and mold are bred on it.

The risk of poisoning pregnant women, the development of allergies is minimized by roasting, but not eliminated.

Contraindications and harm

The harm and benefits of peanuts are balanced. Legumes are a strong allergen along with dairy products, wheat, citrus fruits. This is due to the high protein content of peanuts. Allergy manifests itself in the form of itching, peeling and even anaphylactic shock.

In addition, the walnut contains erucic acid, which is not completely excreted, but accumulates in the body, affecting the heart and liver.

Peanuts should be carefully introduced into the diet of young children, carefully monitoring the reaction. People with reduced immunity are advised to use only fried foods. Raw nuts can cause intestinal infections. When cooking, it is important to inspect it for the presence of mold and fungi, since hazardous substances do not disappear during frying.

The benefits and harms of peanuts at the same time lies in the ability to clot blood. It is undesirable to use it for varicose veins, thickening of the blood.

The use of the product is also limited for gout, arthritis and arthrosis, and obesity. For healthy people, it is permissible to use fruits of 30 g per day, for children - 10-15 nuts.

Peanut treatment

Peanut has found its application in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Healing recipes with peanuts:

Husk tincture with reduced immunity.

Remove the husk from the toasted nuts, pour 1 tsp. husks ¼ cup of vodka, insist in a dark place for 2 weeks. Take 10 drops per day.

Peanut milk for gastritis and stomach ulcers (without exacerbation).

2 tbsp. l. peanut flour pour a glass of boiling water. Consume 1/3 cup throughout the day.

Pickled Peanuts for Hypertension

400 g of raw peanuts are placed in a container of salted water and boiled for 15 minutes. To the mixture are added 5 cloves of garlic, 1 onion (rings), 1-2 chili pods, a pinch of dried marjoram and ¼ tbsp. vinegar essence. Boil the marinade for 5 minutes. After cooling, the mixture is poured into a hermetically sealed container and infused for 2 days. Consume 10 kernels in the morning and evening for 5 days.

Decoction for inflammatory diseases of the throat and cough

100 g of peanuts pour 300 ml of water, cook for 15 minutes. Consume the mixture on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals for a month.

Soothing tea for dizziness.

4 tbsp. spoons of peanut leaves are brewed in a thermos for 1 hour. The drink is consumed half an hour before bedtime, half a cup a day. You can add honey, berries to tea.

Dessert for general body recovery and cancer prevention.

Mix 100 g of peanuts with 100-150 g of honey, use the mixture 3 times a day for 2 tsp.

Night mask for hair loss.

3 art. l. peanut butter mix 2 tbsp. l. burdock, 1 egg and 2 tbsp. l. honey. The mixture is distributed over the scalp, applied to the ends of the hair. The head is wrapped in polyethylene and a towel. The mask lasts 8-10 hours and is washed off 2 times.

How to choose and store peanuts

Peanuts are sold raw, roasted, in shell. It is worth choosing it based on the goals: peeled nuts are bought for cooking, for direct consumption - in shell or salted.

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the smell of nuts - it should not be musty. High-quality peanuts are red-brown, dry, without traces of mold and fungi. A sign of spoiled grains is a dark brown color.

Nut shell without dark spots, dry and heavy. Shake it, the sound should be deaf. If a loud knock is heard, most likely the nuts are already very small due to drying during long-term storage. Wet bending shell indicates that the product was kept in a room with high humidity.

Before use, the product is washed and dried in a pan or in the oven. During heat treatment, the amount of phytosterols - strong antioxidants - increases, the benefits for the body increase, bacteria are killed.

Store peanuts in a dry, well-ventilated, cool place or in the refrigerator. Nuts previously in a sealed container. Under favorable conditions, peanuts are stored for 6-9 months. Product in thermal packaging - 1 year.

If the nuts began to taste bitter, it is better to refuse their use.

Do not buy crushed peanuts. Probably, its expiration date has expired, and sellers can mix spoiled nuts with good nuts.

When used properly, the benefits of peanuts outweigh the harms. It is better to roast and dry it, so that the taste and healing qualities of nuts increase, and harm is minimized.

We have a large range of foods in our kitchen that nutritionists classify as healthy food. However, peanuts, the harm and benefits of which are constantly discussed, are not included in this list, since they are considered a ballast product for human metabolism.

But it also brings tangible benefits. Strictly speaking, a peanut cannot be called a nut, since it is the fruit of one tropical plant and it does not appear like nuts, but in the ground, like tubers. The seeds of this plant contain a lot of protein, fats and minerals, as well as vitamins. Since everyone is already accustomed to calling peanuts a nut, they call it that.

Peanuts: harm and benefit

The composition of peanuts includes a huge amount of antioxidant substances that provide reliable protection of our cells from the influence of harmful radicals. Peanuts contain polyphenols, which determine the antioxidant properties of this product. These compounds have a similar structure to the components contained in red wine, because everyone knows that red wine is an excellent means of preventing vascular and heart diseases. The benefits of peanuts become noticeably greater if they are fried, which is why it is recommended to roast them in a pan until a golden hue is obtained before eating. The amount of antioxidants in peanuts can only be compared with pomegranate, which is the leader among all foods. Peanuts, the harm and benefits of which are constantly being discussed, can be added in small quantities to any dish, so it cannot harm either health or figure.

Peanut damage can be noted in some specific cases. For example, it belongs to allergen products, so you need to be careful when using it. The characteristic features of an allergy to it are as follows: itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, skin rashes and pain in the stomach. Another of its dangers is considered to be high caloric content, which often causes excess weight. Eating peanuts, the harm and benefits of which depend on the amount and individual characteristics of the body, is very careful.

A normal person can consume no more than 150-200 grams of nuts per day. If you exceed this rate, then after a couple of hours, bloating may begin. And because of the large amount of protein they contain, stomach pain can be felt. This will be a clear sign of overeating and the inability of the body to digest such an amount of peanuts. For better assimilation, it is necessary to divide this volume of the product into two meals, otherwise your body will not be able to perceive a large amount of peanuts.

There is also a certain time when nutritionists recommend eating peanuts - morning. At this time, it will have a positive effect on your energy level, but this should not be earlier than 9 am. Before that, you should eat an apple, banana or other fruit, and nuts are not recommended to be mixed with other foods containing protein. If you have already eaten seeds or walnuts in the morning, then peanuts will be superfluous. Such combinations are allowed at lunchtime. After six o'clock in the evening, eating peanuts is strictly prohibited. It turns out that if you follow such simple recommendations, then this food product will only benefit.

Peanuts are recommended to be used exclusively in dried form, as fried can contain a large amount of toxins. When buying dry peanuts, you need to carefully look at the nuts. It is important to buy a fresh product that is free of mold or insects. It is best to choose a product without husks, this better shows the presence of mold or fungus. Be careful - and then everything will be in order.

Peanuts are not only a tasty product, but also very healthy. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diseases of the throat and bronchi, relieve fever, eliminate dizziness. A decoction of peanuts is used to treat chronic lung diseases.

The chemical composition and benefits of peanuts for women and men

Despite the fact that peanuts are more like nuts, they still belong to legumes. It consists of 45% fat and 26% protein. It is not recommended to get involved in peanuts because of its high calorie content. In 100 g of the product 552 kcal.

Eating peanuts in reasonable doses is good for women's health. The fruits are rich in phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Peanuts contain mono- and disaccharides, antioxidants, saturated fatty acids.

To maintain health and well-being, it is enough to eat up to 10 pieces of roasted nuts per day or no more than 100 g of non-roasted nuts. If you get carried away too much, you can seriously strain your stomach and gain weight.

So, what are the benefits of peanuts for women's health:

Expands blood vessels and helps to normalize pressure during jumps;

Accelerates cell regeneration and slows down their destruction;

Activates the work of brain neurons;

Reduces cholesterol levels;

Brings blood vessels into tone;

Regulates blood sugar;

Improves intestinal microflora, cleanses the stomach of toxins;

Strengthens bones, nails, hair, teeth;

Uplifts mood, helps fight stress and depression.

The benefits of peanuts for women's health

The benefits of this product for women should be discussed separately. Women should definitely include peanuts in their diet for a number of reasons. The first and main reason is the reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health have deduced a pattern: women who regularly consume peanuts and peanut butter are much less likely to encounter benign neoplasms in the mammary glands. On the one hand, such tumors do not pose a mortal danger, but they increase the risk of developing a malignant tumor by several times.

An experiment was conducted in which several thousand girls aged 9 to 15 participated. One group regularly (at least twice a week) received peanuts and butter, the second group ate these foods from time to time or did not eat at all. A few years later, scientists concluded: the group that had peanuts in the diet had a 39% lower risk of developing breast cancer! The results are impressive and allow you to be sure that peanuts in moderation can protect women's health.

Peanuts are rich in vitamins and minerals. Manganese in its composition has a beneficial effect on the nails, skin and hair of women. They become strong and take on a healthy appearance. The manganese in peanuts is also responsible for regulating metabolism. In moderation, this product can help you shed those extra pounds.

For those who frequently color their hair and expose it to high temperatures and styling products, the good news is that peanuts contain biotin. This substance strengthens the hair at the very bulbs, making them stronger several times.

Everyone knows three periods in the life of every woman when hormones rage: adolescence, pregnancy and menopause. Substances in peanuts help to cope with these conditions and not be nervous about every occasion. Peanut strengthens the reproductive system, improves hormonal levels and prevents the female cycle from failing.

The benefits of peanuts for women's health and how to apply it

In order to maximize all the beneficial properties of peanuts, it is important to take them correctly.

Peanut tincture for raising immunity

This recipe is especially useful during periods of seasonal epidemics. To protect yourself from frequent colds, you need to take care of your immunity.

For tincture you will need:

1 tsp peanut husks;

60 ml of vodka.

How to cook:

The husk is poured with vodka, cleaned in a dark place and insisted for 2 weeks.

Then the tincture is filtered and taken. A day you need to drink no more than 7 drops of tincture. To enhance the effect of its reception, it is necessary to drink warm milk.

Peanut milk for ulcers

Success in the treatment of any disease depends both on the prescribed medications and on the use of folk methods. With diseases of the stomach and duodenum, you can take peanut milk.

What is needed for this:

Peanut kernels;

Warm boiled water.

How to cook:

First you need to turn all the kernels into flour.

Then it is mixed with warm boiled water until smooth.

The resulting milk is drunk daily. No more than 200 ml of peanut milk is allowed per day.

Important: during periods of exacerbation of these diseases, it is forbidden to use peanuts in any form!

When are peanuts bad for women and men?

First of all, you need to remember that only fresh peanuts are allowed for consumption. If it has mold on it or it smells bad, immediately throw away such a product. It may have been improperly stored or transported. Such peanuts are not only not beneficial, but can also be harmful. In such nuts, aflatoxins begin to form. Often they lead to an allergic reaction.

Peanuts are forbidden to eat with diseases such as gout, arthrosis, arthritis, varicose veins of the stomach, as well as with existing problems with the pancreas.

Excessive consumption of peanuts leads not only to obesity, but also to the development of liver diseases. Also, the bitterness from nuts, which appears due to improper storage, negatively affects the liver.

To avoid possible digestive problems, eat only shelled nuts.

The benefits of peanuts for women and how to store them properly

Even if you got a perfectly beautiful peanut, without damage and mold, with a pleasant smell, you need to know the rules for storing this product. Otherwise, you already know what it can lead to. In addition, if stored improperly, peanuts begin to release oil. It spoils not only the appearance, but also the taste of the product.

So, the rules for storing peanuts:

1. The product is stored in a container that does not allow moisture to pass through and is tightly closed. Do not store peanuts in plastic containers and plastic bags. So he will quickly lose his taste and useful qualities. If the peanuts were purchased not by weight, but in their original packaging, then they can be stored until the date indicated on it, but on condition that the integrity of the packaging is not broken.

2. To prevent mold from growing on peanuts, carefully sort and discard the debris and shells before storing them.

3. Nuts with intact shells can be stored in the freezer.

4. In crushed form, peanuts are not stored at all.

5. Do not keep peanuts in the refrigerator, as they easily absorb odors. Also, do not leave nuts on an open surface, as this will spoil the product.

6. Processed kernels are stored several times less than fresh ones in the shell.

7. Before storing peanuts, they must be heated in the oven at 50 degrees for 10 minutes. This will dry them, eliminate possible moisture. Moreover, this must be done regardless of whether the peanuts are peeled or in shell.

The benefits of peanuts for women are enormous. However, do not get carried away with it and forget about the rules of storage. Like any other product, peanuts are useful only in moderation.

The article discusses peanuts. You will learn how and where it grows, its useful properties, how to cook it and how often you can eat it. You will also find out what contraindications it has, why it should not be eaten during pregnancy, and whether peanuts can be breastfeeding.

Peanut (peanut, underground peanut) is an annual herbaceous plant of the legume family. The Latin name is Arachis hypogaea. The people consider peanuts to be one of the types of nuts, but from a scientific point of view, this is not true.

How Peanuts Grow

Peanuts are a branching plant about 50 cm high. The stems of the plant are erect with alternate leaves, each of which develops two pairs of greenish leaves. From the axils of the leaves, yellowish moth-type flowers are formed on long pedicels. After fertilization, the ovary of the flower descends and burrows into the ground, where the fruit ripens.

Peanuts are two or four seeded beans covered with a light brown shell with a cobweb pattern. The seeds have a dark red or pale pink shell that separates easily when soaked. Peanuts bear fruit in September-October.

Where does peanut grow

Peanuts are native to South America. Spanish and Portuguese colonists contributed to the spread of the peanut in Europe, Africa, India, China and the Philippines.

Today, peanuts are cultivated on an industrial scale in the southern states of the United States, in the countries of the South American continent, in Central Asia, and in the South Caucasus.

The chemical composition of peanuts

Peanut contains about 50% fatty oil, which includes the following fatty acids:

oleic;
arachidic;
tetracosane;
stearic;
palmitic;
lauric;
behenic;
myristic;
hypogeic;
cerotinic;
erucic.

In addition to fatty acids, peanuts also contain the following substances:

biotin;
pantothenic acid;
tocopherols;
vitamin D;
thiamine;
riboflavin;
a nicotinic acid;
folic acid;
amino acids;
vegetable protein;
globulins;
glycoproteins;
glycosides;
triterpene saponins;
purines;
starch;
Sahara;
manganese;
copper;
iron;
potassium;
magnesium.

Alkaloids - arachine, choline and betaine - are isolated from the pomace of peanut fruits.

calorie content of peanuts

The energy value of peanuts is approximately 567 kcal per 100 g. product.

Useful properties of peanuts

Peanuts are a highly nutritious product that has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all systems and organs. It has a powerful antioxidant effect, helps cleanse and renew body cells.

Regular consumption of peanuts reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms.

Peanuts also have the following effects:

promotes the outflow of bile;
increases concentration;
improves memory and hearing;
enhances potency;
reduces nervous excitability;
helps to cope with chronic insomnia;
restores strength after heavy physical and mental stress;
heals wounds and pustular inflammation of the skin;
prevents premature aging.

Peanuts benefit and harm

In addition to the benefits, peanuts can harm the body. Excessive consumption of peanuts can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and cause obesity.

The daily norm of unsalted peanuts for an adult is no more than 50 g. Salted peanuts can be consumed no more than 1-2 times a week for 10 g.

Application of peanut

Peanuts are primarily grown as a food product. It is used to make peanut butter, various sweet and savory snacks, and is also added to confectionery. Peanuts are consumed raw and roasted. Peanuts are also grown as a fodder crop for livestock.

Peanut oil is used for cooking various dishes and canning. In terms of nutritional properties, it is several times superior to other vegetable oils. Peanut oil is used in cosmetology. Based on it, soap and cosmetics are produced.

In folk medicine, peanuts are used to treat diseases. For the preparation of medicines, the fruits and leaves of the plant are used. With its help, dizziness, prostate adenoma, arterial hypertension, circulatory disorders, diseases of the upper respiratory tract and sinuses are treated.

Peanuts for women

Regular consumption of peanuts has the following effects on the female body:

reduces the risk of developing breast cancer;
regulates the hormonal background;
normalizes the menstrual cycle;
nourishes and restores the skin, hair and nails;
prevents early graying.

Peanuts are good as a snack or as a complete replacement for one of the meals during weight loss.

Peanuts for men

Peanuts are also beneficial for men. It is indispensable for the body with sexual dysfunction, reduced libido and low sperm activity. Peanuts also help reduce the risk of prostate adenoma, restore strength after sports, strengthen bone tissue and increase testosterone production.

Peanuts for children

Peanut helps fight hemorrhagic diathesis in children, strengthens the immune system, has a beneficial effect on the development of mental abilities and increases the endurance of a growing organism. Permissible portion of peanuts for children - no more than 10 pcs. in a day.

Peanuts during pregnancy

The main danger of peanuts during pregnancy is the risk of developing an allergic reaction in the expectant mother. Even if there was no allergy to nuts before pregnancy, they should still be discarded.

The use of peanuts and peanut-based products can provoke the development of sensitivity in a child to allergens contained in peanuts.

Is it possible to have peanuts while breastfeeding

During lactation, nuts should also be avoided. Peanuts can cause allergies, bloating and colic in a child.

How to peel peanuts

In order to quickly peel roasted peanuts from the husk, follow the instructions:

Cool the peanuts after roasting.
Place it in a fine-mesh vegetable net, then thoroughly mix the nuts in it.
If there is no such grid, then use a clean kitchen towel.
Fold the edges of the towel over to form a roll.
Put it on the table and remember the bundle as when kneading dough from different sides.
After such manipulations, the husk completely moves away from the nuclei.
Unroll the towel and select the peanut kernels.

In order to peel raw peanuts from the husk, it is enough to soak it in boiled water at room temperature for a while, and then gently grind the kernels between the palms.

How to roast peanuts

There are two ways to fry peanuts at home - in the oven or in a pan. Before frying, be sure to wash the peanuts, clean them of rotten and darkened kernels and dry them.

Peanuts in a pan are fried for 10-15 minutes, constantly stirring with a wooden spatula. In the oven, peanuts are cooked at a temperature of 180 degrees for about 10 minutes.

You can also cook shelled peanuts in the oven. So it will retain more nutrients. It takes at least 20 minutes to prepare.

Peanut paste

You can make your own delicious and nutritious peanut butter at home. They prepare toasts and sandwiches for breakfast with it, use it for making confectionery products, add it as a filling to vegetable rolls and prepare various sauces based on it.

You will need:

peanuts - 450 g;
salt - 4-5 g;
vegetable oil - 17 g;
natural honey (optional) - 10 g.

How to cook:

Rinse, peel and dry the peanuts.
Place it on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the oven at 180 degrees for 5 minutes.
Grind roasted peanuts in a blender for 1 minute.
Add honey, oil and salt to it and turn on the blender again for 2 minutes.
If the paste is too thick, then dilute it with warm boiled water to the desired consistency.
Store the finished pasta in a tightly closed glass jar in the refrigerator.

Peanut butter is very high in calories, so you should not eat more than 1 tablespoon per day.

Allergy to peanuts

In the 1990s, peanut allergy became a serious medical problem in English-speaking countries, and scientists have not yet identified the exact cause of this allergic reaction.

Peanuts should be discarded if symptoms appear during its use:

redness of the skin;
swelling of the lips, tongue and sinuses;
nasal congestion;
tearing;
stomach ache;
nausea;
dizziness.

If you experience allergy symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Ignoring symptoms can lead to angioedema or anaphylactic shock. Be careful!

Contraindications and restrictions

Peanuts have the following contraindications and restrictions in use:

nut allergy;
obesity;
arthritis;
intestinal disorders;
pregnancy and lactation;
age up to 3 years.

Growing peanuts outdoors

In central Russia, peanuts are grown in seedlings. To do this, in April, pre-soaked seeds are planted in seedlings. When the soil temperature warms up to 15 degrees, peanut sprouts are planted under film shelters.

Peanut flowers bloom for one day, so during this time they must be pollinated. After fertilization, the pedicels descend to the ground, and they must be sprinkled with earth. Peanut blossoms in June - July.

Top dressing, watering and loosening are carried out until the end of flowering. During the period of fruit ripening, the plant must be periodically hilled and watered only during severe drought.

Where could I buy

You can find raw peanut kernels at most major supermarkets or online grocery stores. The price of nuts depends on the variety and country of origin. On average, 1 kg of shelled raw peanuts costs about 200 rubles.

Peanuts are a product that is unique in its properties. Its other name - peanut - is due to the peculiarities of ripening: with the growth of the ovary, the fruits are immersed in the soil and fully ripen inside it.

In total, there are more than 70 species of plants, but the most common is the "cultivated peanut", the fruits of which we love so much. Nuts and the oil obtained from them have been widely used since ancient times. And although we are accustomed to consider peanuts a nut, it belongs to legumes.

If you get acquainted with the chemical composition of peanuts, it immediately becomes clear why they are so popular among culinary specialists and adherents of a healthy lifestyle.

First of all, it should be noted the high nutritional value of the fruit. Exactly 50% are fats. About a third is occupied by proteins. A lot is found in fruits and carbohydrates. A small but important part comes from healthy dietary fiber. Water and ash substances are allocated a little less, but they are also present in peanuts.

The product is rich in useful amino acids (AA): 12 essential and 8 non-essential. 100 g contains almost the full daily norm of AK, necessary for a person.

There are also enough vitamins in peanuts, such as PP and representatives of group B. Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus can be found from macroelements, and iron from microelements.

In peanuts, with their sufficiently high calorie content, there is practically no cholesterol. Vegetarians often use peanuts and peanut butter as a decent protein alternative to meat products. This is a good way to provide the body with proteins for people who do not eat animal food, although there are contraindications for allergy sufferers.

What is useful

Key properties of peanuts:

helps to smooth wrinkles on the skin, which is very important for women;
reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood;
reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
prevents stress, which in our time is subject to most men and women;
improves memory, increases concentration.

Regular but moderate consumption of peanuts has a positive effect on human health. This is a proven fact, confirmed by numerous medical studies. If you include peanuts (raw or roasted) in your diet on a regular basis, then the first positive results can be seen after a few months.

Experiments show that peanuts are effective in preventing cancer. Moreover, its use helps to slow down the development of cancerous tumors.
Effective peanuts and in the fight against infertility. Regular consumption of fruits can normalize the functions of the reproductive organs, both in men and women.
This type of nuts is useful in the treatment of many other ailments. For example, if you or your child suffers from a long-term dry cough, include rice porridge with peanuts in your diet on a regular basis: this healthy nutritional mixture will eliminate unpleasant symptoms in a fairly short period of time.
Peanuts are also used in the treatment of stomach diseases, although here you need to be especially careful. This product is quite heavy to digest, so eaten in large quantities it can cause disturbances in the pancreas and liver.
It has choleretic properties, which are also often used in various traditional medicine recipes.
For men, peanuts can be an excellent prophylactic against urolithiasis.
Peanuts contain optimal levels of magnesium, which helps detoxify the body, promotes energy production, and protects against stress. The combination of the same magnesium with calcium and fluorine makes the bones stronger.
Methionine is also found in peanuts. This compound carries out the synthesis of adrenaline and the regulation of fat accumulation in the human liver.
Mandatory is the use of peanuts for those men who pump up muscles.

Combination with other products

In addition to all these useful properties, peanuts are also very tasty. It can be used both separately and in combination with other products as part of various dishes.

In cooking, there are hundreds of different recipes that can use peanuts and peanut butter. In particular, roasted peanuts go great with zucchini and meat. And how not to remember, without which it is difficult to imagine breakfast in the average American family.

Peanut oil is widely used in folk medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Women who keep their finger on the pulse of cosmetic innovations know that such oil is added to the composition of many modern skin and hair care products.

Its cosmetic properties are often compared with. In the manufacture of a quality product, technologies are used to preserve most of the useful ingredients during processing.

Harm and list of contraindications

Everyone knows that any, even the most useful food product can cause negative consequences for the body, if you eat it in unlimited quantities. This fully applies to peanuts.

Currently known contraindications:

These nuts are very high in calories, so people who are overweight should not get carried away with them. For women on a diet, snacking on peanuts is not the best idea.
It is not recommended to use peanuts for inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis, arthrosis or gout.
The reddish skin of peanuts is a strong allergen, so many nutritionists advise eating an already peeled product. But this will not save you from an allergic reaction if you suffer from an individual intolerance. The consequences can be the most severe - up to anaphylactic shock. In addition, other substances contained in peanuts - proteins or fatty amino acids - can cause a latent allergic reaction.

When making a purchase, you need to monitor the quality of peanuts. Raw, stale, or moldy nuts can lead to digestive problems, indigestion, or poisoning. And if stored improperly (for example, in warehouses with high humidity), a mold fungus may appear on the surface, which, when it enters the human body, releases harmful toxins.

Roasted peanuts are easy to remove. It is enough to “roll” the nut between two fingers so that the dried skin “flies off” from it. Moreover, even in this form, nuts retain their beneficial properties and at the same time acquire a more pleasant dessert taste.