10 Interesting Benefits of Peanuts: Uses & Side Effects

2022-04-18 00:00:00

Peanuts, commonly known as mungfali, are an excellent plant-based source of protein.These are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutritional compounds. Its scientific name is Arachis hypogaea. Many people consider peanuts as nuts whereas Peanuts are actually legumes because they grow underground (unlike walnuts and almonds, which grow on trees). In India, peanuts are so common that they are eaten as evening snacks in many households and have different regional names. People call it ‘Pallelu’ in ‘Andhra pradesh (Telugu)’, ‘Kadalai’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Singdana’ in Gujarat region and Shengdana in Maharashtra.

Importance of Peanuts in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, bones and joints are the locations of Vata in the body. Joint pain is mainly caused by Vata imbalance. Applying Peanut oil helps relieve joint pain due to its Vata balancing properties. It also gives strength to the joints due to its Snigdha (oily) properties.

Benefits of Peanuts

Fights stomach cancer-

Polyphenols (antioxidants) are found in high concentrations in peanuts. It has the ability to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the production of cancer causing nitrous-amines.

Promotes weight loss-

It is one of the favourite foods for weight loss as peanuts are high in healthy monounsaturated fat and rich in nutrients. If you eat peanut butter with a slice of bread every morning, you are less likely to gain weight.

Reduces depression-

Insufficient secretion of serotonin by nerve cells in the brain is responsible for the development of depression. Peanuts contain an amino acid called tryptophan which helps in releasing serotonin and fights depression.

Reduces joints pain-

According to ayurveda science, vata dosha situated in bones and joints get vitiated which further hampers the functioning of the joints and bones leading to pain in the body. Applying lukewarm peanut oil nourishes the joint or bone in order to regain their proper functioning. Peanut oil has Snigdha guna (oily and nourishing properties) to pacify the vitiated vata dosha which helps in reducing the pain and improves the flexibility of the affected joint.

Boosts energy and strengthen bones-

Peanuts are an instantsource of energy and provide your body with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The abundance of iron and calcium found in peanuts are the most important factor in transporting oxygen to the blood and promoting strong bones.

Good source of vitamin B-

Peanuts are a healthy snack which contains healthy monounsaturated fats, a good source of vitamin Bwhich helps in improving metabolism at cellular level and maintaining good mental health.

Provides clear skin-

Toxins can cause rashes and excess oil on the skin. The high fiber content in peanuts helps flush out excess toxins, leaving your skin clean and flawless.

Regulates blood sugar-

Manganese in peanuts helps absorb calcium, fat metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels.

Prevents hair loss-

Peanuts contain vitamin C, which supports the production of collagen, which holds our hair tissues together. These contain L-arginine, which is used to treat male pattern baldness, while omega-3 fatty acids strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Improves memory-

Peanuts contain vitamin B3, or niacin which improves brain functioning and improves memory. These also contain a flavonoid called resveratrol, which helps in increasing blood flow to the brain by up to 30%.

Reduces signs of ageing-

Peanuts contain vitamin C and vitamin E, which can help prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles, blemishes and fine lines.

Side Effects of Eating too Many Peanuts

Eating too many peanuts can interfere with mineral absorption, and if you buy salted peanuts, you are consuming a lot of sodium.

Here are the side effects of eating too many peanuts:

• Weight gain
• Nutritional deficiency
• Mineral absorption issues
• High blood pressure
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Chest burn

Where Peanuts are grown?

Peanuts are grown inIndia, Nigeria, China, Sudan, Burma, Argentina and Senegal. In India, these are found inAndhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.