6 health benefits of munching peanuts as a snack

Munching on peanuts is a feeling in South Africa. Readily available for snacking, peanuts are an important ingredient in cuisines. They are boiled, toasted, consumed as a tea time snack often.

However, these little legumes are brimming with numerous health advantages. Peanuts are rich in protein, fat, and several beneficial nutrients.

Here are some of the key health benefits associated with peanut consumption:

Can you lose weight by eating? Well, eat a handful of peanuts! Regular consumption of peanuts or peanut butter can help in maintaining a healthy weight. Studies indicate that people who eat peanuts at least twice a week are less prone to obesity. Eating peanut butter with bread in the morning can reduce the tendency to binge-eat later in the day.

Gorging on peanuts everyday can significantly reduce your cholesterol levels and prevent the risk of many diseases. Peanuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), especially oleic acid, which help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels. This can prevent coronary artery disease and reduce stroke risk by promoting a healthy blood lipid profile.

Don’t you wish to look younger than you really are? Turn to peanuts as they can help you age like a fine wine! Peanuts have significant amounts of Vitamin C, necessary for collagen production. Collagen helps maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity, thereby preventing wrinkles and discoloration.

Peanuts are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, mainly p-coumaric acid, which can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by limiting carcinogenic nitrosamines formation in the stomach. Peanuts are an excellent source of resveratrol, which serves a protective function against cancers and other diseases.

Resveratrol found in peanuts is believed to lower stroke risk by altering molecular mechanisms in blood vessels and boosting nitric oxide production, a vasodilator hormone. Peanuts positively impact blood sugar control and can maintain heart health. Consuming a handful of peanuts daily is advised for beneficial effects.

Peanuts are a happy snack because they can really push away the grim faces! Tryptophan in peanuts increases serotonin release, which helps fight depression. Low serotonin levels often cause depression. Peanuts offer various health benefits, making them a valuable inclusion in a regular diet.