Peanuts are an annual low herbaceous plant of the legume family, growing in countries with a warm and humid climate.

A peanut flower on a long pedicel emerges from an axil at the base of the leaf petiole attached to the stem. The yellow peanut flower blooms for only one day. After pollination, an ovary is formed, and a long pedicel begins to gradually descend to the ground. The ovary of the future fruit reaches the soil and burrows into the ground. This is where the peanuts ripen.

Peanuts also have other flowers - underground, small, at the top of the main root. Self-pollination also takes place underground. Peanut pods also develop from underground flowers at a depth of 10-20 cm. They look like thick-walled pods of peas, light brown in color, inside there are several yellowish grains covered with a thin red or pink skin.

South America is considered the birthplace of peanuts, although many argue that it was Africa, it is cultivated in India, China, Africa, and in the south of the United States. During excavations in one of the parts of Peru, graves were discovered, after excavating which scientists found a peanut - a peanut. He was already thousands of years old. In addition to the nut itself, there were dishes decorated with its image. Therefore, they decided that South America is the birthplace of peanuts. From there he went to Africa, and then to the USA. It is also cultivated in India and China.

More than 450,000 tons are grown annually in the USA. peanuts, and a crop of almost 400,000 hectares is fed to pigs.

The main use of nuts is to obtain an oil that is superior to many vegetable oils; it is also used to make high quality margarine and chocolate.

When buying peanuts, pay attention to their appearance and smell. Choose evenly colored grains, without streaks and stains. Mold fungus, which sometimes settles on the surface of peanuts (during storage in places of high humidity), releases toxins that, when they enter the human body, can affect any weakened organ.

calorie content of peanuts

A product with a high content of fats and proteins, its calorie content is 552 kcal per 100 g. In dried peanuts - 611 kcal per 100 g. And the calorie content of peanut butter is 884 kcal. Excessive consumption of peanuts can cause obesity.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of peanuts

It contains more than 35% of proteins and about 50% of fats, cholesterol is completely absent.

Peanut proteins are characterized by an optimal ratio of amino acids, and therefore they are well absorbed by the human body, and the fats in it have a slight choleretic effect and are useful for peptic ulcers and gastritis. The use of peanuts improves memory and attention, hearing, increases potency, normalizes the function of the nervous system, heart, liver and other internal organs. Also, do not forget that folic acid promotes cell renewal.

As a result of research conducted by American scientists, they found that peanuts contain a lot of antioxidants - substances that protect body cells from the effects of harmful free radicals.

The maximum antioxidant properties in peanuts are polyphenols - compounds very similar in chemical composition to the antioxidant components of red wine. It is these components that serve to prevent heart disease, ischemia, blood vessels, atherosclerosis, early aging, and also from the formation of malignant tumors.

By the way, roasted peanuts contain 25% more polyphenols than raw ones. When comparing the antioxidant effect of peanuts with other products, it turned out that it is on a par with blackberries and strawberries, and is second only to pomegranate, which contains the most antioxidant substances.

Peanut rich in vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin B1 - 49.3%, vitamin B5 - 35.3%, vitamin B6 - 17.4%, vitamin B9 - 60%, vitamin E - 67.3%, vitamin H - 80 %, vitamin PP - 94.5%, potassium - 26.3%, silicon - 266.7%, magnesium - 45.5%, phosphorus - 43.8%, iron - 27.8%, cobalt - 67.5 %, manganese - 96.7%, copper - 114.4%, molybdenum - 16.6%, selenium - 13.1%, chromium - 19.4%, zinc - 27.3%

Benefits of Peanuts

• Vitamin B1 is part of the most important enzymes of carbohydrate and energy metabolism, providing the body with energy and plastic substances, as well as the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. The lack of this vitamin leads to serious disorders of the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems.
• Vitamin B5 participates in protein, fat, carbohydrate metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, the synthesis of a number of hormones, hemoglobin, promotes the absorption of amino acids and sugars in the intestine, supports the function of the adrenal cortex. A lack of pantothenic acid can lead to damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Vitamin B6 participates in the maintenance of the immune response, the processes of inhibition and excitation in the central nervous system, in the transformation of amino acids, the metabolism of tryptophan, lipids and nucleic acids, contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells, maintaining a normal level of homocysteine ​​in the blood. Inadequate intake of vitamin B6 is accompanied by a decrease in appetite, a violation of the condition of the skin, the development of homocysteinemia, anemia.
• Vitamin B9 as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of nucleic and amino acids. Folate deficiency leads to a disruption in the synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, resulting in inhibition of cell growth and division, especially in rapidly proliferating tissues: bone marrow, intestinal epithelium, etc. Insufficient folate intake during pregnancy is one of the causes of prematurity, malnutrition, and congenital deformities and developmental disorders of the child. A strong relationship was shown between the level of folate, homocysteine ​​and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, is necessary for the functioning of the gonads, the heart muscle, is a universal stabilizer of cell membranes. With a deficiency of vitamin E, hemolysis of erythrocytes and neurological disorders are observed.
• Vitamin H participates in the synthesis of fats, glycogen, amino acid metabolism. Insufficient intake of this vitamin can lead to disruption of the normal condition of the skin.
• Vitamin PP participates in redox reactions of energy metabolism. Inadequate vitamin intake is accompanied by a violation of the normal state of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
• Potassium is the main intracellular ion involved in the regulation of water, acid and electrolyte balance, is involved in the processes of nerve impulses, pressure regulation.
• Silicon is included as a structural component in the composition of glycosaminoglycans and stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
• Magnesium participates in energy metabolism, synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, has a stabilizing effect on membranes, is necessary to maintain homeostasis of calcium, potassium and sodium. Lack of magnesium leads to hypomagnesemia, increased risk of developing hypertension, heart disease.
• Phosphorus takes part in many physiological processes, including energy metabolism, regulates acid-base balance, is part of phospholipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids, is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth. Deficiency leads to anorexia, anemia, rickets.
• Iron is a part of proteins of various functions, including enzymes. Participates in the transport of electrons, oxygen, ensures the occurrence of redox reactions and activation of peroxidation. Insufficient consumption leads to hypochromic anemia, myoglobin deficiency atony of skeletal muscles, increased fatigue, myocardiopathy, atrophic gastritis.
• Cobalt is part of vitamin B12. Activates the enzymes of fatty acid metabolism and folic acid metabolism.
• Manganese participates in the formation of bone and connective tissue, is part of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, catecholamines; necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol and nucleotides. Insufficient consumption is accompanied by growth retardation, disorders in the reproductive system, increased fragility of bone tissue, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Copper is part of the enzymes that have redox activity and are involved in the metabolism of iron, stimulates the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Participates in the processes of providing tissues of the human body with oxygen. Deficiency is manifested by violations of the formation of the cardiovascular system and skeleton, the development of connective tissue dysplasia.
• Molybdenum is a cofactor of many enzymes that provide the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, purines and pyrimidines.
• Selenium- an essential element of the antioxidant defense system of the human body, has an immunomodulatory effect, participates in the regulation of the action of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to Kashin-Bek's disease (osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and limbs), Keshan's disease (endemic myocardiopathy), and hereditary thrombasthenia.
• Chromium participates in the regulation of blood glucose levels, enhancing the action of insulin. Deficiency leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
• Zinc is part of more than 300 enzymes, is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids and in the regulation of the expression of a number of genes. Insufficient intake leads to anemia, secondary immunodeficiency, liver cirrhosis, sexual dysfunction, and fetal malformations. Recent studies have revealed the ability of high doses of zinc to disrupt the absorption of copper and thereby contribute to the development of anemia.

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A complete guide to the most useful products you can see in the application

Many of us love to eat nuts. It is tasty and satisfying, it is an excellent means for a snack, an interesting touch to the main dishes, emphasizing their taste, they are served with light alcohol, for example, beer and even champagne. But do we ever wonder how useful certain nuts are?

Peanuts are usually called groundnuts. In fact, this is not a nut, but a legume. This product is native to the foothills of the Bolivian Andes of South America. Back in the 16th century, it was brought there by the Portuguese from India and China. Therefore, the third name of this product is Chinese nut. In Russia, the walnut gained popularity only in the 18th century. Different in shape and color, they are enclosed inside the bean and have a pleasant taste.

What is useful peanuts

All lovers of peanuts, first of all, are concerned about the usefulness of this product for humans. In fact, the beneficial properties of peanuts are beyond doubt. First of all, it is necessary to say about the antioxidant properties of this product. It slows down the processes of premature aging. And this is the answer to the question of how peanuts are useful for women. Moreover, it is a prophylactic against the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and the appearance of malignant tumors.

Chinese nuts contain a lot of protein, which makes them especially satisfying. The protein from this product is perfectly digestible due to the presence of all the necessary amino acids.

Peanut acts as a choleretic agent, has a positive effect on the urogenital area, improves attention, hearing, and vision. It is recommended to eat Chinese nuts in case of depression, increased fatigue.
Peanut fans are interested in the benefits of roasted peanuts. Of course, during heat treatment, it loses some of its beneficial properties, but its calorie content, satiety, that is, the amount of useful proteins remains unchanged.

Can you eat raw peanuts

Peanuts without heat treatment must be used with caution. It can harm the digestive tract. Such nuts are much more likely to cause allergic reactions, so you need to feast on them in small quantities.

Nutritional value of peanuts

Peanuts are very high in calories. There are 535.4 Cal in 100 grams of the product. The nut is rich in healthy fats, as it belongs to legumes, these are not just fats, but perfectly digestible. It is a valuable oilseed crop processed into oil.

Ground peanuts contain approximately 8 percent fiber, which in itself is not of nutritional value, but is a necessary enzyme for digestion. Due to it, toxins are removed from the body, excess water and salts, bad cholesterol.

Composition of peanut

The chemical composition of peanuts includes a greater number of useful elements. Advantages:

• does not contain cholesterol
• negligible sodium concentration
• small dose of sugar
• a lot of manganese
• high inclusion of vitamin B3

What vitamins are in peanuts

The peanut gained great popularity not only due to its taste properties, but also because of its usefulness. Vitamins in peanuts are presented in all their diversity. This is Ca, and Na, and Zn, and P, and K, and many others. For example, B vitamins - riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, folic and pantothenic acids, choline and niacin. The peanut also contains iron, which prevents the occurrence of anemia, iodine, which is required for metabolism and adequate brain function, potassium, which removes toxins, and selenium, which slows down the aging process.

Peanuts (peanuts) - legumes ... Strange, but true. This is especially difficult for people who have never eaten fresh or even raw soaked peanuts, which have a distinct bean flavor.

On the other hand, the chemical composition of peanuts is quite similar to that of nuts. After all, peanut kernels contain at least 45% fat and more than 25% protein. Which is approximately equal to the content of fats and proteins in cashew nuts. Of course, in other nuts, the ratio of fats and proteins is somewhat different, but in legumes everything is completely different (the proportion of fats rarely exceeds the 3 percent mark).

Be that as it may, peanuts have firmly entered the lives of millions of people. And our task is to finally figure out whether this “bean nut” is useful for human health or is it harmful. For recently, very often something has begun to be said about the exceptionally harmful properties of peanuts.

Naturally, the truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. But let's take a closer look at this product...

The chemical composition of peanuts

Peanuts: useful properties

Before we start talking about the health benefits of peanuts, we need to identify the stakeholders who funded research on this product. These are mainly companies that produce food products like peanut butter, snickers, roasted nuts for beer, etc. Therefore, in our opinion, one should be very careful about the conclusions of researchers who have studied peanuts.

Moreover, all the beneficial properties of peanuts described below apply only to small portions of this product - up to 10 "nuts" per day. If you eat more, you will get not good, but harm. Keep this in mind when you read about the wonderful healing properties of peanuts and imagine mountains of this affordable roasted delicacy, while feeling a pleasant, rich, salty taste in your mouth ...

So, according to scientists working in the Florida State University Research Laboratory, peanuts are capable of the following feats:

• Peanut dilates blood vessels, which means it will be useful for people suffering from surges in blood pressure.
• With regular use, peanuts reduce the rate of cell destruction and also promote their regeneration, but this does not apply to cancer cells, which are ruthlessly destroyed by the antioxidants contained in this product.
• This “bean nut” activates the neurons of the brain, making it work more productively (think of snickers advertising, as well as research customers)
• Peanuts are an excellent tool for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, since the active substances in its composition relieve the human body of bad cholesterol and increase vascular tone.
• Like all legumes, peanuts normalize blood sugar levels.
• Due to the presence of tryptophan, peanuts have a “laughing” effect, more precisely, they are able to suppress depression, because tryptophan is a raw material for serotonin (a hormone responsible for a person’s good mood)
• Moreover, this product regulates the hormonal balance of the whole organism, thanks to which even infertility is treated in men and women.
• The abundance of fiber, which is part of the peanut, helps to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of toxins, as well as maintain normal microflora in the small intestine

In addition, peanuts are useful for bodybuilders and weightlifters, as they contain a lot of protein, which is a building material for muscles.

It is curious that, according to the same scientists, the most useful is not raw peanuts, but boiled ones. For in it the amount of antioxidants is 4 times more than in cheese.

However, despite all the delights outlined above, in some cases, peanuts can greatly harm a person. Moreover, in this case, it is much more important to know about the harm than about the beneficial properties.

Harm of peanut

Let's start with the most harmless harmful property: peanuts promote the release of a large amount of gastric juice, thereby increasing appetite and leading a person to overeat. Some mistakenly believe that increased appetite is beneficial, but this is not the case with our approach to eating. Because it is desirable to eat peanuts separately from everything (it is digested for a long time and tediously), we, on the contrary, then “throw in” to the fullest. There is an appetite...

In addition, obvious contraindications to the use of peanuts are: obesity, gout, arthrosis, arthritis and gastrointestinal diseases during periods of exacerbation.

Peanuts are strictly prohibited for those who are allergic to them. But this is understandable. However, something else is often not clear: peanuts can easily cause this very allergy if they are abused. Especially fried. Especially in children. So think...

Peanuts also have another property that is almost always considered useful - an abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 class. In fact, despite their importance for the functioning of the human body, there are too many of them in the peanut. And if we consider the ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 in this product, then it is simply catastrophic - about 5000: 1. Although the ideal option is 3:1. Such an excess of omega-6 is unacceptable, because it can ultimately cause difficulties with the adequacy of the body's immune response in some serious systemic disorders and ailments, including arthritis, asthma and a number of infectious diseases.

Peanuts in cooking

Whatever we say above about the harmful properties of peanuts, its culinary virtues are beyond praise. And this fact is recognized by tens and hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Today, peanuts are added to halva, cakes, pastries, candy fillings, chocolate, pastries, baked goods ... In general, everywhere, including ice cream and peanut butter.

By the way, peanut butter is a favorite delicacy of American teenagers. Therefore, a huge proportion of the world's peanuts goes to the production of peanut butter (the main component of peanut butter).

In addition, peanuts are also used in home cooking - as a base for sauces, as well as an additive to salads and seasonings.

And, of course, peanuts are chewed simply raw or roasted (usually with salt).

How to choose peanuts?

It is better to buy peanuts in large stores that purchase products from well-equipped wholesale warehouses. Of course, it is difficult or even impossible for the consumer to find out who stores what and where. However, according to statistics, good peanuts are much more often sold in large supermarkets.

In the markets, peanuts infected with mold and fungi are often sold, which is simply dangerous to eat, because there is a high chance of poisoning. And you should not think that you can buy infected peanuts, then boil or fry them, and everything will be fine. Mold and fungi are not easy to deal with. Unfortunately.

• in-shell peanuts should be even, clean, dry, whole and without any color differences
• raw shelled peanuts should be clean, relatively dry and free from off-flavours

With roasted peanuts, everything is complicated and almost unpredictable. So it's hard to give advice here. Think for yourself...

Few people know that abroad, peanuts are used to make dynamite. In Russia, soy is used for these purposes. This unusual use of peanuts is associated with the release of large amounts of gaseous substances during certain chemical reactions.

This leguminous plant is also interesting in that it can provoke the development of severe allergies in the form of bronchial spasm and subsequent death (especially if it is peanut dust), therefore, in some countries, a law has been passed banning the transport of peanuts on board aircraft. But is this nut good for human health, what vitamins does it contain, and what harm can it do?

The second name for peanuts is peanuts. It is associated with the characteristics of the ripening of the fruits of this legume. So, the underlying flowers, which are pollinated, begin to go deeper into the ground. Here they ripen in pods, the pattern of which is very reminiscent of a cobweb (probably this fact was the reason for giving the name "peanuts").

The origin of this plant has not been definitively established. But many scientists agree that this is South America, where wild representatives have been found. In the 16th century, the plant was brought to Asia. Later, the Chinese brought peanuts to Europe. But only in the 18th century they learned about it in Russia, and not far from Odessa, they began to cultivate entire plantations of peanuts, the beneficial properties and nutritional value of which were appreciated even at that distant time.

The nutritional value

The nutritional value of peanuts is quite high. So, in 100 grams of this nut there are 640 kcal. Therefore, the beneficial properties of the nut for women can be overshadowed by the prospect of adding a couple of extra pounds. In this regard, it is imperative to count the number of nuts eaten, especially if a woman is inclined to be overweight. In general, nutritionists recommend eating no more than 20 grams of this product per day. In this case, nuts will be useful for men and women, and you don’t have to worry about your figure, since it’s only 130 kcal.

Nutritional value directly depends on the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the product. So, nuts contain:

vitamins

Peanuts contain vitamins, see table:

per 100 grams of product	vitamin content mg
Vitamin B1	0.74
Vitamin B2	0.11
Vitamin B3	19
Vitamin B4	52
Vitamin B5	1.75
Vitamin B6	0.35
Folic acid	0.025
Vitamin C	5.3
Tocopherol	10

also contains minerals:

As you can see in the table, peanuts are good for men and women as they contain important trace elements. Especially a lot of it can be found iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper. In this regard, peanuts can be harmful if there are metabolic disorders in the body of a hereditary nature, for example, with Wilson-Konovalov disease, hemochromatosis, etc. The same applies if you eat fried, salted or raw.

Benefits for the body

The nutrients contained in the nut, vitamins and trace elements determine its positive effect on the body. It is quite obvious that such “good” substances are most in fresh (unroasted and unsalted) nuts. Therefore, it is recommended to eat it. A roasted nut releases oils and therefore negatively affects the functioning of the pancreas and liver, although in general it completely retains the vitamins contained in it.

Useful properties of nuts for women and men:

• Increasing the resistance of the nervous system to various damaging factors due to the high content of such polyunsaturated fatty acids as linoleic
• Protection of blood vessels from atherosclerotic lesions (by the way, there is not a single gram of cholesterol in peanuts, despite its high oil content)
• Stimulation of the formation of bile and its release into the intestines, which ultimately has a positive effect on the digestive process
• Improving memory and increasing concentration
• Improving potency in men
• Improving the work of the heart
• Hearing normalization
• Mutation Prevention
• Stimulation of hematopoiesis, the process of hematopoiesis.

Scientists from an American university have proven that a large amount of polyphenols and vitamins in peanuts increase its antioxidant potential. By this property, nuts are close to dry red wine, a well-known remedy for fighting free radicals.

Possible harm

Are peanuts harmful? This question interests many who love such nuts. Despite the health benefits of peanuts, they can also be harmful. The main negative effect is the possibility of developing allergies. This product is considered to be one of the high allergens, so people with a weakened immune system prone to allergies are advised to eat small amounts of this product. If the nut is well tolerated, then you can increase the serving.

Walnut can be harmful in such cases:

• Deceleration of blood flow, which creates favorable conditions for the development of thrombosis
• Due to the large amount of protein, nitrogen metabolism can be disturbed. Given this harm of raw peanuts (regardless of its benefits to the body), it is not recommended to eat it for people suffering from gout and arthrosis
• The harm of peanuts is that they are high in calories (especially fried), and therefore lead to the development of obesity. It is better for people prone to excess weight to refuse to eat this product in general.

Salty

Salted peanuts do not bring any benefit, only one harm to the body. This is due to the fact that it leads to additional fluid retention in the body (this effect is associated with the osmotic effect of sodium chloride). Therefore, it is best to eat raw or roasted peanuts without salt - its benefits will be much greater, and harm will be minimized.

Peanuts are good for the body in small quantities. It has a positive effect on many systems of the human body, normalizing their work and even preventing the development of certain diseases. However, when eating this product, one should be aware of possible harm, for example, possible allergies and its high calorie content.