Peanuts

Special Precautions of Peanuts

• Individuals with kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating peanuts, because peanuts contain measurable amounts of oxalates, a naturally occurring substance found in plants, animals and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems.
• Individuals with thyroid problems may need to avoid peanuts because peanuts contains goitrogens, a naturally occurring substance in certain foods that can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Although cooking may help to inactivate the goitrogenic compounds found in food, but it is not clear from the study how much percentage of goitrogenic compounds get inactivated by cooking.
• Peanuts are legumes, not nuts. They have a soft permeable skin and grow underground which makes them vulnerable to contamination by various toxins. (They are also prone to salmonella.) One of the most common toxins is mold that produces aflatoxin. Peanuts typically are infected to some extent with molds which produce aflatoxins, which are mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic and cause immuno-suppression in humans. Aflatoxin B1 has been shown to cause liver cancer, especially in hepatitis B-positive individuals. Peanuts have been shown in several studies to stimulate proliferation of colon cancer cells. However one large Taiwanese study found that peanut consumption was associated with lower colorectal cancer risk. Breathing the fumes of peanut oil used in frying has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer. Breast cancer patients have been shown to be at higher risk for other cancers and should avoid known mutagens. In addition, it is possible to get the potential health benefits of peanuts by consuming other nuts and foods.
• Peanut shells are permeable and peanuts grow underground, absorbing pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the soil. The nuts, due to their high fat content, retain these inputs. The USDA has found pesticide residue in traditional peanut butters.
• Another toxin is fungicide residues that come from heavy spraying to prevent mold from damaging the peanut crops.
• Peanuts also contain an anti-nutrient called lectin. This prevents the absorption of important minerals including iron, copper, magnesium, and calcium.
• Furthermore, peanuts are pro-inflammatory from two sources:
  • The lectins, a sticky protein, bind with sugar to produce an inflammatory response inside the cells. They are also an insulin mimicker which accelerates the production of fat in the liver.
  • The other inflammatory generator comes from the high level of omega-6 fatty acids.
• All in all, peanuts are not a good food choice. Raw almonds and walnuts are healthier, promote balanced blood sugar, and feed the brain with healthy fats.

The benefits of Peanuts are

• Good source of monosaturated fats : Peanuts are a very good source of monounsaturated fats, the type of fat that is emphasized in the heart-healthy diet. Mono-unsaturated fats are "good fats" as they decrease risk of cardiovascular disease and lower the noxious LDL (bad cholesterol) responsible for transporting cholesterol to the arteries.
• Good source of antioxidants : Recent research shows that peanuts contain high concentrations of a compound called p-coumaric acid, and that roasting can increase peanuts' p-coumaric acid levels, boosting their overall antioxidant content by as much as 22%.
• Heart healthy nuts : Peanuts feature an array of other nutrients that, in numerous studies, have been shown to promote heart health. Peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese. In addition, peanuts provide resveratrol, the phenolic antioxidant also found in red grapes and red wine. Resveratrol is thought to be responsible for lowering the risk of heart strokes.
• Good source of Pterostilbene.
• Aids gastrointestinal health : Peanuts provide enough fiber and water to help keep a person fit. Plant fiber in particular helps keep the good bacteria in the gut well fed so that it can do its job in effectively breaking down the foods we eat. Eating peanuts just a few times a week can prevent the formation of gallstones, and can lower the risk of colon cancer.
• Good source of calcium : Peanuts contain small amount of calcium and vitamin D. Together these two promote good bone health, including healthy teeth. Studies have shown that people, who maintain healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D before age thirty, are less likely to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis later in life.
• Diabetes : If you have type 2 diabetes, or are insulin resistant, peanuts can help. With a low glycemic index rating, peanuts help to regulate the rate at which your sugar and insulin levels rise, after you eat. According to a recent study, consuming a 25 gram serving of peanuts five or more times a week is associated with a whopping 27% reduction in risks associated with developing type 2 diabetes.
• Protects against Alzheimer's and Age-related Cognitive Decline : Research recently published indicates regular consumption of niacin-rich foods like peanuts provides protection against Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
• Peanut lectins inhibit cancer cell growth and destroy cancer cells in blood types A and AB.

As you can see, peanuts contain many health benefits valuable to the human body. Remember to eat peanuts in moderation as their high protein content can contribute to weight gain. Combine unsalted peanuts with a bowl of fruit or other mixed nuts and enjoy the amazing taste this little nut provides.