peanut

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea), also known as the groundnut, goober (US), pindar (US) or monkey nut (UK), is a legume crop grown mainly for its edible seeds, native to South America, east of the Andes, around Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics, important to both small and large commercial producers. It is classified as both a grain legume and, due to its high oil content, an oil crop. The peanut belongs to the botanical family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae), commonly known as the legume, bean, or pea family.

The peanut is an annual herbaceous plant growing 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 in) tall. The leaves are opposite and pinnate with four leaflets (two opposite pairs; no terminal leaflet); each leaflet is 1 to 7 centimetres (1⁄2 to 2+3⁄4 in) long and 1 to 3 cm (1⁄2 to 1+1⁄4 in) across. The flowers are 1 to 1.5 cm (3⁄8 to 5⁄8 in) across, and yellowish orange with reddish veining.

Peanuts provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They may have other health benefits, including promoting fullness and helping protect against heart disease.

Discover the evidence-based health perks of including peanuts in your diet.

• Loaded with nutrients

            Here are the nutrition facts for 1-ounce (oz), or 28-gram (g) of raw peanuts:

Peanut Health Benefits

Peanuts are rich in protein, fat, and various healthy nutrients. Studies show that peanuts may even be useful for weight loss and are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

• Fat in peanuts. Peanuts are high in fat, consisting mostly of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are often used to make peanut oil.
• Peanut proteins. For a plant food, peanuts are an exceptionally good source of protein. Keep in mind that some people are allergic to peanut protein.
• Carbs. Peanuts are low in carbs. This makes them a good dietary choice for people with diabetes.
• Vitamins and minerals. Peanuts are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. These include biotin, copper, niacin, folate, manganese, vitamin E, thiamine, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• Weight loss. Peanuts are very filling and can be considered an effective component of a weight loss diet.
• Heart health, Gallstone prevention. As a source of many heart-healthy nutrients, peanuts may help prevent heart disease. What’s more, they may cut your risk of gallstones.
• Aflatoxin poisoning, Antinutrients, Peanut allergy. There are several downsides to peanuts, including potential aflatoxin contamination, phytic acid content, and severe allergic reactions.
• May enhance sexual function. Peanuts are high in arginine and resveratrol, two compounds that may support several aspects of sexual function.

Eating peanut butter for breakfast may decrease your appetite and control your blood sugar throughout the day.