Concept in Definition ABC

The peanut, also known as peanut, is a dried fruit from the plant Arachis hypogaea native to the tropical region of South America, widely used in confectionery, it is usually consumed roasted with some salt but it can also be presented caramelised in sweet varieties or even as part of main meals in stews, sauces and salads.

The main component of peanuts are lipids specifically of the fatty acids type, these constitute between 40 to 55% of its composition and explain the reason for their stop contents caloric which is estimated at about 560 calories per 100 grams.

Peanuts are an important source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, it also contains protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

Beneficial effects of peanuts for health

Its high content of omega 3 fatty acids makes peanuts have the property of lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol by increasing HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, which has a protective effect at the cardiovascular level related to the decrease in the development of arteriosclerosis, which leads to a decrease in the

risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

The presence of minerals such as zinc favors the healing processes, growth of the hair and nails as well as fertility, in fact many cultures have regarded it as a aphrodisiac.

Another beneficial effect is its high antioxidant power that is conferred by a substance found in its shell, which is resveratrol, it contributes to its cardiovascular protective effect as well as anti-aging.

Peanuts have also been shown to have an anticancer effect due to their content of phytosterols, which are also beneficial in men affected by benign prostate hyperplasia.

Some people should avoid eating peanuts

Peanuts, although it has a large number of beneficial properties, should be used with caution in two conditions, food allergies and in people suffering from fibromyalgia.

Food allergies One of the food that most often associated with the development of food allergies is peanuts, this disorder can manifest with pain abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating, in the most severe cases there may be rashes on the skin, itching, swelling of the eyes and lips.

Fibromyalgia A association between the appearance of fibromyalgia crisis with food allergies, so it is not recommended that people with this disease rheumatic ingest peanuts or foods that contain them.

Photos: iStock - srdjan111 / billnoll

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