Groundnuts – One of the healthiest foods around
Groundnuts are legume that grows in the ground. It is also called by different names like peanuts, earthnuts etc. They are often termed as the ‘poor man’s protein’.
Among the plant kingdom, groundnuts along with peas are considered as the main source of protein. They are also rich in polyphenols, termed as the chief of antioxidant group. Ground nuts have a rich concentration of monounsaturated fat, which is considered to be good for the body.
Kernal of the groundnut contains many noteworthy health-benefiting nutrients required for optimum health and wellness. As it belongs to the category of legume, groundnut is a rich source of protein.
After sowing, peanut plants take an average of 120 to 150 days to develop the crop. These annual herbaceous plants can grow up to a height of 35 to 55 cm. It has pinnate, opposite leaves with four leaflets. Yellow coloured flowers has a reddish veining. Flower stalk elongates and bends after pollination. It continues its growth and pushes the overy underground, where the fruit matures in to a legume pod (peanut). Each pod is of 3 to 6 cm long and contains 1 to 4 seeds.
Aids in cardiovascular health
Groundnut has a high percentage of fat. However, these fats are regarded as a healthy ingredient for heart function. They contain sufficient levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), predominantly olieic acid. Mono-saturated fatty acids plays an important role in decreasing LDL or “bad cholesterol” and also in increasing HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Groundnuts can be useful in preventing the cholesterol or plaque build up in blood veins, thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart problems. Essential components present in groundnut helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Peanut can play a major role in reducing the risk of developing gallstones. Gallstone disease is caused due to excess cholesterol or bilirubin in your bile. Nowadays, the prevalence of gallbladder diseases has increased. Overweight or obesity is considered as primary cause. Higher percentage of triglycerides or lack of good HDL cholesterol is not helping the cause eighter.
Peanuts can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol, due to the presence of unsaturated fats. The additional nutrients and bioactive compounds also contributes to this effect. Daily intake of small amounts of peanuts may help to reduce gallstones.
Helps to control blood pressure
High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Dietry choices can have a significant impact on blood pressure. Having nuts, seeds and beans in our diet can contribute to controlling the blood pressure. The presence of magnesium, potassium, fiber, arginine and the bioactive components in peanuts can play a major role in controlling the blood pressure.
Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a major problem that influences 13 percent of people over the age of 65. Even though this condition typically affects older people, its showing its presence felt in people who are under the age of 40. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin present in groundnut can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Having vitamin B2-rich foods like peanuts in your diet on a regular basis can offer positive results against many diseases.