Not everyone knows that the peanuts (in Italy also commonly called peanuts or American peanuts) are classified as legumes along with foods like peas, soy, and lentils. Instead, from a nutritional point of view, their properties are similar to those of oily dried fruit. The peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea) is native to South America and its fruits grow underground.
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Nutritional properties
Peanuts have about 600 kcal per 100 grams. They contain about 50 grams of lipids16 grams of carbohydrates and 8.5 grams of fibre and i’m aexcellent source of protein (about 26 grams every 100). They are rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper, of Vitamin E and some B vitamins. Also, in peanuts there is the resveratrola substance with antioxidant properties that is also found in cocoa and red fruits.
Are peanuts good for you?
I’m a food rich in micronutrients and for this to include them in your diet, in the right way and without exceeding, it can bring numerous health benefits. In particular, the consumption of natural products should be privileged, paying attention to quality. Instead, avoid those added with oils, sugar or salt. The same is true if you choose to consume the peanut butter.
The amount of protein and the high satiating power make them much loved by sportsmen, who often integrate them into their diets. The fat intake is high, but they are mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (so-called “good fats“), i.e. those who help to lower the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
How to consume peanuts
The peanuts they provide a lot of energy and I’m ideal to enrich the morning breakfast, for example mixed together with yoghurt and cereals. Alternatively, you can spread peanut butter on a slice of wholemeal bread. Convenient to carry around, they are also a practical hunger-busting snack, perhaps combined with a piece of fruit. They can then be used to garnish cold salads or smoothies, or in the preparation of desserts.
Contraindications and allergies
One of the reasons that can push people not to eat peanuts is the worry that they make you fat. However, moderate consumption shouldn’t worry within a healthy and balanced diet. If anything, since it is a very caloric food, the important thing is control the doses and do not exaggerate with the quantities. Obviously, they should be avoided completely if you are allergic. L’Food allergy to peanuts is in fact one of the most commonwhich can trigger serious reactions.
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