Delicious, crunchy, and nutty peanuts are one of the popular oil seeds known to humankind since centuries. They pack a serious nutritional punch and offer a variety of health benefits.
Peanuts, Arachis hypogaea is a legume species, and native to South America, Mexico and Central America, also popularly known as groundnuts,monkey nuts, pig nuts.
Peanuts grow in a very fascinating manner. They actually start out as an above ground flower that, due to its heavy weight, bends towards the ground. The flower eventually burrows underground, which is where the peanut actually matures.
The veined brown shell or pod of the peanut contains two or three peanut kernels. Each oval-shaped kernel or seed is comprised of two off-white lobes that are covered by a brownish-red skin. Peanuts have a hardy, buttery and “nutty” taste.
Here are some of the most well-known health benefits of Peanuts:
- Rich in energy – Peanuts contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and anti-oxidants and thus are rich energy sources.
- It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body – Peanuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid that prevents coronary diseases.
- Are good for proper growth and development of body – Peanuts are rich in proteins
- Fights Stomach Cancer.
- Fights against Heart Diseases, Nerves Diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Infections.
- Reduces the Chances of Stroke.
- Protects Skin.
- Contain B complex, vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, pantothenic acid etc.
- Contain Potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc, etc.
Cooking Without Limits 
The only bad thing about fresh peanuts is when are crushing and munching very happily, you let your mind wander, and BAM. You get one of those hairy ones.
Thank you George Washington Carver for peanut butter!
I did not know that the peanut actually borrowed in to the ground. Vary interesting. Thank you for the post!
You are welcome
Peanuts are great, except I am allergic to it. All my friends love it. Good tips for treats.
My husband likes the ones that are roasted in hot pepper oil! I like the regular salted roasted peanuts! Yum!
Thank you for this post! Peanuts often get a bad rap, we definitely love natural peanut butter at our house!
You are welcome
Funny you should write about peanuts. I have just been to Vanuatu were I saw them, still on their green asparagus-like stems, being sold in the produce markets. All the cab drivers offer them, on the bunch, to their passengers. Will be putting up a post today at annabuckley.com
Can’t wait to read it.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you
They really sound like a superfood! Thanks so much for the info. I eat lots of them in a raisin and nut mix everyday, so I am pleased to hear how healthy they are.
Reblogged this on My Meals are on Wheels.
Reblogged this on Healthy Yummy Foodie.
yes, peanuts are amazing. Unfortunately I’m allergic for them but everybody else should eat them 🙂
Sorry to hear that.
My daddy use to grow peanuts and my brother-in-law still does. I love them freshly pulled up out of the ground green and earthy! Love all the facts. Thanks for sharing! It brought back lots of memories of growing up on the farm.
Great post! As a peanut lover I have a big smile on my face 🙂
Thanks
We *love* peanuts. In addition to being so very healthful, they are delicious! This was a wonderful send-up of Carver’s darling!
I had stop at the second bullet point and get some to munch – luckily I bought a large bag today. We absolutely love peanuts in an Asian noodle slaw I make regularly, good to know that they are so super healthy & beneficial!
Nicole
Awesome post! I really love how versatile peanuts really are. You can do so much with them.
Thank you
As a peanut lover, I learned so much more in your fewer than 300 word post. Thanks for dropping some knowledge on the best nut out there!
Thank you
I have nominated your blog for the Liebster Award! thank you for sharing your veggin 🙂
Here is the link to your nomination: https://californiaveggin.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/my-acceptance-of-the-liebster-award/
Thank you
My Chinese grandfather used to boil them for a snack. I prefer them roasted, but the boiled peanuts were oddly addictive as well.
I will try the boiled ones. Never had .
My kids LOVE cracking peanuts!
Love this! You have a beautiful and inspirational blog!
-Kate
from katierutt.wordpress.com
Thank you
I love this! A simple post highlighting a natural (and delicious!) food. Kudos!
Thank you
There is truly nothing better in this world than a peanut. Unless you count a peanut that has been roasted and salted! 🙂
So true
I eat so much peanut butter, but never really think about peanuts – thanks for the information!
You are welcome