Smart Legumes
Some may be overwhelmed by all the different myths around peanuts including its high fat content (which is true because it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, more on this further along the article!). Yet according to various different studies, peanuts are shown to have some of the greatest benefits spanning from the regulation of cholesterol all the way to lessening the risk of heart disease! At moüthfuel, we highly value the nutritional factor of our ingredients and want to not only provide the best and healthiest products but also insightful up to date scientific information.
Introducing the Peanut
The name “peanut” may be a little deceiving as it actually is not considered to be part of the nut family. Despite it having the word “nut” in its name, peanuts are more related towards the legume family taking part in the same group as green peas, soybeans, and lentils. The peanut’s scientific name is the Arachis hypogaea where hypogaea refers to “under the earth.” Peanuts were originally known for their edible seeds, which were developed underground, hence its name. This legume is native to South America, specifically Brazil or Peru. The evidence on how we know peanuts began is through ancient pottery from 3,500 years ago containing the shape of a peanut as well as peanut decorations, justifying its origin. Some may not be familiar with eating peanuts whole as the peanut can be eaten in a multitude of forms including peanut butter, peanut flour, peanut oil, to name a few examples. There are various parts that make up a peanut but the part most people are familiar with is the cotyledon, the edible section of the peanut, which is surrounded by a brown paper-like covering called the seed coat. Understanding the different parts of the peanut, its origin, and the different forms it can hold gives context to the health benefits this legume provides!
Nutritional Benefits of Peanuts
1. Great source of fiber
Peanuts contain a significant amount of fiber, which is a complex carbohydrate that helps with digestion, blood sugar control, and overall gut health. Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.
2. High in healthy fats
The fat content ranges around 49% and mainly consists of mono and polyunsaturated fat, which are made up of oleic and linoleic acids. These acids are just fatty acids that are found in many different oils. Unsaturated fats in general provide a beneficial factor to one's heart and promote healthy blood flow by clearing the arteries.
3. Contains helpful minerals
Peanuts are an excellent source of multiple vitamins and minerals. Some of these include biotin, copper, niacin, folate, manganese, vitamin E, thiamine, phosphorus, and magnesium. All of these minerals contain beneficial factors to one's health. For example niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is linked to reduce the risk of heart disease; biotin and folate are both extremely important and useful during pregnancy; thiamine is essential for the function of your heart, muscles, and nervous system; and phosphorus is crucial for the growth and maintenance of body tissues.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure and LDL cholesterol
Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats and can help lower LDL cholesterol. The high amounts of fiber in peanuts bind to the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream and helping to lower LDL levels. The fiber and the healthy fats also contribute to help improve lipid profiles in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure.
5. Boosts heart health
Many studies show the strong link between peanut consumption to the risk of heart disease. For example, subjects in the highest intake group for nut consumption had an approximately 35% reduced risk of coronary heart disease incidence. The many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in peanuts provide beneficial effects on the heart. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels prevents plaque build up in the arteries that could cause heart attacks and strokes.
Why did we use peanuts in our möuthfuel formula?
According to the science regarding peanuts, this ingredient provides a multitude of benefits to one’s health just from maintaining a healthy bowel movement to lessen one's risk of heart disease! There is a wide range of benefits the peanut provides that möuthfuel promotes in our energy-packed snacks. We included this amazing superfood to provide nourishment and satisfaction for our customers!
A note to always keep in mind is despite all the different factors included in peanuts, eating them in moderation is key to balancing enjoyment with maintaining a healthy relationship with food and your body!