Unknown to many people, groundnut is one of the best sources of protein. It is also very beneficial when it comes to matters of health.
Although they are high in fat, it can be said to be the good kind of fat as it is a monounsaturated fat.
Groundnut, which is also known as peanut or pignut, contains magnesium; foliate, vitamin E, copper, and arginine: They are believed to lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease.
And according to recent studies, the skins have an abundant number of natural antioxidants and a high content of dietary fibre. This is about the different types, be it light-roasted or dark-roasted.
Here are some of the health benefits of groundnut:
1. It is rich in antioxidant
Groundnut skins are rich in phenolic compounds, which go to say that they are antioxidant rich. Antioxidants, on the hand, help p protect the body from oxidative stress, which occurs in cases of various cancers and diseases.
They are powerful substances, which prohibit (and in some cases even prevent), the oxidation of other molecules in the body.
According to a 2012 study from North Carolina University, published in the “Journal of Food Science,” it was reported that adding a 5 percent concentration of peanut (groundnut) skins to peanut butter significantly increased its antioxidant levels without sacrificing taste or texture.
2. Heart-healthy fats
As earlier stated, groundnut contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that keep the heart healthy.
And this is great for the great for the healthy condition of the heart because a good level, of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, help to lower blood cholesterol levels as well as reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases.
3. It is a high source protein
When it comes to the healthiness of our cells, protein is essential. And this is because the cells in our body are constantly being replaced and repaired and to ensure that the new cells are healthy, and the damaged ones repaired well, the need for protein cannot be overemphasized.
Groundnuts have been shown to be an extremely high source of plant protein and medical practitioners have advised that it should be incorporated in the diet for children, vegetarians, and protein deficient people.
4. Groundnut is a rich source of minerals
As stated in the introduction, groundnut is a rich source of minerals. And some of these minerals include magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, calcium, sodium, etc.
These minerals are needed by our body to function well.
It is, however, important to note that adequate supply of these minerals ensure a healthy heart as well as minimizing the risk of mineral deficient diseases.
5. It is rich in vitamins
It is a well-known fact that when it comes to overall growth and development, the importance of vitamins cannot be overemphasized.
Vitamins do not only ensure vital health for cells and tissues, but they also help in fighting infections; thereby ensuring smooth functioning of our organs.
Groundnut provides our body with essential vitamins, which helps in regulating metabolism, converting fat and carbohydrates into energy, and facilitating bone and tissue formation.
And being a rich source of foliate, studies have shown that it reduces the incidence of birth defects and anemia related conditions.
