NUTS AND SEEDS - 2 - GROUNDNUTS

 NUTS AND SEEDS - 2

GROUNDNUTS

    Groundnuts are legumes that originated in South America. They go by a variety of names such as pea nuts, earth nuts.

 Health benefits Groundnuts 

1. Groundnuts are rich in protein. The protein content range is from 20 to 30% of its total calories. It is a great source of plant based protein.

2. Groundnuts are high in fat. They are classified as oilseeds. It contains mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

3. Groundnuts are low in carbohydrates. Being low in carbohydrates and high in protein, fat and fibre they have a very low glycemic index.

4. Groundnuts are an excellent source of various vitamins and  minerals 

• Biotin - Groundnuts are richest source of biotin which is an important mineral during pregnancy.

• Copper - A dietary trace mineral is found in groundnut which is beneficial for heart health

• Niacin - Niacin also known as vitamin B3 has various important function  in the body.

• Folate - Folate also known as vitamin B9 or Folic acid  which helps during pregnancy and important for fetus  health.

• Manganese-  A trace element which found in groundnut helps in many metabolic functions.

• Vitamin E -  A powerful antioxidants which helpful for anti aging.

• Vitamin B1 - Which help the body to convert carbohydrate into energy and it is essential for the function of heart muscles and nervous system.

• Phosphorus -  Groundnut is a good source of phosphorus a mineral plays an essential role in the growth and maintenance of body tissues.

• Magnesium - Groundnuts contains magnesium which is an essential mineral helps to protect heart.

• Groundnut contain various bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants most of the antioxidants are located in groundnut skin.
• It contains p coumaric acid a polyphenol which helps to maintain a healthy body.
• It has resveratrol a powerful antioxidant reduces the risk of cancer and heart diseases 
• It contains isoflavones which associated with a variety of health effects.
• Groundnut oil contains phytosterols which impair the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract.

     Despite being high in fat  groundnuts do not appear to contribute to weight gain. Groundnut consumption may help  to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity. Groundnut is a weight loss friendly food which reduces the food intake by promoting fullness to a greater extent than other common snacks 

    

    when whole groundnut is  not chewed well enough a portion of them may pass through the digestive system without being absorbed. The high content of protein and mono and  polyunsaturated fat in groundnut may increase calorie burning. Groundnut is a source of insoluble dietary fibre which is linked to reduced risk of weight gain. It helps to prevent gallstones. 

 Groundnut may be allergy for some people so people with this allergy should avoid all groundnuts and ground nut products