8 health benefits of eating peanuts

You won't believe number 8!

If you’re nuts about peanuts, consider yourself lucky. These scrumptious pulses are filled with nutrients, ad so they have multiple positive side effects. Compiled from Cure Joy, here is a list of eight science-backed health benefits of peanuts for the body and mind.



1. Aids weight loss

In a balanced diet, peanuts help in weight loss. They’re full of unsaturated fats, protein, and fibre – all of which increase satiety. This means that you’ll stay full longer without binge eating later on. The result is reduced energy intake and, therefore, less weight gain. Boiled peanuts can be more helpful for weight loss than roasted or raw ones as the former contain lesser calories.

2. Lowers cholesterol

Have high cholesterol? Eat peanuts and use peanut oil! Their rich levels of unsaturated fats reduce your “bad” cholesterol.  As a consequence, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems decreases.



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3. Results in healthier skin

Unsaturated fatty acids have amazing anti-inflammatory properties. So if your skin’s stressed out, it’ll love peanuts! These fats protect the skin from sun damage, reducing the risk of wrinkles and sun spots. They even protect collagen-making cells called fibroblasts. With more collagen, fine lines will be less noticeable.



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4. Prevents cancer

Peanuts are a good complementary food in the treatment of various types of cancer. Peanuts contain compounds called phytosterols that exhibit anticancer properties, especially against breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Eating peanuts or its processed products might even reduce the growth of cancerous cells in women with colorectal cancer.

5. Treats arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts more than 50 million American adults. But thanks to the anti-inflammatory advantages of peanuts, joint pain can be decreased. The niacin in peanuts also improves arthritic symptoms while increasing joint mobility. Peanuts are a good natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Cook them, roast them, or eat them raw, just as you like.



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6. Represses Alzheimer’s

Peanuts, cooked or otherwise, can help you fight degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and make your body and mind remain in your control longer. They contain a compound called resveratrol that has been proven to reduce cell death, protect the DNA, and prevent neurological damage in Alzheimer’s patients. Boiling or roasting peanuts are preferable as the process might increase the levels of this compound.



7. Reduces gallstones

Nuts such a peanuts can reduce gallstone occurrence by nearly 25%, especially in women. Aim to eat at least 100 g of peanuts, in any form, per week.

8. Curbs depression and dementia

Eating peanuts probably make you happy as they’re really tasty! But this is not how it’ll help you handle your depression. Peanut contains a substance that increases serotonin levels, which are a major cause of depression. This is also said to help treat conditions such as dementia. So feel no guilt for having peanut butter as your favourite snack!

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