They are packed with antioxidants and important nutrients so they provide energy-boosting and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, they reduce the chances of type-2 diabetes thanks to their low glycemic index.
The best way to obtain their health benefits is to consume them roasted as a snack, added to sandwiches, tossed salads, pies, steamed vegetables, cookies, frozen yogurt, etc. Also, don’t forget the peanut butter.
Peanut is also known as goober nut, ground pea, earthnut, and groundnut, whereas its scientific name is Arachis hypogea.
These legumes are indigenous to Central America, although popularly grown in China, India, Nigeria, Argentina, Myanmar, Indonesia, etc.
Healing Properties
Peanuts provide anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. They are especially good for underweight people. So, if you want to gain weight, eat more than a tablespoon of peanuts 5 times a week.
But, this doesn’t mean that those satisfied with their weight should avoid peanuts. The International Journal of Obesity published a study which says those who consume nuts at least twice a day are less prone to weight gain than those who don’t consume them at all.
Therefore, moderate consumption of peanuts reduces obesity rate as well as triglycerides. Due to the monounsaturated fats in their content, peanuts also reduce cholesterol levels.
Just like red wine and red grapes, peanuts also contain resveratrol. This flavonoid improves the blood flow in the brain, thus protecting against a stroke.
Peanuts contain high amounts of niacin, so their consumption helps prevent Alzheimer’s. They also stimulate the growth of female and male hormones. In addition, they improve bone health and act as a tonic for the nervous system.
Nutritional Benefits
Peanuts contain zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, fiber, choline, folic acid, selenium, vitamin B complex and vitamin E.
Their high antioxidant levels help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers discovered that an ounce of peanuts a day helps prevent the formation of gallstones.
Next, the content of peanuts includes a lot of proteins, but also a lot of calories.
How to Lower Cholesterol and Treat Other Health Issues with Peanuts
If you want to know how to lower cholesterol, blood pressure levels, prevent heart disease, treat osteoporosis, toothache, reduce wrinkles, stretch marks, and a lot more, read these medicinal uses of peanuts:
- A study shows daily consumption of peanuts can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter with the same amount of blackstrap molasses for a quick constipation relief.
- Eat a handful of peanuts with the red skin on to protect against heart disease.
- Eating 2 tablespoons of peanut butter regularly can help treat osteoporosis.
- Peanuts are great energy boosters and they help relieve stress. So, spread some peanut butter and purple grape jelly or strawberry jam on whole wheat bread to prepare a delicious sandwich.
- You can also cure a toothache by mixing some peanut butter with crushed garlic cloves and applying it onto the affected tooth.
- Mix some peanut butter with a small amount of sugar and eat to improve your memory.
Other Medicinal Uses of Peanuts
- Also, peanut butter can help stop your annoying hiccup. Just eat a tablespoon of it and you’ll quickly get rid of the hiccup. However, stay away from peanut butter if you have canker sores.
- A great natural treatment for tapeworms is consuming a tablespoon of peanut oil every day on an empty stomach. Do this morning ritual for 15 days.
- Peanut butter can help heal stretch marks when combined with Crisco. Just mix 2 tablespoons of it with one teaspoon of the latter and rub on the affected area. Finally, just wash it off with water. Do this 3 times a day for a couple of weeks.
- Rub some peanut butter on your dry skin areas and let it stay for about 15 minutes. Then, wipe it off and use some lukewarm water to rinse it.
- Mix 5 drops of rose hip seed oil and 2 teaspoons of unrefined peanut oil and apply on your wrinkles to reduce their appearance and nourish your skin.
- Also, mix camphorated oil and peanut oil in 1:1 ratio and massage on your scar tissue. This solution will help reduce their appearance.
- Finally, you can use peanut oil in massage to improve poor circulation, low vitality, and fatigue.
In addition, you can prepare a nice dairy-free drink from water and ground peanuts. It’s great for anyone with lactose intolerance.
Precautions
Excessive consumption of peanuts can cause indigestion. In some cases, these nuts can cause allergic reactions such as itching, eczema, tingling in the mouth, hives, dizziness, and swelling of the tongue and lips.
Also, avoid them if you have gallbladder or kidney disorders as they contain oxalates.
Even though cooking can inactivate goitrogens, these compounds of raw peanuts can interfere with the thyroid function.
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