All about Groundnuts / Peanuts

Peanuts are known by various names  namely Ground nuts, Earthnuts, Monkeynuts and pignuts etc. These even though they are called nuts. belong to the Legume category. Pea nuts are small size fruit pods of plant belonging to the Fabaceae family of the genus, Arachis

Peanuts are a small annual herb which grows up to a foot high above the ground and the nuts form in the roots. While harvesting the plant is fully dug up along with the roots. The pods have wrinkled shells and each pod has about 2 to 4 seeds inside it. 

The nutritional package of Peanuts are 

Energy - 570 k cal

 Carbohydrates - 21 grams 

Dietary fibre - 9 grams

Fat - 48 grams

Proteins - 25 grams

Water - 4.26 grams 

Thiamine - 0.6 mg  

Niacin (vit. B3) 12.9 mg 

Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.8 mg 

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg 

Folate (vit. B9) 246 μg 

Calcium 62 mg 

Iron 2 mg 

Magnesium 184 mg 

Phosphorus 336 mg 

Potassium 332 mg 

Zinc 3.3 mg 

It is believed to have originated in the Central America and then seems to have  spread to the rest of the world through Spanish travellers. At present, the nuts are widely cultivated  and have got established as prime commercial crops in China, India, African nations and the United States of America.

Peanuts are rich in energy  and has nutrients like minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. 

Peanuts helps reduce LDL or the Bad cholesterol and increase the HDL the good cholesterol. 

Peanuts are a good source  of dietary protein which contain fine quality amino acids. These amino acids are needed  for our growth and development. 

Peanuts are an excellant source of polyphenolic antioxidants which is said to have protective function against heart disease, cancers, Alzheimers  Disease and other viral infections. 

These nuts are also an excellant source of Vitamin E, important B Group Vitamins and folates.  They also have minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Just a handful of peanuts a day  provides enough recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein.

Peanuts have various uses  and can also be eaten raw. They are used in recipes to give that crunchy taste, made into solvents and oil, medicines and many more. Popular among them are Peanut butter, candy bars, peanut butter cookies, plain or roasted shelled nuts etc. 

Peanut butter has high protein content and long shelf life and so has been the favourite for campers and backpackers. 

Peanuts have other uses also like in cosmetics, dyes, plastics, paints etc. 

Peanut oil is used for cooking as it has a very mild flavour as well as high smoking point. The oil resists rancidity and so is preferred by many as it is considered more healthier than the other saturated oils. 

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