01/6Health benefits and uses of Groundnuts
Groundnut also known as Peanut or Pignut is a delicious and healthy nut, which has turned out to be a fad among health enthusiasts for its amazing health benefits and high protein content, and its versatile taste has been an inseparable part of several culinary cultures. The unique nutty taste and creamy texture has added on to the popularity of this common nut. Here’s why a handful of peanuts daily can give the body the much needed dose of daily nutrition.
02/6Why go for groundnuts?
Groundnuts are packed with the goodness of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, Magnesium, Folate, Copper and Arginine. What’s more, the protein rich composition of groundnut makes it great for people who are either trying to lose weight or trying to gain muscle strength.
Groundnuts are rich in calories, but a moderate intake of groundnuts daily can improve overall health. Around 100 grams of peanuts have approximately 567 calories, 25.8 grams of protein, 49.2 grams fat, 16.1 grams of carbs and 8.5 grams of fiber.
According to studies a moderate intake of peanuts daily can help in improving heart health, brain functioning, reduces the risk of strokes and boosts overall immunity. Here are a few more reasons why you must add groundnuts to your daily diet.
03/6Reduces Cholesterol
Daily intake of groundnuts can help in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves heart health. According to studies, groundnuts are a great source of Omega 3 Fatty acids and vitamin E, which helps in preventing the blockage in the arteries. What’s more, the presence of a compound called Resveratrol in groundnuts helps in fighting heart problems.
04/6Improves brain functioning
Adding a handful of peanuts to your diet can improve your brain power, enhance memory and brain functioning. According to the studies, adding nuts to your diet can significantly improve ailments like Alzheimer’s disease and boost memory. Peanuts are rich in vitamin B3 or niacin, which helps in improving brain health. What’s more, peanuts help in reducing depressive symptoms by releasing Serotonin and the presence of Tryptophan helps in inducing sleep and improves mental health.
05/6Helps in weight loss
Groundnuts provide satiety, which helps in curbing appetite and manages the junk cravings. What’s more, the presence of fiber also keeps you full for a longer period of time. So snacking on groundnuts or adding peanut butter to your shakes, smoothies can also help in feeling full, which further leads to weight loss and also helps in managing Diabetes.
06/6How to use groundnuts?
There are several ways of adding peanuts or groundnuts to your daily diet:
Add a paste of groundnut to your curries and soups to give a creamy texture.
Add roasted nuts to your salads and stir fried veggies.
You can add peanut butter to shakes and smoothies or healthy puddings.
Adding peanut butter to sliced apples, bread toasts or using it as a sauce with meat delicacies also makes for a healthy and delicious treat.
All images: Istock
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