If you think peanuts are not a good choice for a healthy diet, then think again! The positive benefits derived from eating controlled portions of peanuts daily can contribute significantly to your health. Regular consumption of peanuts can actually help to ward off certain diseases and cancers, and help boost your energy level.

Peanut, as most of us do not know, come from a legume family and not from the nut family. The nuts originate from the stems, but are pushed into the ground by the plant at an early stage, and it is underground that they mature.

Peanut actually originates from semi-arid areas of Brazil. The natives used to eat peanuts as part of their regular diet. Peanuts were later placed on African slave boats that traveled to North America, and that's how they found their way to the modern world.

Salted, shelled, raw, roasted, tangy, spicy, unshelled; peanuts are available in variety of forms. Add to that they are almost available everywhere like local trains, on the street side, on beaches, in bars etc as a "Time pass" snack.

Nutrient Content:
This food is low in Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin and Manganese.

Health Benefits of Peanuts

• Whole peanuts contains high amount of protein, which makes it a preferred diet of those people engaged in body-building and those people who are weak and underweight. The raw peanut butter with crushed skin contains much higher amounts of nutrient than refined "nut-only" butter.
• Peanut is a good source of Coenzyme Q10 which protects the heart during the period of lack of oxygen example high altitudes and clogged arteries.
• Peanuts contain high concentrations of antioxidant polyphenols.Roasting peanuts increases, its overall antioxidant content by as much as 22%. Roasted peanuts rival the antioxidant content of blackberries and strawberries, and are far richer in antioxidants than apples, carrots or beets.
• Unsalted peanuts are good for your arteries. One quarter cup of peanuts contains as much monunsaturated fat as a tablespoon of olive oil. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to lower blood cholesterol.
• Peanuts' high niacin content helps in the recovery of cell damage provides protection against Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive problem.
• Peanut contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
• Peanut contain iron which is essential for the correct functioning of red blood cells.
• Peanut is rich in calcium which helps promotes healthy bones.
• Peanut has higher bioflavonoid resveratrol content than grapes. This bioflavonoid is believed to improve blood flow in the brain by as much as 30%, thus greatly reducing the risk of stroke
• Peanuts' fiber content helps lower the risk of colon cancer.
• Peanut helps to accelerate the growth of male and female hormones

Peanut Recipe

Chili Peanut Popcorn

Ingredients

• Chili Peanut Popcorn
• 1 3/4 ounces salted peanuts
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon corn oil
• 2 tablespoons popping corn
• Lemon juice, to taste

Method

• Heat a heavy-based pan that has a lid, add the peanuts and toss them over medium heat until lightly toasted.
• Remove and place in a bowl. While the peanuts are still warm, sprinkle them with the chili powder and stir.
• Pour the oil into the pan and, when heated, add the popping corn and cover.
• Cook over medium heat until the corn stops popping. (You'll hear it hitting the lid as it pops.) Pour the popped corn into the bowl with the peanuts. Stir well, adding more chili powder if desired and lemon juice to taste just before serving.