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Nutrition |
Peanuts are on of nature's most delicious, nutritious foods. Eating peanuts and peanut butter give a person energy, prevent disease, and offer many nutrients per calorie. Peanuts have more protein per ounce than any other legume or nut, 15% of the RDA in one ounce! Filled with vitamins and minerals, peanut products also offer fiber, folate, niacin, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.
Scientists believe that phytochemicals or plant chemicals can protect against cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses associated with increasing age. Phytochemicals are thought to aid in the uptake of cholesterol circulating in the blood, leading to overall lower blood cholesterol levels. One phytochemical in particular, resveratrol, has been shown to act as an antioxidant and has also exhibited anti-cancer properties. Resveratrol is found in peanuts, grapes and red wine.
Recent scientific studies at major American universities have concluded:
- Diets high in peanuts, peanut butter and peanut oil are as effective as olive oil.
- People eating peanuts and peanut butter felt more satisfied over a 3-hour period than after eating other high carbohydrate snack foods, such as rice cakes. Because they were more satisfied, they did not increase their daily calorie intake, which leads to weight again. (Purdue University)
Although an estimated 1% of the population may be allergic to peanuts, scientists at the University of Arkansas and Mount Sinai Hospital are currently working on a vaccine along with Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
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