Everyone is accustomed to consider peanuts as a nut, and in connection with the peculiarities of its growth, it is often called "earthen". And yet, it is a bean plant, grassy and perennial. Only unlike other species of this family, its fruits develop underground. There are several quite logical reasons why peanuts are also commonly referred to as nuts: nutritional value (quite high, as, for example, for almonds and hazelnuts), hard peanut bean shells, similar to nutshells. Its mesh pattern resembles a spider web, and probably the name peanuts comes from the Greek word peanut, which means spider.
About the plant
The homeland of a legume plant is called South America. Archaeological excavations allow us to conclude that peanuts were still cultivated by the Indians in the 1st millennium BC. e. It was brought to Europe and China much later - in the 16th century. The plant is thermophilic, therefore its cultivation is successful in countries with a suitable climate.
Peanuts (nutritional value, chemical composition, useful properties - hereinafter) have very specific features of the structure of the flower and the process of fruit formation. Almost all of them are self-pollinated. Fruits develop from the lowest flowers. After fertilization occurs, the ovary begins to grow and forms a long rod (gynophore), which goes into the ground to a depth of 8-10 cm. It is there that the beans ripen in a characteristic cylindrical shape with interceptions. This is a kind of adaptation of the plant to a hot climate. At a depth, its fruits are reliably sheltered from the scorching heat and dry air.
Peanuts: Chemical Composition and Nutrition Facts
The composition of peanut seeds includes 40-60% oil and 20-37% protein. This fact determines its high calorie content. About 80% of the peanut butter is unsaturated fatty acids, the use of which in food helps lower blood cholesterol. The proteins in this product are optimally balanced in the composition of amino acids, and therefore they are well absorbed by the human body. The proportion of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and water in 100 g of nuts is 9.9 g, 8.1 g, 7.9 g, respectively.
In addition, peanuts contain vitamins A, E, D, PP, B 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 , biotin, polyphenols (antioxidants), linoleic and folic acid. The latter, in particular, promotes cell renewal and growth. The composition explains the usefulness of peanuts. Nutrition value: in 100 gr. depending on the variety, it may contain from 550 to 590 kcal.
Of the macronutrients, the highest percentage of potassium, calcium and phosphorus, and magnesium and sodium are also present. Trace elements are represented by iron, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium.
What is peanut good for?
Besides its excellent nutty flavor, peanuts are characterized by their exceptional usefulness. Eating only 20-25 seeds per day helps to normalize the function of the blood-forming organs and smooth small wrinkles. As an adjuvant, the fruits are recommended to be used for high blood cholesterol, insomnia, overwork and, paradoxically, peanuts, whose nutritional value is 550-590 kcal, it is advised to eat with obesity.
Do not forget about the large amount of antioxidants contained in nuts. Everyone knows that these substances protect our cells from the harmful effects of dangerous free radicals. In addition, peanuts will help you make up for the protein deficiency in the body, soothe with increased nervous excitability and tones up with a decline in vital energy.
Roasted or Uncooked: Which Peanuts are Better?
We are used to eating raw or roasted peanut seeds. In the same form, it is added to pastries, desserts, salads and meat dishes. The nutritional value of roasted peanuts is 602 kcal per 100 g, which is slightly higher compared to raw. At the same time, the protein level fluctuates around 40%, and fat - 67%. Note that dried or roasted peanuts are preferable, since in this form it is easier to peel a thin skin rich in coarse dietary fiber, which inhibits the breakdown of proteins and starch.
About the benefits of boiled peanuts
Not so long ago, American scientists have found that boiled peanuts are most useful. Raw seeds contain many isoflavones antioxidants, which prevent the development of cancer, heart ischemia and diabetes. Their share in boiled peanuts increases by 4 times compared with the amount contained in the raw product.
It sounds very unusual, but think about it. Peanuts are beans, like the same beans, peas or chickpeas, and we cook and stew them with pleasure.
Peanut diet: what is it?
There is an opinion that many Hollywood stars use peanuts in the fight against excess weight. Nutritional value (in 100 g contains from 550 to 590 kcal) puts this information in great doubt. How can you lose weight by eating a product that is half composed of oil?
The thing is that with a peanut diet, plant seeds eat, but not much. In fact, this method of nutrition requires supplements in the form of vegetables, grain bread, low-fat boiled chicken and fish in limited quantities. Peanuts play a distracting role. In order to pamper someone who is losing weight and prevent him from “breaking loose” from hunger and desire to eat something sweet, he is offered, for example, 2 tbsp. l peanut butter for breakfast with a cup of tea. Even a small amount of “peanut” gives a feeling of satiety. Thus, eating small amounts of peanuts, whose nutritional value is very high, a person receives only 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which is not so much in terms of the entire daily diet.
What is made from peanuts?
Peanuts are an oilseed plant. A ton of its seeds allows you to get from 225 to 320 kg of oil, the quality of which is comparable to olive. The main area of its application is margarine, confectionery and canning industry. In a small amount, peanut butter goes to the pharmacy, and its worst varieties go to soap making. In America, the lion's share of farmed beans is processed into the famous peanut butter.
The extraction of any oil always gives a by-product - oilcake, in this case rich in protein and fat. It is actively used in the food industry, making halva, adding to cakes, sweets and cheap varieties of chocolate. Cake is often mixed into flour, thus enriching it with protein.
Peanuts - A Strong Allergen
So, the fact that the excessive use of "peanuts" can adversely affect the figure, we have already understood. The reason is that the nutritional value of raw, dried or roasted peanuts is very high. However, this is not the worst thing that can happen.
Many people are very allergic to peanuts. For them, the use of this product even in scanty amounts can result in death from anaphylactic shock or coma. Scientists have identified about thirty protein allergens that are found in peanuts. It is possible that some processes that enhance the nut flavor, its taste and shelf life (ripening, roasting, processing) contribute to the enhancement of allergenic properties.
Some doctors see the reason for this reaction in baby food. Often in the process of its manufacture in some quantities peanuts are used. The body of young children can not cope with the breakdown of all the components of the nut and can not digest them. In the future, this may very likely lead to the development of an allergy to the product.