Have some peanuts?

         

Snacking nuts is not what most of us would think of in our hungry moments.  As for those who do, they end up choosing the tastier version loaded with monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugar, hydrogenated oils and other additives.

Since primitive times, our ancestors had been surviving on those nuts hanging from the trees.  Many animals are lovers of nuts too.  Why?

Nuts being rich in protein are great energy booster. The modern people realize that nuts contain fibre and healthy fats such as monounsaturated fat, vital to promote good health.  Other vitamins and minerals derived from, include Vitamin E and B3, niacin, foliate, tryptophan, Coenzyme10, manganese and copper.

Diets which are high in nuts and nut products show a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers (eg. colon cancer) as well as help with weight management problem.

Why peanuts?

Unlike the tree nuts, peanuts harvested from the ground are technically legumes more closely related to chickpeas and soybeans. It boasts higher protein level and a more complete range of amino acids.  Rich in nutrients, there are over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients in this humble nut.

Though peanuts are packed with calories, they help to lose weight at the same time by slowing the hunger pang and burn off more readily than less healthy fats found in cookies, chips and creamy desserts. Do make the right choice of brands with just peanuts and light salt for lower calories.

Its Vitamin E content is a powerful antioxidant that can improve blood circulation and protect reproductive organs of both sexes.

A vital antioxidant present in peanuts is resveratrol which can also be found in red wine and grape juice with abundance in grape skins. Boiled peanuts have the same high level of this compound as red wine. On comparison, it is actually ten times more than roasted peanuts or peanut butter.  However, roasting does improve the antioxidant content by about 22%, giving equivalent of strawberry and blackberry but more than carrot and beet.


Both Vitamin E and resveratrol are believed to have heart-protective (reduce bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure) and cancer-protective qualities.

Owing to increasing rate of allergies amongst kids, obstetricians are advising pregnant mothers to stay away from peanuts. Looking from the good perspective, it is a better source of folate, which is important for pregnancy to protect against birth defects and helps to build strong bones and protect the cell integrity. Some recent studies found that by giving infants peanut products earlier in life actually seem to have fewer peanut allergies later.  Hence, the specific proteins that trigger peanut allergy can be modified at earlier stage of contact.

There is a type of fungus known as Aspergillus flavus that produces aflatoxin, a naturally occurring toxic compound that infects on peanuts easily when conditions are conducive to its growth. In US, farmers grow disease resistant varieties and use other control to prevent fungal infection on crops and in storage.


This carcinogenic substance poses more danger to lives than the pesticide DDT. However, as compared to E.coli bacteria transmitted from uncooked foods it is less fearful. Liver patients (eg. hepatitis infection) have to be extra careful as any further contamination adds on to the burden of the organ in clearing toxins. 


Peanuts are used to help fight malnutrition given its high protein, high energy and high nutrient content. Peanut-based pastes were developed as a therapeutic food to aid in famine relief. Organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Project Peanut Butter and Doctors Without Borders have used these products to help save malnourished children in developing countries.


In a nutshell, peanuts are easily available, non-perishable, nutritious and cheaper than other nuts.  Best it is so simple to take as snack as no preparation is required.

Source:  ST Mind your Body, Feb 12, 2011

VIVA corner

VIVA Biogarlic is antibacterial and antifungal to counteract the infection after ingestion of aflatoxin. 

VIVA Floraguard helps to repopulate the intestinal flora with friendly bacteria following the pathogenic attack.

Concern about peanuts leading to uric acid attack especially for gout patients, advice is to reduce intake and supplement with alkaline foods like VIVA Green Barley to improve the acidity/alkalinity ratio.