Peanuts (as well as tree nuts) also give cholesterol-lowering drugs a run for their money, especially if you incorporate them into a diet with other heart-healthy ingredients such as soy, lentils, psyllium husks, oats, barley and plant sterols.
Power in a peanut
In a nutshell, peanuts are nutrientdense packages. Here are just a few reasons you should consider eating them regularly (unless, of course, you have a peanut allergy!).
- As part of their high-protein content, peanuts contain arginine, an amino acid that makes blood vessels relax.
- Despite being high in total fat, peanuts have a low level of saturated fat.
- Peanuts are rich in magnesium, which protects against the metabolic syndrome, a situation leading to heart disease.
- Frequent peanut intake protects against type 2 diabetes.
- Peanuts provide potassium, which is important for blood-pressure control.
- Peanut eaters are generally slimmer— they have lower BMIs. Foods rich in vitamin E, such as peanuts, guard against Alzheimer’s disease.
Three ways to eat more
- Snack on whole, freshly shelled peanuts, preferably with their skin.
The red skin is loaded with resveratrol, a strong antioxidant responsible for positioning red wine in the news as a heart protector. - Spread your bread with natural peanut butter instead of margarine or dairy butter. The natural version has no added salt, sugar or fats!
- Toss peanuts into a stir-fry or add to fried rice.
Hi Oleic peanuts are now also available. These are naturally bred to contain up to 30 per cent more monounsaturated fatty acids, meaning that their fat profile is very similar to olive oil! Hi Oleic peanuts taste crunchier and fresher, having a shelf life is up to 15 times longer than that of ordinary peanuts.
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