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Peanuts Nutrition and Health Information

Peanuts and peanut butter are whole foods that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, ample protein and beneficial unsaturated fats. Since they are a plant food, they naturally contain no cholesterol.

Protein

Peanuts and peanut butter contain high quality plant protein. When comparing peanuts to similar foods, peanuts have more protein than other legumes or nuts. This is especially important for children, vegetarians, and people who are eating more meatless meals.

Unsaturated Fat

Peanuts and peanut butter contain mostly beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Compared to saturated fats, these fats have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. Lowering blood cholesterol levels may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.

Fiber

One ounce (one small handful) of peanuts, contains 2 grams of fiber. That's 8% of the fiber you need each day.

Vitamin E

One ounce of peanuts provides 25% of your daily need of vitamin E. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are beneficial and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Minerals

Peanuts are an important natural source of essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

B Vitamins

Peanuts are a good source of folic acid and niacin. B vitamins such as folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects. They also reduce amounts of homocysteine in the blood, a possible risk for heart disease.

Phytochemicals

Recent research on peanuts has identified a number of phytochemicals - nutrients that are good for you . One such phytochemical is resveratrol, also found in red wine and associated with the "French Paradox".

Links

The Peanut Institute