Are peanuts healthy for you? Celebrate Peanut Day with Nutty Delights!

Peanuts are one of those timeless snacks that have been enjoyed for decades. These days peanuts come in all sorts of flavors and are enjoyed in endless ways. But the question is, is this beloved snack healthy for you? Keep reading to find out!

We all know that nuts have endless benefits and are packed with tons of nutrients. Nuts are a source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats and are packed with protein. Some nuts outshine others when it comes to nutritional value and peanuts are certainly one of them! 

Peanuts - A nutritional powerhouse

Peanuts are packed with nutrients. Although some people believe peanuts are bad for you, this seriously isn't the case! Peanuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber provides nutritional benefits and leaves you feeling fuller for longer. This is great if you are looking for a healthy snack alternative to crisps or other snacks.

16 peanuts a day keeps the doctor away!

Do you ever wonder what would happen if you ate peanuts every day? Would it be good for you? Well if you're a peanut lover like us and would happily eat peanuts every day, good news - it's great to eat peanuts on a daily basis! Scientific evidence suggests that eating 1.5 ounces (around 16 peanuts)  per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. If you eat peanuts every day you get protein, vitamins, minerals, and more! Peanuts have more protein than any nut, contain more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fiber and good fats! Too much of anything is never good for you, and that is the case with peanuts too so try to stick to the recommended amounts to ensure you're getting the positive side effects of snacking on these nuts!

Raw VS Roasted peanuts - Which is healthier?

When it comes to raw vs roasted peanuts - they both have their pros and cons, but at the end of the day, both are still packed with nutrients and are considered healthy snacks!

Raw Pros -

• They preserve more of their naturally occurring nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamin E. 

• They contain fewer calories and less fat content per gram. 

• They contain less sodium. 

• They contain fewer harmful free radicals.

Raw Cons -

• They have less flavor, aroma, and crunch. 

• They may undergo exposure to PPO during pasteurization. 

• They contain natural compounds that reduce their digestibility, potentially causing bloating and stomach upset.

Roasted Pros -

• They have an enhanced flavor and overall sensory experience. 

• They are easier to digest. 

• They bring a decreased risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.

Roasted Cons - 

• They bring an increased risk of oxidation and free radical exposure during storage. 

• They have a high sodium content.

• When roasted with dry heat, they lose water content and increase in fat content.

So which is healthier? Well, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between raw or roasted peanuts. As long as a person eats nuts in moderation, both types can form part of a moderate, balanced diet!

So to answer the question if peanuts are healthy for you, yes, they absolutely are! Keep including peanuts in various ways in your diet and enjoy their deliciousness guilt free! 

Don't forget to watch our staff Guess The Peanut video