Groundnut is popularly known as peanut in many countries though it is more a pea (a leguminous plant) than a nut. It is considered as nut because of its high nutritional value. Unknown to many people, groundnut is one of the best sources of protein. It is also very beneficial when it comes to matters of health.
All parts of this plant can be commercially used.
The plant stalks are fed to cattle in the form of green, dried and silage.
Groundnut shell, haulms and hay are good fodder.
Groundnut cake is a good feed for livestock and it is also used as manure.
Few of the health benefits of groundnut are
1. Helps Fight Depression (Tryptophan): Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain.
Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
2. Boosts Memory Power (Vitamin B3): Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B3 or niacin content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
3. It’s a natural man power food: it’s amazing to know that groundnut can actually increase your stamina in bed and make you last longer than you can imagine.
4. Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation (Manganese): One fourth cup of peanuts can supply the body with 35% of the DV of manganese, a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
5. Helps Prevent Gallstones: It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones. But 20 years of studies have shown that eating 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter a week lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.
6. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease: Numerous studies have shown that regular nuts consumption is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. So take a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
Benefits of groundnuts during pregnancy
1. Excellent Source for Folate
During pregnancy consuming food rich of folate is highly recommended and peanuts are one of them. Per 100 grams of peanuts could cover about 60% daily intake of folate. It is a common knowledge that folate is essential for the fetus development especially in the early trimester.
2. Prevents Birth Defect
Birth defect could occur when the development of fetus is disturbed or there are enough nutrients to support the development. Peanuts are packed with vitamins and minerals which are great for pregnancy like folate to support optimal growth and minerals like iron and calcium to make sure enough stock of red blood cells.
3. Source of Calories for Mother
The need of calories in each mother may different but calories are essential for energy booster. During pregnancy, a mother may suffer fatigue and getting tired easily. To help boosting the energy, peanuts may help to restore it.
4. Great Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
If you think fish is not your friend during pregnancy but you clearly know that you need great source of omega 3 fatty acids, you could replace fish with peanuts because they contains quite high healthy fats.
5. Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Antioxidants are not only solution to anti-cancer but during pregnancy, antioxidants could help mother maintaining their immunity system so they would not fall sick easily.
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