Groundnuts have many names such as peanuts, pindas, jack nuts, pinders, manila nuts, monkey nuts, etc. Besides being widely eaten as snack, they are very useful for the human body. Especially in blood related diseases like hemophilia, nose bleeding, and excessive bleeding during menses they prove to be beneficial. Groundnut is rich in protein content; it contains more protein than meat, eggs and any other vegetable products except soyabean and yeast.
The nutrient value of groundnut is significant as it contains 13 different types of vitamins including vitamin A, B, C, E, etc., and 26 different kinds of minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, etc. It also helps in restoring strong gums and teeth and also bolsters the bone strength.
As they are rich in anti-oxidants, it helps in reducing ageing and reduces the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This is also because the groundnut oil contains the monounsaturated fats instead of saturated fats which helps in lowering the blood pressure and hence prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have found groundnut beneficial in diabetes as well. It has been found that groundnut oil was able to decrease the blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetics by a small but significant amount, while increasing antioxidant levels. It is recommended that growing children, expecting women and nursing mothers consume roasted groundnuts with jaggery and goat’s milk. It is said to provide resistance and immunity against dangerous infections like Hepatitis and also Tuberculosis. Roasting is better because it helps in preserving the minerals present in it. Nicotinic acid deficiency can cause chronic diarrhea; since groundnut is a rich source of nicotinic acid, it can be consumed with goat’s milk for the prevention of the disease. Though it has many benefits yet asthmatic person should avoid groundnut as it can trigger the asthma.
All the five nutrients known as food energy, which are required by the body to maintain and repair the tissues, are present in groundnut which makes it extremely beneficial. It also improves the functioning of the brain.