Obscure facts About peanut

Did you know that a peanut is not a nut at all? It's actually a legume, in the same family as peas and beans. 🥜😄and lentils.

Peanuts have been around for a long time? They originated in South America, and were domesticated by the Incas and Aztecs. Peanuts were introduced to North America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and became popular as a snack food in the 19th century. The first commercial peanut crop was grown in Virginia in the late 1800s.

Peanuts are grown in sandy soil? The soil needs to be loose and well-drained so that the peanut plants can develop deep roots. Peanuts are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. It takes about 120 days for peanuts to mature. Once they are ready, they are dug up from the ground and left to dry in the sun. Once they are dry, they are shelled and cleaned. After that, they are ready to be eaten or processed into peanut products.

And did you know that peanuts are actually a type of fruit? They are grown underground, and the "nut" is actually a seed. Crazy, right? 😄

And did you know that peanuts have lots of health benefits? They are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients that are good for your body,most of the fats they contain are known as “good fats.” These kinds of fats actually help lower your cholesterol levels. Peanuts are also an excellent source of: Magnesium.

Peanuts are relatively affordable, shelf-stable, filling and nutritious. Peanut butter, and peanuts in general, can be used in a range of sweet and savory dishes, from Pantry Peanut Noodles to No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies. Unlike almonds, walnuts and pistachios, which grow on trees, peanuts are a legume because they grow underground.

According to the USDA, the nutrition information for 1 ounce of raw (not roasted), no-salt-added peanuts includes:

160 calories

7g protein

14 g fat

5 g carbs

2.4 g fiber

68 mcg folate (17% Daily Value)

49 mg magnesium (12% DV)

196 mg potassium

0.7 mg iron

3 mg sodium

Research, like the 2022 review in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, has identified peanuts as a "functional food," pointing out the variety of antioxidants they contain. These antioxidants include phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are also found in types of green and black teas, apples, red wine and soybeans. A 2021 Food Science & Nutrition study found that peanut skins are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that, theoretically, support good health. That's a great reason to buy peanuts in their shells and enjoy shelling them yourself.

Other research, like a 2020 review in Food Science and Human Wellness, found that nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women and less diabetes in women in studies of large groups. So top your salad or soup with some crushed peanuts, and slather some peanut butter on your morning slice of toast!

Though they might seem high in calories, nuts—including peanuts—are a great snack if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The combination of protein, fiber and healthy fats found in peanuts can help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals. This may help you get ahead of hunger and prevent overeating.

In fact, research has found that nuts might play an important role in weight regulation. A 2022 Nutrients study found that eating about 1 ounce of peanuts prior to two meals daily while on an energy-restricted diet resulted in weight loss that was comparable to a low-fat weight loss diet. The peanut eaters also experienced lower blood pressure, which may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.