There’s no doubt about it that peanuts and peanut products are widely popular and widely used in all places all throughout the United States. And from good cholesterol in peanuts and phytochemicals in nuts to a wide variety of peanut products, there are numerous reasons that peanuts should be consumed. Peanuts are popular among children and adults alike, and have served as a school (and work) lunch staple for years and years, dating back decades in our country’s history.
First of all, there are many ways to consume peanuts. Peanuts can be eating as is, but are most commonly roasted and salted before being consumed as a peanut snack. Peanut snacks can also include trail mixes and granola bars, in which they are commonly used. And peanut butter cannot be forgotten about, as it is perhaps the most common peanut product in use today. In fact, it is so popular that it is estimated that around ninety percent of homes in the United States have a jar of peanut butter that gets regular use. Peanut butter has been around for more than one hundred and ten years, since it was introduced at a state fair in the year of 1904, and has only grown in popularity.
And peanuts and peanut products are good for you as well, including the phytochemicals in nuts. Good cholesterol in peanuts and phytochemicals in nuts is one reason that people eat them as a snack or use them in cooking (peanut oil is also popular, and peanut oil in hair is one such use that doesn’t involve direct consumption). But good cholesterol in peanuts is not the only health benefit that they offer. Real peanut butter (typically containing more than five hundred and forty peanuts in one jar) and peanuts themselves provide a number of essential nutrients and vitamins to the common American resident. For one, protein is provided by peanut consumption. Peanut protein is one of the more well known health benefits of peanuts (along with good cholesterol in peanuts) as opposed to phytochemicals in nuts (less known) and rightly so – a mere one ounce serving of raw peanuts has as much as seven grams of protein. As one ounce is only about an average sized handful, there’s no doubt that peanuts provide a great source of protein, particularly for those who may not consume meat or other protein sources. Protein in roasted peanuts is also considerable, as is the protein found in real peanut butter. In those who ate peanuts regularly, the levels of Vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, and magnesium were also found to be raised when blood work was done, as was zinc, iron, and calcium.
But some people fear peanuts, primarily because of the severity of some people’s peanut allergies. However, the average member of the general population – children and adults alike – have nothing to fear when it comes to potential peanut allergy and peanut consumption. Though peanuts are one of the most common allergies in the United States (along with shellfish, tree nuts, and milk, among other allergens), developing a serious allergy is still very uncommon. In fact, studies and statistics show that for as much as ninety eight percent of the population of the United States (including the populations of both adults and children), peanut consumption and the consumption of peanut products is totally and one hundred percent safe. A peanut allergy reaction is not common, but is very treatable and if your child develops a peanut allergy and an allergic reaction, it is more likely than not that they will be absolutely fine.
From good cholesterol in peanuts to phytochemicals in nuts to recipes for peanuts and peanut vitamins, there are many reasons to consume peanuts and peanut products. The good cholesterol in peanuts is well known, but it is certainly not the only health benefit, as protein, iron, magnesium, and phytochemicals in nuts can all be found in peanuts and peanut products as well.
