Dr. Vineet Rao, a nutritionist at Jupiter Hospital, Pune (India), said that peanuts are a rich source of energy and contain essential nutrients that the body needs to maintain energy, muscle recovery and overall health.
Peanuts are high in fiber, protein, and fat, which help you feel fuller after meals. They also provide a good amount of essential minerals like folate and magnesium.
“Meanwhile, the thin red skin of peanuts is often discarded, even though it contains many minerals and bioactive substances that improve health,” said Dr. Vineet Rao, emphasizing that eating peanuts with a thin reddish-brown skin is more beneficial.
Peanut skins also possess powerful antioxidants and are high in fiber.
Antioxidants
Sharing the same view, Dr Birali Swetha, chief nutritionist at Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad (India), said that peanut shells are rich in antioxidants, especially resveratrol and polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress and support heart health.
Studies show that these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to improved immunity.
Oxidative stress occurs when an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants causes cell damage, which can contribute to aging and other disorders.
Antioxidants found in peanut skins help neutralize free radicals, protect cells and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Gut health
Peanut skins contain fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. A diet high in fiber can also help reduce the risk of digestive disorders, including constipation and diverticular disease, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Control blood sugar
Because they contain fiber and polyphenols, peanut skins may also help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively.
Fiber also slows digestion, resulting in a more steady release of glucose into circulation and helping to minimize blood sugar spikes after meals.
Including peanut skins in your diet will help boost your body's defenses against bacteria.
Whether you use nutritionally fortified peanut butter or eat the peanut skins, incorporating them into your daily diet is a simple way to take advantage of their nutritional benefits.
