Peanuts make a sudden appearance everywhere as soon as the winter season arrives. Street vendors sell warm roasted peanuts and peanut gajak, even our households use more peanuts in snacks like chaats and dips for snacks. Its nutty taste and crunchy texture make it an appetising food to munch on, and the fact that it's inexpensive makes it even more appealing. Besides, its high palatable quotient, experts vouch for it to be added to the winter diet for health reasons as well. Let's delve deeper into it.
Is it okay to eat peanuts every day?
We have read and heard enough about peanuts being good for our health, and new research backs it with their finding. Published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, a team of researchers analysed the effects of peanut snacking on 28 gms of peanuts (one ounce) per day for six months as compared to carbs-rich snacks like cheese and crackers. It was observed that peanut snacks promote the growth of bacteria, called Ruminococcaceae, which promotes healthy liver function, metabolism and immune system.
(Also Read: Winter Diet: 7 Classic Winter Recipes You Need To Try Today)
Peanut gajak is a popular winter snack.
Here are some more reasons (not a part of the study) to include peanuts in your winter diet.
Here're 5 Health Benefits Of Peanuts:
1. Promotes Weight Loss
Peanuts are rich in protein and fibre, both of which are known to promote weight loss. Fibre makes food easier to digest and increases the satiety level, preventing overeating.
2. Good For Diabetes
It is important for diabetic patients to increase their intake of magnesium, and peanuts have it in abundance. Magnesium helps metabolise fat and carbohydrate, leading to better regulation of blood sugar levels.
3. Aids Heart Health
People believe that since peanuts are high in fats, they should be avoided. But the truth is that these are healthy fats and actually do more good for heart health if had in moderation. Peanuts contain oleic acids, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol level in the blood.
4. Alleviates Anxiety
The presence of the amino acid - tryptophan releases brain chemicals that help ward off depression, anxiety and stress. So, peanuts are known to be a good mood booster.
5. Improves Skin And Hair
The healthy fats in peanuts are a boon for glowing skin. Peanuts are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and resveratrol, which prevent premature skin ageing. Peanuts also promote the production of biotin which works to promote hair growth.
(Also Read: Winter Diet Tips: Masala Gur Can Promote Immunity And Keep You Fit From Within)
With so many reasons to add peanuts to our winter diet, it is a good idea to plan your snacking menu with this superfood. Here are some peanut snacks recipes you can try.