Peanut
Peanut
Peanut or the famous Mungphali is an edible seed which are consume raw as well used in many traditional cuisines. Peanuts are a rich source of protein and fibers and have strong antioxidant activity. The antioxidant property of Peanuts increases when it is consumed with the skin. Peanuts help in the management of heart disease, gallstone, malnourishment, diabetes, cancer and constipation. Avoid drinking water after eating peanuts to prevent cough[1].
What are the synonyms of Peanut?
Arachis hypogaea, Bhuirachna, Mussombibikan, Mandavi, Nilasanagalu, Bilatimung, Mugphali, Bilatimung, Bhui muga, Badam, Monkey nut
What is the source of Peanut?
Plant Based
Benefits of Peanut
Modern Science View
Peanut might be beneficial in lowering cholesterol. Phytosterols in Peanut have a structure similar to body’s cholesterol. Phytosterols compete with the absorption of cholesterol in the body and block its absorption. Thus, Peanut reduces the level of bad cholesterol and increases the level of good cholesterol[7][9].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Taking Peanut or its oil in the daily diet improves Agni and corrects impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property and prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol.
Modern Science View
Peanut might be beneficial in the management of coronary heart disease. Peanut is a very good source of vitamin E that has beneficial effects for coronary heart disease[7][9].
Ayurvedic View
Peanut may be useful in managing weight. Peanuts are high satiety food, keeping you full and satisfied for a longer period. It helps to lower your appetite to prevent overeating. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
How effective is Peanut?
Insufficient evidence
Appetite stimulant, Cancer, Heart disease, Low HDL (good cholesterol)
Precautions when using Peanut
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Peanuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Peanut supplements during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Peanuts in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Peanut supplements during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Allergies[4].
Recommended Dosage of Peanut
- Peanut Oil - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Peanut
1. Raw Peanut
Eat Peanut as per your requirement and liking.
2. Peanut Oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Peanut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Use it in your regular cooking.
3. Peanut Butter
Take 1-2 tablespoons of Peanut butter as per your requirement and liking.
4. Peanut Chikki
Eat Peanut chikki as per your requirement and liking.
Eat Peanut as per your requirement and liking.
2. Peanut Oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Peanut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Use it in your regular cooking.
3. Peanut Butter
Take 1-2 tablespoons of Peanut butter as per your requirement and liking.
4. Peanut Chikki
Eat Peanut chikki as per your requirement and liking.
Benefits of Peanut
Ayurvedic View
Peanut oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain in arthritis when applied. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Sesame oil helps to get rid of joint pain due to its Vata balancing property. It also gives the strength of joint due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Ayurvedic View
Peanut oil helps to reduce excessive dryness when applied on the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) property. Ayurveda says that excessive dryness of the skin is due to an aggravated Vata. Applying Peanut oil balances Vata and removes dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
How effective is Peanut?
Insufficient evidence
Arthritis, Constipation, Dry Skin, Joint pain
Precautions when using Peanut
Allergy
Modern Science View
Peanut oil might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to Peanuts.
Recommended Dosage of Peanut
- Peanut Oil - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Peanut
1. Raw Peanut Scrub
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of crushed raw Peanuts.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and dull skin.
2. Peanut Oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Peanut oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Massage gently on the affected area.
d. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry skin, eczema, scalp crusting and scaling.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of crushed raw Peanuts.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and dull skin.
2. Peanut Oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Peanut oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Massage gently on the affected area.
d. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry skin, eczema, scalp crusting and scaling.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Roasted peanuts are not bad as roasting enhances its flavor. Studies show that Peanuts may be useful for weight loss as well as reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases[2].
Modern Science View
Regular butter is made from milk and Peanut butter is prepared from roasted Peanuts. Both vary in their nutritional content. But the most significant difference is that Peanut butter has less fats and calories as compared to regular butter.
Modern Science View
Although Peanuts are found underground it is considered as a nut. It is a rich source of proteins, fibre and has strong antioxidant properties[1].
Modern Science View
Consumption of Peanuts might cause food allergy in highly sensitive people[8].
Modern Science View
Peanuts provide various essential nutrients when eaten with or without the skin. The skin of Peanuts also contain minerals and nutrients and is considered good for the health[3].
Ayurvedic View
Peanuts provide various essential nutrients when eaten with or without the skin. The skin of Peanuts also contain minerals and nutrients and is considered good for the health[3].
Ayurvedic View
No, Peanut oil is good for managing various skin conditions like allergy, rashes and acne due to its Ropan (healing). However it is advisable to consult a doctor before applying Peanut oil on the body if you have sensitive skin.
References
- Toomer OT.Nutritional chemistry of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea).Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr.2017:1040-8398.
- Sharma KK, Mathur PB.Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).Methods Mol Biol.2006.44:44.
- Snafi AEA.Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Arachis hypogaea. – A Review.IJPRS.2014;3(1):615-623.
- Stansbury MF, Field ET,Guthrie JD.The tannin and related pigments in the red skins (Testa) of peanut kernels.JAOCS.1950;27(8): 317–321.
- Barnett J, Botting N, Gowland MH.et.al.The strategies that peanut and nut-allergic consumers employ to remain safe when travelling abroad.2012.clin transl allergy.2012.
- Mattes RD, Kris-Etherton PM,Foster GD.et.al.Impact of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Body Weight and Healthy Weight Loss in Adults.J. Nutr.2008. 138: 1741–1745.
- WebMD.Peanut oil: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Al-Muhsen S, Clarke AE, Kagan RS.Peanut allergy: an overview.CMAJ. 2003 May 13; 168(10): 1279–1285.
- Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S. Peanuts as functional food: A review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(1):31-41.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.