Peanut
Peanut or the famous Mungphali is an edible seed which is consumed raw as well used in many traditional cuisines. They are a rich source of protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats.
Peanuts promote a feeling of fullness that helps to control hunger and reduce the urge to eat large quantities of food. This makes them effective for managing weight. Using Peanut oil in cooking might help reduce cholesterol and keep the heart healthy.
According to Ayurveda, Peanut oil can be applied externally to manage dry skin by moisturizing it due to its Snigdha (oily) property. It can also be applied to get relief from joint pain due to arthritis due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
Avoid drinking water after eating Peanuts to prevent cough. It is also important to avoid consuming Peanuts as well as applying Peanut oil on the skin if you are allergic to it[1][7][9][10].
Peanuts promote a feeling of fullness that helps to control hunger and reduce the urge to eat large quantities of food. This makes them effective for managing weight. Using Peanut oil in cooking might help reduce cholesterol and keep the heart healthy.
According to Ayurveda, Peanut oil can be applied externally to manage dry skin by moisturizing it due to its Snigdha (oily) property. It can also be applied to get relief from joint pain due to arthritis due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
Avoid drinking water after eating Peanuts to prevent cough. It is also important to avoid consuming Peanuts as well as applying Peanut oil on the skin if you are allergic to it[1][7][9][10].
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
Peanuts are rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats. They help promote the feeling of fullness and control the feeling of hunger which reduces the urge to consume more food. Peanuts also help in improving the metabolic rate which promotes weight loss[10].
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.
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].
How effective is Peanut?
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Heart disease, Low HDL (good cholesterol), Weight loss
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
Applying Peanut oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain in arthritis. 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 Peanut 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
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Peanut in the case of female health.
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].
Modern Science View
Peanut butter is good for health because of the presence of nutrients. Peanut butter, when consumed daily, reduces the risk of heart disease. The fats present in Peanut butter helps provide nutrients to infants and children who are malnourished. It also decreases inflammation and prevents the growth of cancer cells due to its anti-inflammatory properties[11].
Ayurvedic View
Peanut butter is made up of Peanuts. It might be helpful in bodybuilding due to its Kapha increasing and Balya (strength provider) properties. It helps in muscle development which helps in bodybuilding and also provides strength to it.
Modern Science View
Peanut oil is considered to be good for health due to the presence of various nutrients such as magnesium and protein. They provide protection to the heart and maintains blood sugar levels and body weight. It also contains fatty acids and antioxidants which fight against free radicals and prevents cell damage[10].
Ayurvedic View
Peanut oil helps to manage constipation due to its Snigdha (oily) and Rechana (laxative) properties. It improves bowel movement and helps in easy excretion of stool. This also helps to maintain a proper digestion by regularly excreting out toxins from your body.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Peanut oil or as per your requirement.
2. Use it in your regular cooking.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Peanut oil or as per your requirement.
2. Use it in your regular cooking.
Modern Science View
Yes, Peanut butter helps in bodybuilding. It is rich in protein and fats which helps in maintaining the nutritional requirements of a bodybuilder[14].
Ayurvedic View
Peanut butter is made up of Peanuts. It might be helpful in bodybuilding due to its Kapha increasing and Balya (strength provider) properties. It helps in muscle development which helps in bodybuilding and also provides strength to it.
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.
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific evidence is available but the presence of antioxidants in Peanut prevents cell damage. It also reduces the loss of protein and promotes the regeneration of damaged hair[13].
Ayurvedic View
Peanut oil might be beneficial for dry or damaged hair due to its Snigdha (oily) property. It helps to repair and retain moisture in dry hair, thus promoting a healthy growing hairs.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Peanut oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Massage gently on the affected area.
4. Repeat 2-3 times a week for better result.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Peanut oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Massage gently on the affected area.
4. Repeat 2-3 times a week for better result.
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.
- Mattes RD, Kris-Etherton PM, Foster GD. Impact of peanuts and tree nuts on body weight and healthy weight loss in adults. The journal of nutrition.2007;1741S-1745S.
- Mattes RD, Kris-Etherton PM, Foster GD. Impact of peanuts and tree nuts on body weight and healthy weight loss in adults. The journal of nutrition.2007;1741S-1745S.
- Akhtar S, Khalid N, Ahmed I, et al.Physicochemical characteristics, functional properties, and nutritional benefits of Peanut oil: A review.Taylor and Francis.2014;54(12):1562-1575.
- Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S.Peanuts as functional food: A review.J food sci Technol.2016;53(1):31-41.
- Settaluri VS, Kandala CVK, Puppala N, et al. Peanuts and Their Nutritional Aspects—A Review.Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 3, 1644-1650.
- Correa J.185 Bodybuilding Meal and Shake Recipesto Make You Look Incredible Create a Sculpted and Ripped Body In Half the Time. Health and Fitness. 2015.
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.