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].

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

What are the benefits of Peanut for Arthritis?

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.

What are the benefits of Peanut for Dry Skin?

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.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are roasted peanuts bad for you?

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].

Q. Is Peanut butter healthier than regular butter?

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.

Q. Is Peanut a nut or seed?

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].

Q. What effects do Peanuts have on the health of females?

Modern Science View

Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Peanut in the case of female health.

References

1
Toomer OT.Nutritional chemistry of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea).Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr.2017:1040-8398.
2
Sharma KK, Mathur PB.Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).Methods Mol Biol.2006.44:44.
3
Snafi AEA.Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Arachis hypogaea. – A Review.IJPRS.2014;3(1):615-623.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
WebMD.Peanut oil: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
8
Al-Muhsen S, Clarke AE, Kagan RS.Peanut allergy: an overview.CMAJ. 2003 May 13; 168(10): 1279–1285.
9
Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S. Peanuts as functional food: A review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(1):31-41.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S.Peanuts as functional food: A review.J food sci Technol.2016;53(1):31-41.
14
Settaluri VS, Kandala CVK, Puppala N, et al. Peanuts and Their Nutritional Aspects—A Review.Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 3, 1644-1650.
15
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.