A growing number of people have been making an effort to include
more fruits and vegetables into their diets, as such foods are known
for having high antioxidant qualities. However, it seems fruits
and vegetables may have found a new rival: Peanuts.
According to studies, peanuts not only contain the so-called "good"
fat (monounsaturated fat), but they are also high in a variety of
helpful antioxidants, or chemicals that shield the damaging effects
of free radicals. Free radicals can be described as unstable molecules
that occur naturally in the human body, damaging living cells. Such
damage has been related to:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancers
- Macular degeneration of the eye (a gradual loss of central vision)
By integrating peanuts and peanut butter into a healthful diet,
it is possible to lower cholesterol, lose weight and prevent type
2 diabetes.
Antioxidant-Rich Peanuts
Vitamins A, C and E are recognized as antioxidants and peanuts
are an optimal source of vitamin E. In addition, peanuts contain
high concentrations of polyphenols (a compound called p-coumaric
acid), which also have strong antioxidant properties.
Research has indicated that roasting peanuts can boost the level
of p-coumaric acid, increasing the total antioxidant content by
as much as 22 percent.
Science
Blog December 27, 2004
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