Peanuts
Peanuts,
contrary to their name, are not really nuts. They are a member of the legume
family along with peas, lentils, chickpeas and other beans. Peanuts start
growing as a ground flower - but because the peanut flower is very heavy - it
bends towards the ground and eventually pushes it’s way underground where
the peanut matures.
A University
of Florida team says peanuts are rich in antioxidants which protect cells from
damage linked to heart disease and cancer. Peanuts also contain high levels of
protein and "good" monounsaturated fat.
The US
researchers tested the antioxidant content of a dozen different varieties of
peanuts. Antioxidants are the naturally occurring substances in plants
that protect the body from free radicals - 'volatile' chemicals in the blood.
Although free
radicals do play an important role in the immune system, they also alter
cholesterol in a process known as oxidation, which is thought to speed up the
hardening of the arteries.
Red and
orange fruits and vegetables are already known to be particularly high in
antioxidants. But the researchers found peanuts were also high in the
beneficial chemicals. They found peanuts contain high levels of polyphenols, a
family of chemicals commonly found in foods, which have strong antioxidant
properties.
Steve Talcott
of the University of Florida, who led the research, said: "When it comes
to antioxidant content, peanuts are right up there with strawberries. We
expected a fairly high antioxidant content in peanuts, but we were a bit
shocked to find that they're as rich in antioxidants as many kinds of
fruit."
If
you’re a peanut fan we encourage you to consider Buckey Ball Matrix. This
delicious energy food is handcrafted from peanuts, honey, white and black
sesame seeds, dried whole raspberries, and olive oil. It’s a taste
that’s sure to please and always a hit with the kids.
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