Peanuts: A Powerful Source for Healthy Snacks--- Part One

Peanuts have had a ton of bad press lately. However, not all peanuts come from a nasty plant in south Georgia. And not everyone is allergic to peanuts.
I love peanuts. Living in South Georgia during high school, the fall days when peanuts were brought to the dryers to begin the processing of the peanuts into different products. That journey filled with air with the rich smell of freshly turned dirt. Then there were the pots of boiling peanuts in the neighbor’s backyard. Yummy!
I eat peanut butter on crackers for a snack and sometimes for lunch. I eat peanuts roasted, boiled & toasted. Put peanut butter with chocolate & I am there! Mix with Bananas and it is a wonderful thing.
But on to the real reason for this post. According to an article by the Peanut Company of Australia, Peanuts are a healthy food! Here are a few hints at how Peanuts are a Powerful Source for Health.
Peanuts are:
· Not Really a Nut--Peanuts aren't really nuts at all - they're legumes like beans and peas and grow under the ground
· Have No Cholesterol--Peanuts contain absolutely no cholesterol and trials show they can actually reduce cholesterol levels
· Full of Natural Fiber--One serving (25g) of peanuts contains more fiber than a whole wheat sandwich & more than other snack foods
· A Protein Powerhouse--One serving (25g) of peanuts provides 12% of the daily recommended intake of protein
· Reduces Cholesterol--Clinical trials demonstrate a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol when peanuts are added to the diet
· Inhibits Cancer Growth--Beta-sitosterol, the most abundant sterol in peanuts, has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancers! WOW!
As you can see, we are just getting started on the health benefits of Peanuts! My next post will continue with the list of Healthy Peanut Benefits. Stay tuned for more on Peanuts: A Powerful Source for Healthy Snacks---Part 2!