People with heart conditions might have found a big ally in peanuts
because of its richness in monounsaturated fats. Peanuts also feature an
array of other nutrients that, in numerous studies, have been shown to
promote heart health.
They are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and
manganese. In addition, peanuts provide resveratrol, the phenolic
antioxidant also found in red grapes and red wine that is thought to be
good for the heart.
Studies suggests that resveratrol reduces stroke risk by reducing
susceptibility of the blood vessels to vascular damage through decreased
activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone that causes blood vessel
constriction which would in turn elevate blood pressure) and by
increasing production of the vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.
Peanuts apart from containing oleic acid, the healthful fat found in
olive oil, they are also as rich in antioxidants as many fruits. Roasted
peanuts do rival the antioxidant content of blackberries and
strawberries, and are far richer in antioxidants than apples, carrots or
beets.
Research has shown that peanuts contain high concentrations of
antioxidant polyphenols, primarily a compound called p-coumaric acid,
and that when roasted, peanuts’ p-coumaric acid level can be increased,
boosting their overall antioxidant content by as much as 22 percent.
P-coumaric acid is thought to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by
reducing the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Studies have also shown that women who eat a handful of peanuts or
peanut butter each week have a 25 percent lower risk of developing
gallstones.
Since 1 ounce is only 28.6g nuts or about 2 tablespoons of nut
butter, preventing gallbladder disease may be as easy as spreading
peanut butter on your bread, preferably whole wheat bread for its fibre,
vitamins and minerals for breakfast, or snacking on a handful of
peanuts when you feel like eating in-between your meals.
GOOD NEWS...that is I should increase my daily peanut intake.lolzzzz
CULLED FROM VANGUARD
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