7 Health Benefits From Eating Peanuts

Reaching for a handful of Hampton Farms peanuts as an afternoon pick-me-up may feel like a guilty pleasure, but our peanuts are not just your taste bud’s preferred snack to get you through the rest of the day. They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which makes this snack a healthy choice for your entire body. Read about the 7 health benefits linked to peanuts so you don’t feel snack-shamed next time your stomach starts growling for a handful of Cajun Hot Nuts... or whichever flavor variety suits your fancy.

Peanuts are energy-boosting

The combination of high levels of fiber and protein found in peanuts assists the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and slows down the digestive process to facilitate a steady release of energy into the body. Whether you need to recharge from a rigorous workout or need a boost of energy to get through those really long meetings, peanuts perfectly combine the benefits of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to give your body the fuel it needs.

Peanuts are certified superfoods

As peanuts contain over 30 vitamins and minerals in addition to other plant-based compounds, this nutrient-rich nut has recently achieved superfood status. A superfood diet decreases the risk of chronic illness and enhances our nervous system. Specifically, with high levels of bioactive compounds, peanuts are reported to decrease blood pressure, minimize the risk of cancer, lower inflammation, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Peanuts assist in healthy weight management

The nutritional density of peanuts keeps your body fuller for longer, which makes them one of the few diet-friendly staples that don’t leave your stomach hungry for more. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, peanuts increase overall satisfaction and reduce thedesire to eat more later. Additionally, as an excellent source of protein and monounsaturated fats, peanuts increase calorie burning after the meal. 

Peanuts help manage blood sugar

Low levels of carbohydrates combined with high levels of magnesium found inside peanuts help control blood sugar levels by creating a low glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low GI slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream to help prevent and manage diabetes. 

Peanuts promote heart health

Peanut’s heart-healthy nutrients, like magnesium, niacin, copper, and antioxidants, help reduce the risk of heart disease. Supported by the American Heart Association, unsalted peanuts are a cholesterol-free snack that can replace high saturated fats with healthier unsaturated fats to promote heart health and help you live a more robust life.

Peanuts are a good source of antioxidants

Antioxidants decrease free radicals found in the body and neutralize or reverse the effects of pastfree radicals. Researchers have also conducted studies on dietary antioxidants, particularly those found in peanuts, such as coumaric acid and resveratrol, and states that peanuts reduce the oxidative aging of our cells often thought to lead to chronic degenerative diseases. 

Peanuts assist in gallstone prevention

Because of their cholesterol-lowering properties, peanuts are excellent combatants to gallstones, which are primarily composed of cholesterol. Specifically, long-term studies find that patients who regularly consume peanuts are about 25% less likely to experience gallstones than patients who don’t. Eating at least one serving of peanuts a day is a common recommendation for people who exhibit high-risk symptoms associated with gallstones.

When it comes to foods to incorporate into your daily diet, peanuts really do have it all. So the next time you could use an afternoon pick-me-up, reach for a handful of Hampton Farms peanuts-- and feel good doing it!

Hampton Farms has been delivering the freshest, best quality peanuts from seed to shelf since 1917. Our business is family owned and operated, and we are committed to producing the finest peanut-based snacks and services with integrity, honesty, and the pride of American farmers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or headed to the ballpark, purchase some Hampton Farms nuts today!