Nutritional value of peanut

Peanuts are grown in tropical and subtropical climates. They need much sunshine, warm temperature, moderate rainfall and a frost-free growing period of 4 to 5 months.

Peanuts are rich in oil: 100 pounds of whole nuts yields 32 pounds of oil and small podded varieties contain 50% oil.

The oil contains 76% to 82% unsaturated fatty acid that is fatty acids with double bonds. Monounsaturated fatty acids represent 48.4% of the total; polyunsaturated fatty acids, 33.6 percent and saturated fatty acids, 18%.

The two major carbohydrates of peanuts are starch, present primarily in starch grains in the two large cotyledons of the seed, and sugars (mostly sucrose) present in the honeycomb network surrounding the fat deposits.

Peanuts have fiber, plus a good amount of protein to build a better body. Peanuts generally contain higher amounts of protein (25.80 g/100 g) than three nuts (7.91-21.22 g/100g).

100 grams of raw nuts contains about 705 mg of potassium and 18 mg of sodium. They also have a good supply of niacin and a bit of thiamine for more energy. They are rich in fiber, a good source of B-group vitamins, vitamin E and a source of iron and zinc.

Nutritional value of peanut