GOOD TO KNOW
The Peanut – a valuable energy source
Actually it belongs to the legumes and therefore it is actually a vegetable. The peanut contains 42-52% healthy fats, that offer a lot of linoleic acid (unsaturated omega 6 fatty acid). This fatty acid is very beneficial for the heart and the skin. Besides, the peanut provides a lot of proteins (about 25-35%), vitamin E and almost all B vitamins (especially vitamin B1 – the “nerves vitamin”), minerals (especially a lot of phosphorus) and most of the essential amino acids. Especially a lot of tryptophan, which is responsible for a good sleep. So it is good to snack some peanuts in the evening when watching TV. But you should watch out for unsalted peanuts and you should eat them in moderation, because 100 g provide about 600 calories and therefore they are rather a “calorie bomb”. Furthermore the peanut can accelerate the blood clotting, stimulate the metabolism, strengthen the nervous system and it is called a health-promoting food due to its phytosterols (they can stop the growth of metastases and therefore they are used against cancer).
A raw peanut tastes similar to a raw bean, only when you roast it, its special aroma occurs.
It is originally from South America, later the peanut was brought to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese people. Nowadays it grows especially in India, China, Indonesia, West Africa and in bulk in the US.
Nice To Know:
Did you know, that the Americans have a National Peanut Day? On 13th September, but the kids have to go to school on this day. As the peanut is very popular in the US (especially the classic Peanutbutter – but often added with a lot of sugar) and shapes the American landscape and cuisine, they established a kind of Memorial Day for it.
