PHOTOGRAPH: STOCKSY
Peanuts, it’s fair to say, are famous for the most popular and well-known nut butter on the planet. However, contrary to their namesake and ‘nut-oriety’, peanuts are not actually nuts. They are, in fact, from the legume family – which includes lentils, peas and beans – because they grow in pods that mature underground. Peanuts are an excelle nt source of plant-based protein and contain fibre that helps to sustain energy and nourish our gut microbiome. They also provide biotin and vitamin E that help to support skin health, as well as an abundance of other minerals, including magnesium, copper and zinc. Peanuts are an excellent source of oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat, which has been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and attributed to an overall healthier heart. What’s more, they contain resveratrol – famously linked to red wine – which is a type of protective antioxidant.
However, peanuts are also one of the top food allergens; if you are in the company of someone who does su€ er, then even a sni€ (literally) can potentially set o€ a life-threatening reaction, so just be mindful of your surroundings. Planes, trains and automobiles might not be the best moment to start enjoying them, and if you are a parent, you know all too well about the lunchbox ‘no go’. Peanuts can be more susceptible to moulds, particularly one called aflatoxin, although the process of roasting them seems to negate this. Nevertheless, it is important to store your peanuts in a cool and dry place.