About Peanuts

Peanuts are a crop plans where their pods are developed under ground (this is unusual).  Peanuts were initially cultivated for food in Argentina at least 7,600 years ago.  China and India produce the most peanuts per year by far – accounting for over 50% of the world’s peanuts.

Nutrition Benefits of Peanuts

Peanuts are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, panthothenic acid, niacin, vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.  They also contain a high amount of antioxidants.

The fats in peanuts are comprised of 15% saturated fat and 85% unsaturated fats (known as the “healthier fats”).  Of the unsaturated fats, 66% is mono-unsaturated fats and 33% is poly-unsaturated fats.  Poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats have both been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels.  An an example, Omega-3 is a type of poly-unsaturated fat.

Smoothie Tips

You can replace peanuts with other nuts of your choice.  You can also replace with peanut butter.

One relatively new product is powdered peanut butter that you can also use to replace peanuts with.  Powdered peanut butter is exactly what is says, only it removes a lot of the oils and fats, which also reduces the calories.