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 aren’t just your taste buds’ preferred snack to get you through the rest of the day—they’re also good for you. Peanuts come packed with major health benefits, from being antioxidant-rich and boosting energy levels to assisting in weight and blood sugar management. They’re also full of vitamins and minerals, which makes this snack a healthy choice for your entire body. 

Let’s break down peanuts’ nutritional value and how these legumes support your body, so you don’t feel guilty the next time your stomach starts growling for a handful of Cajun Hot Nuts, or whichever flavor you prefer.

1. Peanuts Are Energy-Boosting

Peanuts provide the benefits of healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, giving your body the fuel it requires. The fiber and nutrients found in peanuts help assist the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, slowing down the digestive process to facilitate a steady release of energy into the body. This means your favorite in-shell snack can also serve as a pick-me-up when you need to recharge from a rigorous workout, or you want a boost of energy to get through a long meeting.

2. Peanuts Are Certified Superfoods

As peanuts contain over 30 vitamins and minerals in addition to other plant-based compounds, this nutrient-rich nut achieved superfood status in 2018. A superfood diet decreases the risk of chronic illness and enhances our nervous system, so eating peanuts every day can be a good choice for your long-term health. With high levels of bioactive compounds, peanuts are reported to: 

• Decrease blood pressure

• Minimize the risk of cancer

• Lower inflammation

• Reduce cholesterol levels

3. Peanuts Can Assist in Healthy Weight Management

The nutritional density of peanuts keeps your body fuller for longer, making them a diet-friendly staple that won’t leave your stomach hungry for more. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, peanuts can increase overall satisfaction and reduce the desire to eat more later. Plus, as an excellent source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, peanuts may increase calorie burning when at rest. 

4. Peanuts May Help Manage Blood Sugar

Peanuts feature low levels of carbohydrates and high levels of magnesium. These nutrients can 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, helping prevent and manage diabetes. 

Note: Some roasted varieties feature added sugars. If you’re considering eating peanuts to help manage blood sugar, check the nutrition label or opt for a handful of unflavored in-shell peanuts. 

5. Peanuts Promote Heart Health

Unsalted peanuts can make your heart happy—literally. Peanuts’ heart-healthy nutrients—such as 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 with healthier unsaturated fats that promote heart health. 

6. Peanuts Are a Good Source of Antioxidants

Peanuts are rich in antioxidants, which can decrease free radicals found in the body and neutralize or reverse the effects of free radicals. Researchers conducted studies on dietary antioxidants, including those found in peanuts such as coumaric acid and resveratrol, and found that they can reduce the oxidative aging of cells, often thought to lead to chronic degenerative diseases.

7. Peanuts Assist in Gallstone Prevention

Peanuts may make excellent combatants of gallstones due to their cholesterol-lowering properties. Long-term studies found 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.

Peanuts are filled with an abundance of  antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. Heart-healthy properties make peanuts good for you, not just your gameday spread. 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. 

Note:  This content is for informational purposes only and not meant to serve as dietary advice. Always consult a doctor with questions.