Benefits: Good Fats

The unsaturated fat makeup of peanuts links them to a reduced risk of heart disease.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, “Replacing saturated fat with similar amounts of unsaturated fats may reduce the risk of heart disease.  To achieve this benefit, total daily calories should not increase.”  One serving of dry-roasted peanuts (30 grams) contains 12 grams of unsaturated fat, only two grams of saturated fat and no trans fat.  In addition, scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, including peanuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.