Peanuts are a healthy snack that is very popular in India. India is one of the top countries (followed by Brazil and China) that produces and consumes peanuts. People have it raw, boil it, chop it to use as a topping ingredient or add in dishes and desserts. Did you know that peanut doesn't actually belong to a nut family? Peanuts came from a legume family just like beans and peas.

There are many varieties of peanuts. However, Virginia, Spanish, Valencia and Runner are the most commonly available varieties in market. We love breaking the peanut and munch on it as a snack. Peanut butter is another creative way to have it. However, many people are allergic to peanut butter and simply drop eating peanuts. Well, peanuts do not cause allergy and if you are not allergic to the nut, you can have them. There are many unknown benefits of the small and crunchy peanuts. Check out the nutritional and health benefits of peanuts.

Health and nutritional benefits of peanuts:

Good for underweight and body builders: Peanuts are a rich source of proteins, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are good for the health. It also boosts up energy levels. Moreover, peanuts have dietary proteins that too of fine quality amino acids that helps in the growth and development of the body.

Antioxidants: One of the health benefits of having peanuts is, it reduces the chances of stomach cancer to a greater extent. It has poly-phenolic antioxidants namely p-coumaric acid that reduces the chances of stomach cancer by reducing the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Also resveratrol (a poly-phenolic antioxidant) protects against cancer, heart diseases, fungal/viral infections, Alzheimer's and nerve problems.

Rich source of vitamin E: These nuts are nutritious with the rich content of vitamin E (a-tocopherol). The powerful soluble antioxidant regulates the cell membranes of the mucus gland. It also protects the skin from harmful oxygen free radicals.

Nutritious: Peanuts are a rich source of B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B and folates. These vitamins are good for the brain and also improves blood circulation in the body. It is rich in iron and calcium that is good for the bones and formation of red blood cells. If you roast the peanuts, you can enjoy more nutritional benefits. According to many researchers, roasted peanuts have three times more nutritional value.

Prevents cancer: Peanuts are anti-cancer nuts as they have beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols which protects the body from colon, breast and prostate cancer. It contains fibre and also lowers LDL cholesterol levels.

These are a few health and nutritional benefits of peanuts. But if you have gallbladder, kidney or thyroid problems, avoid having peanuts.