PEANUTS-MORE THAN MEAT

An apple a day may keep the doctor away and carrots may be good for your eyes but the faithful old peanut contains larger quantities of antioxidants than both of these. Classified by most as a nut, the peanut is actually a legume (beans, lentils). Legumes are in a family of edible seeds that are enclosed in pods. These families of seeds (peanuts,beans,lentils,peas) provide the best source of concentrated protein in the plant kingdom. The peanut, flowers above the ground and yet it's fruit gives birth underneath.

Although they have a long history going back as far as being found in Peruvian mummy tombs, it's popularity did not come about til around 1890 by a physician (Dr. John Kellogg) who was trying to come up with a protein substitute for his patients who could no longer get it from meat. Studies show that if peanuts are included in your regular diet, the niacin contained therein will provides protection against Alzheimer's disease.

Some doctors argue that peanuts should always be consumed in small amounts by the obese because of it's high caloric content, but there are other studies that show that eating them more than twice a week reduces the whole weight gain risk.

Health Benefits:

. Peanuts help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease without weight gain.

. At least 75% of the total fat content is unsaturated.

. zinc, magnesium, copper and selenium.

. Good source of fiber.

. Cancer deterring property.

. A good source of protein, vitamin E, and potassium.

. Peanuts burn belly fat.

PEANUT TRIVIA:

. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

. Because of it's high protien content peanut butter draws the moisture from your mouth thereby sticking to the roof.

.Did you know that peanut paste was once used as a protein supplement for those with poor dental problems?

. Over half of the peanuts consumed in the U.S. are consumed in the form of peanut butter.

. Used in products such as detergent, bleach, salve, metal polish

. The Ancient Incas are the first to be credited for eating peanuts and making a paste of it.

. Did you know that it takes 0ne acre of peanuts to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches?

. Diesel engine was originally created for peanut oil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut

http://www.foodreference.com/html/fpeanutbutter.html