10 Health Benefits of Eating Groundnuts for Freelancers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Freelancers and entrepreneurs constantly engage in activities, some to meet deadlines of jobs given, some to deliver to a waiting customer. In all, the life of a freelancer and an entrepreneur could get hectic.

While sitting still in a spot to meet a deadline or having to move from one place to the other to engage clients, something familiar to freelancers is the constant need to eat something even while working. Snacking is a great way to get one’s mind off the enormity of activities and get them done.

There are different snacks a freelancer can eat, but have you thought about groundnuts? If you haven’t then, I am here to help you see reasons to include them in your snack and so much so. I will be sharing with you the health benefits of groundnuts.

Peanuts (Arachis hypogea) are a legume that originated in South America and are also referred to as groundnuts, earthnuts, and goobers.

The health benefits of groundnut are something that one should be familiar with to know exactly what is being ingested. There are varying health benefits of groundnut that are sure to convince you as a freelancer to make it your snack.

Table of Contents

10 Health Benefits of Eating Groundnuts

Here are the health benefits of eating groundnuts:

Rich in nutrients

One of the health benefits of groundnuts is that they contain nutrients for a healthy body. Groundnuts provide the body with all 20 amino acids. These amino acids are helpful for the growth and development of the body.

The predominant amino acid found in groundnut is arginine which boosts the immune system. This is a significant health benefit of eating groundnuts. Also, groundnuts contain many minerals, vitamins, and plant compounds beneficial to the body. They are, therefore, rich in nutrients for the body.

Gives energy

One of the health benefits of groundnut is that groundnuts are a rich source of protein and fiber. These protein and fiber assist in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.

The protein content of groundnut is about 25% of its total calories. Because of the fiber and protein in groundnuts, the digestive process is slowed down so that a steady release of energy into the body is facilitated.

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Improves skin health

Among the health benefits of groundnut is the fact that it would help improve the skin’s health. Because groundnuts contain nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, they help fight bacteria and make the skin glow.

Groundnuts also contain Beta-carotene, an antioxidant that also helps improve skin health. There is also evidence that one of the health benefits of eating groundnut is that it protects the skin from sunburn and damage.

Helpful to your heart

Another important one of the health benefits of groundnuts is how essential they are to the heart. Studies have shown that one of the health benefits of eating groundnuts is that they may help protect against coronary heart disease.

Groundnut is known to increase good cholesterol and reduce harmful cholesterol levels. Other health benefits of groundnuts include reducing inflammatory-related heart diseases.

Health benefits of groundnuts

Groundnut contains resveratrol, which has antioxidant properties that help combat heart disease.

Another health benefit of eating groundnuts is that they contain monounsaturated fatty acids, folate, and magnesium, which help lower triglycerides and improve heart health.

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May be helpful to the hair

Because groundnuts contain all the amino acids and lots of protein, they may play a role in improving hair growth. This is one of the essential health benefits of groundnuts.

Promote weight loss

One of the unique health benefits of groundnuts is that they contribute to weight loss instead of weight gain, even though they are very high in calories. Because groundnuts are energy-dense foods, it is faster for a freelancer to feel full after consuming, resulting in fewer calories consumed compared to other snacks and thereby help in weight loss.

Helps control blood sugar

Studies have shown that one of the benefits of eating groundnuts is that they do not spike blood sugar levels when either eaten alone or added to meals.

Groundnuts may help stabilize blood sugar levels when eaten alongside meals with a high glycemic load. This is because groundnuts have a glycemic index score of 14. At the same time, the GI of peanuts is 14, whereas their glycemic load, which tells what a particular food will do to your sugar levels, is just 1.

Groundnuts have been named a suitable meal for people who have diabetes. Another one of the health benefits of groundnuts is that groundnuts also contain fiber, which helps lower blood sugar levels. They also contain magnesium and other healthy oils, which help lower blood sugar levels.

Another health benefit of eating groundnut is the fact that its consumption has been proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women and also improve the health of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Have antioxidative properties

One health benefit of eating groundnuts is that groundnuts are rich in numerous plant compounds and antioxidants. These antioxidants include resveratrol, coumaric acid, phytosterols that help impair cholesterol absorption, and isoflavones. Groundnuts also contain phytic acid found in plant seeds.

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Reduction in cancer risk effects

A vital health benefit of eating groundnuts is the role they play in the reduction of cancer risks. High consumption of groundnuts has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

The isoflavones, resveratrol, and phenolic acid found in peanuts have anti-cancer properties that may help reduce cancer risk. Studies show that eating groundnuts at a high rate helps reduce postmenopausal breast cancer and gastric and oesophageal cancer.

Read also: How to become a successful freelancer in Nigeria

Prevention of gallstones

Another health benefit of eating groundnuts is that they are associated with a lower risk of gallstones when consumed. This also reduces the risk of cholecystectomy, which is gallbladder removal.

Conclusion

Groundnuts are, therefore, full of essential nutrients. They are energy-giving, useful in weight loss, and promote heart health. As a freelancer, including groundnuts in your snack is a wise decision, as we have seen the varying health benefit of eating groundnut.

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About the Author

Chinenye is the most passionate person you’ll ever meet – hardworking, resourceful, and driven by excellence. When she is not writing her heart out on a piece, she is assisting busy executives so they can get their jobs done! Her forte is attention to detail, organisation, and a growth mindset. Chinenye believes that there is nothing that cannot be learnt and so nothing that cannot be achieved. Grit, determination, and a growth mindset always!

About Author

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