Despite the name, peanuts are not in fact nuts, but legumes, edible seeds that grow in pods. Raw peanuts are high in protein and carbohydrate and contain only small amounts of saturated fat and high amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. They are a source of many essential vitamins, minerals and micronutrients including vitamin E, the B vitamins folate, niacin, thiamin and B6, zinc, copper, selenium, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Peanuts contain 6.2 grams of fiber per 100 g.
Peanuts and Digestion
Many people find peanuts difficult to digest. Consumption can lead to problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. This may be the result of an allergy or a food intolerance. Symptoms usually appear within minutes or hours after consuming peanuts and range from mild to severe.
Allergy or Intolerance
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergic reactions to peanuts are different from simple intolerances. An allergy is caused by the immune system incorrectly identifying peanut protein as a harmful substance and releasing symptom-causing chemicals into your bloodstream. The immune system does not cause food intolerance. If you suffer from a food intolerance to peanuts, you may possibly eat small amounts and display only mild symptoms such as indigestion or heartburn.
High Fat Content
According to Elson M. Haas, M.D., author of "Staying Healthy With Nutrition," many people have some trouble digesting nuts and peanuts due to the high fat content. Those with low stomach acid or gallbladder problems are particularly at risk. To process peanuts your body needs healthy amounts of hydrochloric acid, fat-digesting enzymes and bile secreted by the gallbladder and liver.
Peanuts and Food Combining
As nutritional therapist Lizee McGraw, author of "Energy on a Plate," explains in an article on food combining, your body digests carbohydrates and proteins in very different ways. According to McGraw, proteins need hydrochloric acid to be digested while carbohydrates require an alkaline environment, and eating both together can lead to digestive disorders. As peanuts are rich in both carbohydrates and protein, this may be one reason peanuts are difficult to digest even when eaten in isolation. However, there have been no scientific studies which support food combining theories. If you suffer from digestive problems after eating peanuts, the best idea may be to eat them in small amounts or avoid them altogether.
References
- The Peanut Institute: Peanut Facts; 2009
- American Peanut Council
- Mayo Clinic: Peanut Allergy; April 2010
- "Staying Healthy With Nutrition": The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine; Elson Haas, Buck Levin; 2006
- "Healthy Way Magazine" Food Combining; Lizee McGraw
