A bladder infection, an inflammation of the organ that holds urine, can cause pain and frequent urination, which negatively influences your daily activities. The nutrients in the foods you eat, including peanuts, may play a role in helping to prevent bladder infections. Consult your doctor before eating peanuts to treat or ward off these types of infections.
About Bladder Infections
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that urinary tract infections, the umbrella term that includes bladder infections,affect one in five women during their lifetimes. Bladder infections usually begin when bacteria collects at the tube of your urethra, which travels up to your bladder, causing an inflammation known as cystitis. Your physician may prescribe medications to treat the infection.
Resveratrol and Peanuts
Peanuts contain a compound called resveratrol, most commonly known as a component of red wine that helps to prevent heart disease. Resveratrol may also benefit your bladder, though. A study published in the September 2011 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology" investigated the effect of resveratrol on the bladder in mouse models; researchers theorize that resveratrol's influence may improve bladder conditions.
Peanuts and Magnesium
"Life Extension" magazine suggests that taking in 100 milligrams of magnesium each day may help to prevent the development of recurrent bladder infections. While peanuts will not give you the entire suggested amount of magnesium, they do contribute -- a 1 ounce serving of dry roasted peanuts provides you with 50 milligrams of this mineral. The daily recommended intake of magnesium is much higher than 100 milligrams; it ranges from 270 to 400 milligrams.
Zinc and Peanuts
Peanuts are a source of zinc, containing 0.9 milligrams of zinc per ounce. Dr. Marilyn Glenville, president of the Food and Health Forum at the Royal Society of Medicine, notes that zinc may be useful for treating and preventing bladder infections. Adequate zinc intake ranges from 8 to 11 milligrams per day. Boost your intake of zinc even more by pairing peanuts with zinc-rich foods such as beef or poultry.
References
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Urinary Tract Infections in Adults; December 2005
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; Resveratrol Prevents Bradykinin-Induced Contraction of Rat Urinary Bladders By Decreasing Prostaglandin Production and Calcium Influx; Y. Tsuda, et al.; September 2011
- "Life Extension" magazine: Urinary Tract Infection
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Peanuts, All Types, Dry-Roasted, Without Salt
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; June 2009
- Marilynglenville.com: Cystitis
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Zinc; June 2011
