Peanuts make for a wonderful snack to have any time of day. Their small size and long shelf life make them ideal for packing in your lunch or gym bag.
You may enjoy them in plain, salted, or honey roasted varieties, but how healthy are they?
The health benefits of roasted peanuts are worth discussing, as they can make an excellent addition to your workout regimen, as a post workout snack or as a way to get your metabolism going at just the right time for peak fat burning.
I want to share with you some of the health benefits of eating roasted peanuts, because if you’ve wondered about whether they’re good for you and if they’re part of a healthy diet or weight loss program, then I think this will be a big help to you.
Knowing what they’re good for, what kind of diets they fit into, and if there’s anything unhealthy about eating peanuts will all help you decide how often you should eat them and whether they’re a good fit for your diet.
Anyone trying to lose weight should know what kind of food groups each food fits into. Is a particular food high in carbs, high in sugar, or a good source of protein? Is it beneficial or harmful in some other way?
All these are questions you should know the answer to before you allow any food into any fitness or weight loss program you start.
Some people think peanuts shouldn’t be included at all in their diet when they’re trying to stay healthy simply because they see peanuts as an unhealthy snack. It’s one of those snacks you can find everywhere- at sporting events, county fairs, street vendors, and more.
These are the same places you find tons of unhealthy foods, so it would make sense to lump in peanuts as just another one of those unhealthy snacks that are easy to find anywhere.
Let’s cut through some of this confusion and the misconceptions about peanuts to give you the real deal on the health benefits of roasted unsalted peanuts and other kinds of peanuts.
Why Should You Include Peanuts in your Diet
The number one reason to include peanuts in your diet when you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle is its exceptional protein value.
Peanuts are a great source of protein, with protein making up about 20% of their calorie profile.
That’s a lot of protein, and what that means is that you can substitute peanuts for red meat and other fatty meats as a good source of protein.
Peanuts are actually one of the healthiest protein sources you can get, so they’re great for vegetarians and vegans, since no animals or animal products need to be used to make them.
If you’re looking for a substitute for unhealthy meats, peanuts will work in a pinch.
Peanuts are a great post workout snack, because after a workout, your body will lack both salt and protein. The salt in your body is used up as you sweat, and your body is craving protein to build muscles after a strenuous workout.
Salted peanuts provide both of those for you, making them an excellent energy booster and muscle builder after a workout, providing the electrolytes you need to keep from feeling drained and sluggish.
Are Peanuts A Good Source of Healthy Fats
Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. That makes them a healthy fat source, compared to fat from vegetable oil, fried foods, and fatty meat.
The oil they provide has a healthy profile similar to that of olive oil or coconut oil. It’s not something you want to consume in large quantities, but peanut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can have.
If you feel like any deep-fried foods as part of your diet or you’re looking for a healthy substitute to canola oil or vegetable oil, peanut oil works great.
It’s not going to be as bad for your heart and can actually promote weight loss and heart healthiness when used in limited quantities. You don’t get that from saturated fats.
Why Are Peanuts So Tasty
But it also helps provide energy. It’s good for that post workout slump to help give you a little boost without eating something that’s bad for you. Peanuts make for a great source of energy that’s healthier than a lot of other snacks you could have.
The health benefits of roasted peanuts cholestrol are that you’re getting the energy and cholesterol your body needs to keep going and stay energized, but you’re getting in a healthy way.
Peanuts are one of the best sources of fat you can eat. You don’t have to feel too guilty about eating a bunch of them either.
If you’re looking at the health benefits of unsalted roasted peanuts, you have to consider that you won’t be getting the electrolytes that the salt would give you.
If you’re using them post workout for an energy boost, you may need to get your electrolytes from another source, if the nuts you’re eating are not salted.
Are Peanuts High in Fiber
The shell adds more fiber than you get from the unshelled peanut, so there’s an advantage to eating peanuts in the shell.
Fiber is essential for weight loss, as it helps to get rid of extra weight in the body, purging the colon and ensuring regular bowel movements. That can reduce the bloated look people may have around their belly.
Peanut fiber also supports dietary habits, and it also helps to improve your range of mobility by making you feel more active and energized.
Fiber is also digested more slowly than other kinds of foods. That’s helpful for anyone who is trying to lose weight, because it means you will feel full for longer.
Peanuts are an excellent between meals snack to help fight hunger cravings. They will keep you from eating as much as you otherwise would.
You should have fiber with every meal, as it will ensure you feel full faster and feel full for longer. You’re less likely to eat as much and less likely eat foods that aren’t very good for you.
Reaching for the peanuts rather than the chips for your snack break is going to help you achieve your weight loss goals faster. You’re less likely to eat so many of them compared to how many chips you would eat, and that’s a lot less fat going into your body as well.
If you’re looking for a great snack to satisfy your cravings and to make a regular part of your diet, consider peanuts.
Roasted peanuts provide fiber, cholesterol, carbohydrates, energy and more. They’re an excellent source of nutrients and are a great way to boost your energy levels right before or after a workout. By replacing unhealthy snacks with peanuts, you’ll be more likely to reach your dieting and fitness goals faster.
If you’re the kind of person who has snack cravings all the time and you’re struggling with your weight, try replacing the unhealthy snacks in your home with peanuts.
Try to keep some with you all the time, so that whenever hunger cravings strike, you can just pop a few peanuts in. The difference that change in habits can make will be incredible.
My name is Ellis Francis and I have been a personal fitness trainer, sports nutritionalist and health and fitness advisor for over 25 years. I am the lead health and fitness advisor at https://awellnessbody.com.
