By Funke Oshifuye

Groundnuts also known as peanuts is considered as a very health snack. To many, groundnuts may just be snacks to be munched on when watching their favourite television programme. But medical experts say is much more than a healthy snack.

Studies have shown that groundnuts contain nutrition goodies that contribute to a healthy heart, strong bones and has anti-aging properties to boot. There are five main nutrients required by the body to maintain and repair tissues, such nutrients include, food energy, protein, phosphorus, thiamin and niacin.

It has also been discovered that groundnuts product is very beneficial in the treatment of haemophilia and other related inherited blood disorders. People suffering nose bleeding and excessive menstrual flows are not left out of the many benefits embedded in eating groundnuts.

Many people overlook groundnuts as an important source of protein. Those who have to avoid meat for health reasons often turn to soybeans for their protein needs. The misconception of groundnuts has remained the fact that it has oil content.

But recent research has shown that its oil is actually nutritious. Groundnuts are packed with mono-unsaturated fats. They are also not lacking in antioxidants which help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. It should also be mentioned that they have anti-aging properties which could contribute to a younger look.

Frankly speaking, the humble groundnut may just be peanuts to most people but they contain more protein than meat and two and half times more protein than you can obtain from eggs.

Nutrition content: Apart from protein, groundnuts provide you with 13 different types of vitamins and 26 essential minerals for good health and strong bones. Every 100 grams of groundnuts come, among others, with:90mg of calcium, 350mg of phosphorous, 2,8mg of iron, 7.0 mg of vitamin E. It is highly recommended for protein, phosphorous, thiamin and niacin content, among others.

Groundnuts are easily digested and could serve as a mild laxative. It is also known to boost the immune system. It builds your resistance against such diseases as hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Groundnuts have also proven effective in the treatment of obesity. Roasted groundnuts could be taken before lunch. They do a good job in lowering appetite which could contribute to weight loss.

Nutritionists have also recommended that diabetics should consider groundnuts as a boon because it addresses niacin deficiency. It also minimises the risk of vascular complications.

Milk alternative: Studies have also shown that groundnuts serve as an alternative to dairy milk. The milk is as nutritious as dairy milk. To prepare groundnut milk, soak a desired quantity of groundnuts in water for up to two hours.

You can then easily remove the skin by rubbing it in water. You are now ready to grind the nuts into a paste. Then add water to it – three times the amount of paste. Strain it through a flimsy cloth, before boiling it.

Moderate consumption: As beneficial as groundnuts are, moderation should be exercised in its consumption. Excessive consumption could give rise to acidity in the stomach. If you have asthma, you should not consume groundnuts excessively. The same goes to those with gastritis and jaundice as it could lead to indigestion and heartburn.

It is recommended that growing children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should consume roasted groundnuts because it is said to provide all manners of resistance and immunity, against dangerous infections.