What Are the Health Benefits of Boiled Peanuts?

Boiled peanuts have long been a snacking mainstay in the states of Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is believed that the act of boiling peanuts gained its notoriety during the Civil War, as General William T. Sherman led his troops through Georgia. As a result of this march, the Confederacy was split in two. Soldiers found themselves deprived of many food staples including dried meat and beans. Peanuts were easy to come by and provided the much needed protein, and thus they became a pivotal source of nutrition. Boiling the peanuts in salty water softens the shells and leaves the cooked peanut with a bean-like consistency, affording those eating them the illusion and fulfillment of a hearty hot meal.

Research

A study on boiled peanuts was conducted by the chair of the Alabama A&M University's Department of Food and Animal Sciences in 2007. The findings were in favor of a number of health benefits for those eating the southern snacking delicacy. They were also deemed far healthier than oil-roasted, dry or raw nuts.

Findings

The major statement derived from the findings of this study at Alabama A&M University was that the process by which the peanuts were prepared preserved and enhanced the presence of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals have the same qualities as antioxidants, and they are noted for protecting the body's cells against heart disease, diabetes and several different forms of cancer.

Boiling

The study determined that while phytochemicals have definite health benefits in human beings, they are not categorized as nutrients. The key in the cooking process is to not boil the nuts too much, as there is a point in the process that will simply wash away these phytochemicals. The combination of water and heat to wash and cook the peanuts penetrates the surface of the nuts and allows the release of the phytochemicals. Overcooking them, however, will destroy most of the healthy properties. For this reason alone, it is imperative to cook the peanuts according to a tried and true recipe.

Fats

Although peanuts, even in their boiled state, contain a high fat content, they are in fact the good fats that dietitians are now urging people to eat in greater abundance. These fats are called monounsaturated fats and have health benefits such as asthma control and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and breast cancer.

Harvard Study

In 1990, a study at Harvard University determined that women who ate 5 oz. or more of nuts per week were only 65 percent as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease as women who avoided them completely.

Resveratrol

A study by the United States Department of Agriculture on boiled peanuts notes that the boiling process also maintains the presence of resveratrol. Resveratrol is closely associated with the reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Folic Acid

One last health benefit of boiled peanuts comes in the form of folic acid. Just 1 oz. of boiled peanuts provides the human body with 10 percent of the daily required amount of folic acid. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins, known for helping to lower the risk of heart disease.

Resources

• Harvard School of Public Health