Peanut butter many of us know from American films and TV shows, but in our country it is not particularly popular among consumers. However, this oily product does not deserve such a low rating.
Peanut butter is made from peanuts, or peanuts. Contrary to the name “peanut”, the fruit of a peanut is not a nut. Botanically speaking, the peanut fruit is a pod. It grows on an annual legume grass. After pollination of the flower, its stalk lengthens, plunges into the ground, and an ovary forms on it already underground. Peanuts ripen inside a non-expanding bean pod that contains 2 to 4 fleshy seeds.
What happens
Peanut butter is produced by cold pressing ground groundnuts.
It is unrefined and refined. Unrefined oil has a dark red color and rich nutty flavor. Refined product has a straw yellow color and a delicate taste and, in turn, is divided into deodorized and non-deodorized.
The method of cold pressing, in which the raw materials are not affected by any chemical means or temperature, get the most useful oil that can be used both in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
Chemical composition
This peanut product contains lipids (consisting mainly of unsaturated fats and phytosterols), vitamins, minerals, polyphenols (resveratrol), aromatic acids (p-coumaric), proteins and carbohydrates.
There are few proteins and sugars in this oily product – so-called traces. All of them remain in the cake of beans after pressing the oil. A small amount of the amino acid betaine (up to 1,5 mg in 100 g of oil) enters the oil from peanut proteins.
The composition of the oil includes 95-97 g of fat, of which up to 83% are unsaturated. Among unsaturated fats, the largest amount in peanut butter is omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids – up to 45%, which is about 150% of the daily requirement of the human body for them. The most useful omega-3s are contained in it in a small amount – 0,006 g per 100 g of fat (less than 1% of the daily requirement).
Unsaturated fatty acids
Name
Content in 100 g, grams
Олеиновая омега-9
37,6-47,2
Эруковая омега-9
1,0-1,2
Линолевая омега-6
30,0-31,0
Гадолеиновая омега-9
1,7-1,8
A positive feature of the fat composition of peanut butter is the high content of phytosterols in it – 0,44 g, which is about 150% of the daily need of the human body for them.
Phytosterols
Name
Content in 100 g, milligrams
Beta-sitosterol 260,0-330,0 Campesterol 68,0 Stigmasterol 1,4
Due to this high content of these substances, peanut oil is very useful for women, as phytosterols have a positive effect on the work of their reproductive system. Beta-sitosterol plays an important role among the phytosterols of this legume oil, the amount of which in 100 g of the product exceeds 120% of the daily norm.
Peanut butter is a source of fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E (over 120% of daily requirement) and biotin (160%). It also contains many B vitamins, which participate as coenzymes and catalysts in lipid, water-salt and protein metabolisms, and promote hematopoiesis.
Vitamins
Name
Content in 100 g, milligrams
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 1,28-1,48 Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0,22-0,27 Vitamin B4 (choline) 1,0-1,1 Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 3,5 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0,69 Vitamin B9 (folic acid) 0,48 Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) 37,8 Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 10,6 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol) 33,4-37,0 Vitamin H (biotin) 0,08
The mineral composition of peanut butter is less rich than the fruits of this plant itself: a lot of macro- and micronutrients remain in the cake after squeezing the oil. But minerals important for the vital functions of the human body also pass into vegetable oil: manganese (up to 80% of daily requirement), magnesium (up to 40%), copper (up to 25%), iron, zinc and selenium.
Peanut oil is a plant source of resveratrol polyphenol, which is contained in it in a clinically significant amount – 140 μg in 100 g of oil, which is 14% of the daily need of the human body for it.
The caloric content of peanut butter is 880-900 kcal per 100 g, which does not distinguish its energy value from other vegetable oils.
Useful Properties
The high concentration of minerals and vitamins in this fatty product determines its beneficial effect on the structure and functioning of various organs of the human body.
Effect on blood and immunity
Peanut oil has a beneficial effect on the cellular and chemical composition of blood:
- binds to cholesterol;
- possesses antianemic action;
- stimulates the production of blood immune cells;
- lowers sugar levels;
- increases resistance to infectious agents.
Effect on the digestive system
When consumed orally in a limited amount, this vegetable fat affects the functioning of the digestive organs:
- enveloping the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines;
- reduces inflammatory reactions in the digestive organs;
- restores liver cells;
- prevents damage to liver cells by free radicals;
- emulsifies bile and pancreatic secretions;
- prevents stone formation in the bile ducts and bladder;
- prevents fatty degeneration of the liver;
- promotes production and release of bile;
- stimulates intestinal peristalsis;
- binds cholesterol in the intestines.
Influence on the cardiovascular system
In the heart and vessels of peanut oil:
- normalizes the conduction of nerve impulses along myocardial nerves;
- improves blood supply to the heart muscle and brain;
- increases the elasticity of the vascular walls;
- promotes an adequate response of the smooth muscles of the arterial walls to changes in environmental conditions;
- lowers blood pressure;
- interferes with pathological thrombosis.
Effects on the nervous system and sensory organs
Antioxidant compounds contained in peanut butter:
- participate in the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine;
- promote mental activity;
- increase the reaction rate;
- restore the structure of the eye;
- improve the sense of smell;
- relieve local inflammation in the peripheral nerves;
- have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Influence on hormonal levels
Thanks to phytosterols peanut oily product affects the reproductive system in women and men:
- promotes the synthesis of adrenal steroid hormones;
- improves the hormone-producing function of the ovaries and testes;
- restores the menstrual cycle in women;
- increases the secretion of prostate secretion in men;
- improves sperm quality;
- relieves local inflammation of the genital organs;
- increases libido and potency.
Effects on skin, hair and nails
Ingestion and external use of this fat improves the condition of the skin and its appendages (hair, nails):
- improves skin elasticity;
- prevents skin dehydration;
- reduces brittle hair and nails;
- contributes to the normalization of the synthesis of protein fibrous structures in the dermis – collagen, proteoglycans, elastin;
- It has a regenerating effect on the skin.
Betaine, contained in peanut oil, promotes the absorption of amino acids in the intestine and the restoration of the detoxification function of the liver.
Resveratrol and p-coumar acid of this vegetable fat have an antioxidant and anti-cancer effect on the body. Regular consumption of peanut butter in moderate amounts reduces the incidence of cancer and diabetes by 25% compared to those who do not use this product.
The high caloric content of the oil when it is consumed inside before the main meal speeds up the appearance of a feeling of fullness, which is used in the fight against excess weight.
Harmful properties
The presence of erucic acid in peanut oil with its regular use in large quantities contributes to its accumulation in the human body. The excess of this acid in the body:
- disrupts the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- impairs the contractility of the heart;
- contributes to fatty infiltration and liver cirrhosis;
- causes muscle weakness;
- inhibits the formation of sex hormones;
- slows growth in children and puberty in adolescents.
If you are interested in peanut processing products, including butter, you may develop obesity.
A significant predominance of omega-6 over omega-3 fatty acids when consuming this fat in large quantities can cause a paradoxical hypercholesterolemic effect.
Peanut oil refers to products that are difficult to digest. It can cause allergies: according to statistics, up to 0,6% of Americans are allergic to peanuts and products made from it. A peanut oil allergy is manifested by a hypersensitivity reaction, which, if not followed, may result in anaphylactic shock, including other foods.
If the peanuts are not properly stored before squeezing oil out of it, it can lead to the accumulation of aflatoxins in it. Aflatoxins are dangerous for the human body:
- hepatotoxic (disrupt the liver);
- embryotoxic (contribute to the emergence of mutations in the tissues of the embryo until its death);
- teratogenic (cause fetal malformations);
- mutagenic (increase the likelihood of oncopathology);
- immunosuppressive (inhibit the immune system).
Peanut butter is not recommended for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. It is undesirable to use it also to people suffering from:
- bronchial asthma;
- food allergies;
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- hemophilia.
To reduce the likelihood of manifestation of hazardous properties, it is necessary to consume peanut butter inside in small quantities (no more than 1 tsp per day).
Application in medicine
A large number of the beneficial properties of peanut oil is used by doctors in therapeutic nutrition for many diseases.
This herbal product is recommended for ingestion with:
- increased fatigue;
- depression, apathy;
- insomnia;
- neuritis, radiculitis;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- glaucoma;
- cataract;
- conjunctivitis;
- retinopathy;
- macular dystrophy.
Use it in small quantities is useful in diseases of the digestive tract:
- biliary dyskinesia;
- cholelithiasis;
- hepatitis;
- cirrhosis;
- fatty liver disease;
- ulcers of the stomach and intestines;
- colitis and enteritis;
- chronic constipation;
- hemorrhoids.
Due to hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects, peanut oil is indicated for administration with:
- atherosclerosis;
- arrhythmias;
- conditions after heart attacks and strokes;
- arterial hypertension;
- ischemic heart disease;
- diabetic angiopathies;
- diabetes.
It is prescribed as a food additive in the treatment of sexual disorders, hormonal disorders and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs in men and women.
External use of peanut butter is indicated for:
- exudative diathesis in children;
- trophic ulcers;
- herpes;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hematomas and wounds on the skin.
Used in cosmetics
The regenerating properties of this vegetable fat are successfully used by cosmetologists. It:
- absorbed into the skin without a greasy residue;
- softens and improves skin elasticity;
- retains moisture in the dermis, thereby preventing skin flaking;
- relieves irritation and redness of the skin after sunburn;
- prevents aging of skin cells and the appearance of wrinkles;
- It has a rejuvenating effect on existing signs of aging skin.
On the basis of unrefined groundnut oil, lotions, balms, creams, cosmetic soaps and masks for dry and sensitive skin, shampoos and balms for split ends are prepared. It is rubbed into the cuticle after a hygienic manicure and pedicure, it is added to baths and baths for nails. Refined deodorized peanut oil is used as a massage.
Use in cooking
Unrefined peanut butter, which has a sweetish nutty flavor and rich taste, is loved to be added to dishes in Asian cuisine: in Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, India. Refined peanut oil, having a light color, less pronounced taste and smell, is used in European and American cuisines.
Peanut butter can withstand high temperatures without smoking, so it can be used for frying. It is used for deep-frying: it fries meat, mushrooms, fish, shrimp, and dough.
This vegetable fat product in the form of a dressing gives spice to salads and soups. It is used in the preparation of cereals, meat and vegetable dishes, added to desserts and pastries. They grease meat and fish before grilling.
conclusions
Peanut oil contains unsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, aromatic acids, coenzymes).
Peanut butter has many beneficial properties that are used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. It is recommended for ingestion in small quantities for pathologies of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, digestive organs, hormonal disorders in men and women.
In cosmetology, at its base, many cosmetic preparations are prepared for dry and fading skin, brittle hair and nails.
But you can not get involved in this fatty product. It is high in calories, and with unlimited use can cause allergies and poisoning.
In cooking, peanut butter is used for cooking various dishes in Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian), American and European cuisines.
