Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Peanut Butter



Just a small handful of peanuts (also known as groundnuts) provides all of the following health benefits:

-Cardiovascular Health-
Studies have shown that eating peanuts lower a person's risk of weight gain and promotes heart health. Peanuts prevent certain cardiovascular diseases since magnesium, along with sodium and zinc are beneficial minerals that are useful in preventing heart disease. Additionally, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce a person's risk of coronary disease. Peanuts also contain omega 6 fatty acids, which is one of the "good" fats commonly known as "essential fatty acids." These aid in lowering the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream.

-Gastrointestinal-
Peanuts provide enough fiber and water to help keep a person regular. Eating peanuts just a few times each week can prevent the formation of gallstones, and lowers the risk of colon cancer.
-Neurological/Developmental-
Niacin, folate and other B vitamin complexes may decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain disease. They are also important in preventing birth defects, which makes them a good snack for pregnant women.

-Bone Health-
Peanuts contain small amount of calcium and vitamin D. Together these two promote good bone health, including healthy teeth. Studies have shown that people who maintain healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D before age thirty, are less likely to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis later in life.

Peanuts for kids:
Peanuts play an important role in strengthening their health, teeth and overcoming exhaustion, loss of stamina and weakness. It helps to recover strength among weak and underweight children. It also helps in boosting the iron content in the body, thus can be taken in cases of anemia.


PEANUT BUTTER
Peanut butter spread can be used with bread and included for breakfast. It is widely popular among kids and adults both. It is easy to make, effort free and is an easy way to recover energy and stamina.



Ingredients:
1 cup peanuts
1 tsp salted butter
1 tsps heaped sugar
1 1/2 tsp peanut oil

Preparation:

  • Place the peanuts in a microwave bowl, microwave on high power for 2 minutes. (Alternatively you can roast the peanuts in a pan).
  • Cool and shell peanuts
  • Add butter and microwave for another minute.
  • Powder the sugar in the blender.
  • Add the peanuts, drop in the oil and blend till it becomes a paste. If the mixture gets stuck while blending open and stir.
  • Store in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. Oil may rise to the top. If this occurs, stir before using.

1 comment:

  1. lovely... i used to have a lot of this.. now will try it home-made....

    ReplyDelete