Scientists at Pennsylvania State University have found that eating peanuts can significantly lower total blood cholesterol by 7% to 25% and "bad" cholesterol levels by 10% to 33%, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
The cardiovascular-protective effects of peanuts are related to their rich content of dietary fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, iodine, and other elements. Folic acid can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Peanuts have a protein content of 20% to 30%, second only to soybeans. The American Heart Association strongly advocates for the consumption of peanut oil, and the National Academy of Medicine of the United States lists peanuts and peanut butter as recommended foods for a healthy diet.
Peanuts can also prevent diabetes. Peanuts have the lowest glycemic index of any food, far lower than that of major grain foods. Research has confirmed that regular consumption of peanuts can lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes.