Peanuts, also known as longevity nuts, are hailed as "the number one health nut." Traditional Chinese medicine considers peanuts to be neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, influencing the spleen and lung meridians. They are believed to awaken the spleen and harmonize the stomach, moisten the lungs and transform phlegm, nourish and regulate qi, and clear the throat to stop coughing.
7 Reasons Why You Must Eat Peanuts
1. Appetite Control: Peanuts are a "high satiety" food, making you feel fuller for longer.
2. Helps Reduce Salt Intake: Salted peanuts can satisfy your craving for salt without leading to excessive sodium intake.
3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Studies have found that replacing a serving of red meat with peanuts in the diet can reduce the risk of diabetes by 21%. Peanuts slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. Eating some peanuts in the morning can help prevent high blood sugar levels throughout the day.
4. Promotes Heart Health: People who eat the most peanuts can reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 35%. Certain components in peanuts can lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), leading to a healthier heart.
5. Reduces Cancer Risk: Studies have shown that women who eat peanuts at least twice a week can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by 58%, while men can reduce their risk by 27%.
6. Peanuts contain "resveratrol." This substance has strong biological activity and can not only fight cancer but also inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction.
7. Every 100 grams of peanuts also contains 8.48 milligrams of zinc, which can enhance immune function and delay aging.
Best Way to Eat Them
Boil fresh peanuts in their shells. Cooked peanuts are not only easy to digest and absorb, but they also make full use of the medicinal and health benefits of the peanut shells and the inner red skin. The peanut red skin can inhibit the dissolution of fibrin and promote the regeneration of platelets, which can be used to treat thrombocytopenia and prevent bleeding disorders. Peanut shells have the effect of lowering blood pressure and regulating cholesterol.
Best Pairings:
Peanuts paired with red dates can tonify the spleen, benefit the blood, and stop bleeding.
Reminders:
1. 15 peanuts are equivalent to a 10-gram spoonful of oil, so the daily amount of peanuts you eat should not be excessive.
2. Improper storage of peanuts can easily lead to carcinogen formation. Therefore, they should be stored using low-temperature (below 20°C) and oxygen-deficient methods to reduce enzyme activity. The specific method is: first, dry the peanuts in the sun, then spread them out to cool. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and add a small packet of Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and fennel seeds. Finally, store them in a dry, low-temperature, ventilated, and light-proof place.