Most people tend to leave peanuts out of their weight loss diet plans as peanuts are considered ‘fattening’. They couldn’t be more wrong. Peanuts, also called groundnuts, can not only help you shed extra weight but also help you keep it off.
Learn why peanuts are good for weight loss, how much you should eat every day, and other health benefits of peanuts.
Contents:Peanuts are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 100 g of raw peanuts contain the following nutrients.
Nutrient name | Amount |
Energy | 567 kcal. |
Protein | 25.8 g |
Fat
| 49.2 g 6.28 g 24.4 g 15.6g 0 |
Carbohydrate | 16.1 g |
Sugars | 4.72 g |
Fiber | 8.5 g |
Calcium | 92 mg |
Sodium | 18 mg |
Potassium | 705 mg |
Magnesium | 168 mg |
Phosphorus | 376 mg |
Iron | 4.58 mg |
Zinc | 3.27 mg |
Copper | 1.14 mg |
Manganese | 1.93 mg |
Selenium | 7.2 µg |
Peanuts are also an excellent source of vitamin E and of B-complex vitamins like biotin, niacin, folic acid, and thiamine.
Groundnuts are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, all of which promote satiation and make you feel full for a longer time. This helps curb your hunger and lowers calorie intake by reducing snacking.
The protein, monounsaturated fats and fiber content in peanuts can also boost your metabolism and promote calorie and fat burning. Protein helps you build lean muscle which increases calorie burning. Fiber slows down digestion and promotes fullness, which can decrease calorie absorption and curb overeating. Monounsaturated or ‘healthy’ fats can also curb hunger and reduce bad cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein or LDL) levels in your body.
Studies have shown that adding a moderate amount of peanuts or peanut butter to your diet can help you lose weight and also keep it off. Peanuts that have a high concentration of oleic acid (called hi-oleic peanuts) help burn more fat when combined with a low-calorie diet for weight loss.
For the best weight loss results, limit your daily peanut consumption to 30 to 50 g (1 to 2 ounces). As the fat content and calories in peanuts are high, overeating could cause weight gain.
Are you in the habit of eating biscuits or namkeen in the evening along with your cup of chai? Try swapping those with some groundnuts for the best weight loss results. Most processed foods have added sugars and trans fats with little to no nutritional value, so replacing them with a healthy snack like roasted peanuts can keep your weight in check without having to go hungry.
If you often find yourself feeling hungry between meals, reach for some peanuts instead of munching on a bag of chips or a candy bar. Unlike foods with empty carbs which digest quickly, peanuts can keep you full till your next meal.
Peanuts make the best post-workout snack because of their high protein content and moderate carbohydrate and electrolyte content. Unlike protein bars and sports drinks, peanuts have little to no sugars and are unprocessed. Also, the protein found in peanuts can help prevent muscle loss after a workout.
The best way to eat peanuts for weight loss is to eat them as they are. Try dry roasting or boiling peanuts to enrich their flavor. Leave the skin on to increase your fiber and antioxidant intake.
Store-bought protein bars usually have a lot of added sugars or sweeteners, trans fats, preservatives, and other hidden ingredients that can hinder your weight loss journey. So why not make a healthier version at home? Bake some peanuts, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, muesli or trail mix together with a bit of honey or jaggery to make homemade protein bars.
Forgo croutons and add some toasted peanuts to your salads, poha, chaat, etc., for a delicious crunch and added nutritional benefit.
Peanut butter is a tastier and more nutritious alternative to butter. Unlike butter, which is fattening, peanut butter can actually help you lose weight if eaten the right way. Click here to read more about how peanut butter can contribute to your weight loss journey.
If weight loss is your goal, then eating more than 50 g a day of peanuts or groundnuts can defeat your purpose. Peanuts are high in calories and fats, and even though they are healthy, overconsumption can quickly lead to weight gain.
They also have an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids (20:1), which is much higher than the ideal ratio of 1:1 to 4:1. Unbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can lead to inflammation, which poses several health risks.
Avoid consuming peanuts or any products with peanuts (peanut butter, peanut oil, etc.) if you are or have been allergic to peanuts in the past.
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