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Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a species in the legume family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as groundnuts, earthnuts, goober peas, monkey nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts. Monkey nuts is refer to the entire pod, while earthnuts, groundnuts and pignuts can be refer to Conopodium majus or to the tubers in the Bunium family.
Peanuts are usually made into popular confections such as salted peanuts, peanut butter, peanut brittle, and shelled nuts. It can also boiled in brine water and eaten as a snack. Peanuts are often a major ingredient in mixed nuts because of their inexpensiveness compaired to Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, macadamias and so on.
Peanut oil has high monounsaturated content, and is often used in cooking because it has a mild flavor and a relatively high smoke point. Peanuts are rich in nutrients, providing over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients, such as niacin, folate, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and phosphorus. Peanuts also free of trans-fats and contain about 25% protein.
Peanuts contain resveratrol, a chemical associate with reduced cardiovascular disease and reduced cancer risk, and also potential anti-aging effects. Peanuts are also a source of coenzyme Q10, as are oily fish, beef, soybeans and spinach.
