This time we will talk about peanuts, especially about the disadvantages of peanuts so that we must limit our consumption. These are very popular nuts in the world and this is why they can be found all over the world. Peanuts are a type of grain that can lower cholesterol, prevent gallstones, and can even prevent cancer.
Peanuts are indeed rich in benefits, but behind that peanuts also have some side effects that you should pay close attention to or think about before you consume them in large quantities. Here we share with you 5 disadvantages of peanuts that you should know about.
6 Disadvantages of Peanuts
1. Peanuts and cancer risk
Peanuts are actually healthy and can prevent cancer. But for cancer sufferers, eating peanuts excessively can be disastrous because peanuts can accelerate the spread of cancer. This is according to the results of research conducted at the University of Liverpool.
In this study it was stated that the acceleration of the spread was because the agglutinins or lectins from peanuts entered the bloodstream quickly after the patient ate peanuts. Lectins interact with blood vessel wall cells to produce cytokines or molecules.
These cytokines cause other endothelial cells to express more adhesion molecules on the cell surface, and this makes them more attractive to tumor cells and potentially to cancer cell dissemination. Indeed, more research is needed about this, but patients with cancer should prevent themselves from eating peanuts excessively or should not eat them at all.
2. Peanuts and allergy risks
Another disadvantage of peanuts is that they cause allergies. Eating peanuts for some people can cause peanut allergies, and if you experience this then you will find it difficult to calm yourself down.
Research says that people with peanut allergies will experience more severe allergic reactions when they come into contact with peanut particles. When they eat foods containing peanuts, the risk increases. In fact, peanuts in small amounts for some people can cause severe allergies can even be fatal.
How to know the signs of a peanut allergy, below are some signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy.
- Swollen and reddish skin
- Stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting
- Hard to breathe
- Have a cold
If someone is allergic to peanuts, then he must avoid food consequently.
3. Peanuts cause weight gain
Some people use peanuts for weight loss because peanuts are rich in fiber and protein. This is true, but if your daily consumption of peanuts is excessive, then you will not be losing weight but gaining weight.
We know that peanuts are a high-calorie food, where one handful contains 161 calories, and this can quickly increase weight in those who are not physically active enough.
4. Peanuts and saturated fats
Peanuts do not only contain healthy fats, but they also contain saturated fats. If you consume peanuts continuously, then you have the potential for heart disease.
The effect of saturated fat is to increase LDL levels in the blood and this is harmful to the heart.
Some experts say that saturated fat is also good for health if only in small amounts. But in this case there is still debate until now.
5. Peanuts and sodium content
Peanuts are healthy food as long as they are not seasoned with salt. However, if it is salted, the risk of heart disease is even greater. Consuming peanuts continuously can cause hypertension and blood pressure due to high sodium levels.
Sodium is healthy as long as it’s in small amounts. One handful of peanuts contains 5 mg of sodium. If we salt it, the sodium level of peanuts is higher and this increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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6. Peanuts and food poisoning
Eating peanuts sometimes causes food poisoning due to the presence of a cancer-causing compound called aflatoxin. In fact, peanuts are a very popular food in the world, so it is a food that is consumed quite a lot.
So, one of the disadvantages of peanuts is the potential for food poisoning due to the content of aflatoxin compounds. Aflatoxin is a type of toxic compound produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and is commonly found in peanuts, corn and other grains. These compounds are known as the main cause of the world’s largest food poisoning. Research states that the content of aflatoxin in large quantities can harm humans and damage humans by damaging DNA, causing cancer and damaging the liver.
The risk is determined by the way peanuts are stored, if stored in warm, humid conditions such as in tropical areas, this increases the risk. But contamination of aflatoxin compounds can be prevented by drying the peanuts after harvest, then keeping the temperature and humidity low during the shelf life.
How Many Peanuts should You Eat per Day?
The needs of one person to another are very different, so there is no certain amount that must be eaten, everyone needs different nutrients too. But experts say that consuming a handful or an ounce of nuts is considered safe for most. Consuming nuts in small quantities like these is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease by up to 50% and reducing the risk of diabetes by about 25%.
So, remember that eating nuts doesn’t have to be a lot if you aim for good health. If you want to eat, actually not only the amount that must be considered but how to eat. The way to eat peanuts is quite diverse, you can eat them raw, fry, boil, bake, puree or make peanut butter. Eating peanuts with the thin skin on is very beneficial nutritionally, the skin in the peanut contains many antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Final Words
For those of you who like to eat peanuts, the number of points above is enough for you to limit your daily intake of peanuts. This restriction is caused by two major things that damage health, saturated fat content and aflatoxin content.
Apart from these compounds, eating nuts in large quantities can also increase your weight. So, limit your daily intake of nuts. If you take the health benefits of peanuts then consume them in small quantities and choose low sodium nuts, not peanuts that have been salted.
FAQs
Are peanuts good for the liver?
Peanuts contain a toxin called aflatoxin, and it is a carcinogen. These compounds are first present in the soil during the planting of peanuts as well as during the harvesting process.
Research shows that eating even a small amount of this toxin can cause damage to the liver. Thus, peanuts eaten without drying are potentially dangerous.
Can I eat peanuts at night?
Usually, peanuts are eaten as a night snack, but you don’t need to worry because peanuts can also be eaten in the morning or throughout the day. Eating peanuts at night is usually safe for health but you should avoid eating them at night.
See too: 15 Best Foods That Lower Cholesterol And Best For Heart Health
Is eating nuts every day bad?
It’s also good to eat peanuts every day as long as you eat them in moderation. When you eat too much, this is where the disadvantages of peanuts starts. Eating peanuts in moderation is good for the heart and can prevent cancer.