Functional food is a food where a new ingredient(s) (or more of an existing ingredient) has been added to a food and the new product has an additional function (often one related to health-promotion or disease prevention).Different types of food are considered as functional food. Peanut is one of them. I have started a new article based on functional food, in that regard today I would like to discuss about peanut.
Research has identified numerous compounds in peanuts and in their skins that may have added health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Peanuts have been touted as a functional food with numerous functional components. These bioactive components have been recognized for having disease preventative properties and some are antioxidants while other are thought to promote longevity.
Arginine:
if you want to get your blood moving, add more arginine to your diet Arginine is an amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to keep your arteries relaxed, improving blood flow. It is also known to improve healing time in tissues in your body.
Resveratrol :
In attempts to stay youthful, some have sought wine and grapes, but also peanuts, because they all contain a compound thought to increase endurance and contribute to longevity. Resveratrol is known as a bioactive compound that reduces cardiovascular disease and cancer risk. It has antioxdant properties and also reduces inflammation.
Phytosterols:
Peanuts, peanut butter, peanut flour, and peanut oil are all filled with phytosterols that block the absorption of cholesterol from your diet. And emerging evidence is showing that they also decrease inflammation and reduce the growth of various cancers
Phenolic Acids:
Phenolic acids have been shown to have antioxidant function and a protective role against oxidative damage diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, and various cancers.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are in all parts of the peanut plant. They act as a natural pesticide and some provide potent odors or bitter flavors as a defense system, while others are antimicrobial. In foods, flavonoids are responsible for color, taste, and protection of vitamins, enzymes, and fat oxidation. A high intake of flavonoids is thought to be protective against heart disease and cancer by various mechanisms.
Antioxidant Capacity:
The numerous bioactive components in peanuts contribute to their antioxidant capacity. When peanuts are consumed with their skins, their antioxidant capacity doubles. When you eat a handful of cocktail peanuts, you can be assured that your body is taking in a myriad of unique compounds to help in disease prevention.
So, exchange your junk food with a healthy snack, it could be PEANUT!
