Nutritionists and paeds will often tell parents to include protein in each of their child’s meal. A child needs protein to grow and without sufficient protein, your child’s growth may be stunted. To ensure that my pint-size Baby gets enough protein, I give her an egg a day for breakfast. At times, I replace the egg with Edamame beans and boiled peanuts. For lunch and dinner, there will always be either fish, chicken or pork for my girls. And lots of greens too for the much-needed fibre.

Did you know that peanuts are not really nuts but a member of a family of legumes related to peas, lentils, chickpeas and other beans? Peanuts pack a serious nutritional punch and offer a variety of health benefits. Not only do peanuts contain oleic acid, the healthful fat found in olive oil, but new research shows these tasty legumes are also as rich in antioxidants as many fruits.

Studies have shown that eating peanuts lower a person’s risk of weight gain and promotes heart health. By and large the best benefit of peanuts is their ability to prevent against certain cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium, along with sodium and zinc are beneficial minerals that are useful in preventing heart disease. Anyone looking to cut down on their intake of red meat can benefit from the protein found in just a handful or two of peanuts. When considering this along with their mineral content, peanuts offer tremendous cardiovascular benefit. Additionally, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce a person’s risk of coronary disease. Peanuts also contain omega 6 fatty acids, which is one of the “good” fats commonly known as “essential fatty acids.” These aid in lowering the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream.

With just a handful of peanuts, you are ingesting almost 10 percent (2 grams) of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Eaten peanuts just a few times each week can prevent the formation of gallstones, and lowers the risk of colon cancer.

Niacin, folate and other B vitamin complexes may decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and other degenerative brain disease. They are also important in preventing birth defects, which makes them a good snack for pregnant women.

Peanuts contain small amount of calcium and vitamin D. Together these two promote good bone health, including healthy teeth. Studies have shown that people who maintain healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D before age thirty, are less likely to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis later in life.