Do Peanuts Cause Inflammation? | The Peanut Institute (2024)

Are peanuts inflammatory?

The short answer is no, and in fact, peanuts and some peanut products like peanut butter have been shown to be anti-inflammatory.

Inflammation in the body is a mechanism thought to be at the center of the majority of chronic diseases. Certain inflammatory factors in our blood, like C-reactive protein (CRP), have been identified as predictors of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Fortunately, the foods and nutrients you choose to eat can have an impact on inflammation including certain fats, antioxidants, dietary fiber, arginine, and magnesium.

Peanuts and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Linoleic Acid in Peanuts

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in peanuts, has been shown to reduce inflammation and is therefore seen as anti-inflammatory. In fact, the 2009 American Heart Association Advisory Panel recommended that Americans include omega-6 in their diets, citing its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Low Glycemic Loads and Inflammation

Foods with low glycemic loads have been shown to decrease inflammation as well. Fortunately, peanuts are a low-glycemic index food and are full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. A relationship has also been observed between frequent peanut consumption and reduced inflammatory factors. A 2016 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined over 5,000 participants. Results showed that peanut intake was associated with lower markers of inflammation in the blood. This may be why peanuts are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Magnesium in Peanuts

Since many Americans don’t consume levels of magnesium that match the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), a small number of peanuts daily is a great way to boost intake. A study at Purdue University showed that eating peanuts every day increases blood magnesium too!

For those who don’t get enough magnesium, one study showed that levels of inflammation-causing CRP was more likely to be elevated. Another study looking at more than 11,000 women from the Women’s Health Study showed that low magnesium intake was associated with an increased risk of inflammation.

Do Peanuts Cause Inflammation? | The Peanut Institute (2024)

FAQs

Do Peanuts Cause Inflammation? | The Peanut Institute? ›

The short answer is no, and in fact, peanuts and some peanut products like peanut butter have been shown to be anti-inflammatory. Inflammation in the body is a mechanism thought to be at the center of the majority of chronic diseases.

Does eating peanuts cause inflammation? ›

Tree nuts and peanuts lower risk factors of cardiometabolic disease, including blood lipids, blood pressure and insulin resistance, among others. Given their strong antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential, it is plausible that nuts may also exert a favorable effect on inflammation and oxidative stress.

What is the number one inflammatory food? ›

In particular, experts recommend avoiding these inflammatory foods: Red meat, such as steak and hamburgers. Processed meat, such as bologna, bacon, sausage and lunchmeat. Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies.

What is unhealthy about peanuts? ›

While most of the fat in peanut butter is relatively healthy, peanuts also contain some saturated fat, which can lead to heart problems when consumed in excess over time. Peanuts are high in phosphorus, which can limit your body's absorption of other minerals like zinc and iron.

Can I eat 20 peanuts a day? ›

The recommended limit for how many peanuts you should eat per day is around 42 grams. This is about 16 peanuts. Eating peanuts in moderation is important as they are high in fat and contain a lot of calories. They are healthy food but should not be eaten in excess.

What are the 10 worst foods for inflammation? ›

Here are the top ten worst offending foods that can trigger or cause inflammation:
  1. Refined Sugar. No surprises that sugar is at the top of the list. ...
  2. Vegetable Oil. ...
  3. Dairy Products. ...
  4. Wheat, Rye, and Barley. ...
  5. Fried Foods. ...
  6. Refined Flour. ...
  7. Red Meat. ...
  8. Processed Corn.
Dec 9, 2023

Can eating too many nuts cause inflammation? ›

Similarly, intakes of peanuts and other nuts were both inversely associated with inflammatory markers. Higher intake of other nuts was significantly associated with lower CRP and IL-6, and higher intake of peanuts was associated with lower CRP and TNFR2 (Supplemental Table 2).

What can happen if you eat peanuts everyday? ›

Peanuts are nutritious, affordable and have been a pantry staple for many of us for as long as we can remember. Regular consumption may also improve heart health, lower diabetes risk and promote a healthy weight. Plus, they take a smaller toll on the environment compared to other popular types of nuts.

What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Are peanuts bad for your kidneys? ›

However, although peanuts are considerable risk factors for oxalate nephropathy and the patient had above-average consumption of peanuts, we believe that there is little chance that peanuts consumption alone caused acute oxalate nephropathy with renal failure.

Can I eat 500 gm peanuts daily? ›

500 grams of peanuts is about 2800 calories, which by itself is more than the recommended daily intake for an adult male.

What are the pros and cons of peanuts? ›

They can be useful as a part of a weight loss diet and may reduce your risk of both heart disease and gallstones. However, being high in fat, this legume is a high-calorie food and should not be eaten in excess.

Are peanuts bad for cholesterol? ›

Summary. Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL cholesterol. Limiting saturated and trans fats and replacing them with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help improve cholesterol levels. Peanuts also contain phytosterols, which help to lower LDL cholesterol.

What happens if you eat too much peanuts? ›

Too much peanuts intake at one time may even lead to stomach discomfort. Constipation, diarrhoea and bloating are common issues associated with excessive peanuts intake. So, it is recommended to take peanuts in moderate quantities if you are already suffering from stomach related issues.

Can peanuts cause intestinal inflammation? ›

A peanut sensitivity is a digestive issue in which your body will produce an inflammatory response to the particular proteins in a peanut which can lead to discomfort, even severe, without the need for immediate medical attention.

What are three best foods to fight inflammation? ›

Foods you should eat to help fight inflammation
  • Nuts and seeds. Studies have found that consuming nuts and seeds is associated with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Some oils and fatty fish. ...
  • Coffee, cocoa and green tea.
Dec 7, 2023

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