Peanuts may improve cardiovascular health

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that peanuts may lower the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease by improving blood lipids and blood vessel function.

The researchers conducted a randomized, controlled, intervention trial with 15 healthy but overweight or obese men. They asked the participants to consume two different chocolate-flavored, dairy-based shakes—one containing 3-oz of ground peanuts and the other with no peanuts. Both shakes, which were consumed one week apart in a randomized order, had similar amounts of calories, carbohydrates, fat, saturated fat, and protein. Blood was drawn before the shake was consumed and again 30, 60, 12, and 240 min later and analyzed for lipids, lipoproteins (HDL and LDL cholesterol), glucose, and insulin. Blood flow was also assessed as a measure of blood vessel integrity.

The researchers found that consuming the peanut-rich beverage helped lower the expected increases in blood lipids. Peanut consumption also improved blood flow, particularly in study participants that started with elevated blood cholesterol levels. The research team concluded that the inclusion of peanuts as part of a high-fat meal improved blood lipid responses and blood vessel function. As such, they posit that more chronic peanut consumption may benefit artery health and, thus, decrease overall risk for cardiovascular disease.

Study (pdf)