The flowering of this nut begins at the stalk of the leaf, where it is attached to the stem. The duration of flowering is only one day, then the ovary appears, which gradually under its own weight descends to the earth soil and plunges into it, where it remains until full maturation.
Just peanuts have flowers that bloom and mature in the soil, all this is possible due to the fact that peanuts self-pollinate. The lower part of the ovary after pollination and fertilization at a depth of 10 - 20 cm grows and the formation of the fetus begins. The color of the seed coat is light brown, the grains have a yellowish tint, are covered with a pinkish - red, almost transparent peel.
The native land of the peanut is South America, from where it came to India and China, to Africa and to the south of the USA. When excavations were carried out in Peru, they found graves in which scientists discovered an earthen peanut, which was already more than a thousand years old. In addition to peanuts, painted dishes with his image were found. Based on these excavations, scientists concluded that South America is the birthplace of peanuts. From there, he came to countries with a warm climate, such as Africa, the United States, India and China.
If you decide to buy peanuts, you need to pay attention to its appearance and aroma. The color of the grains should be uniform, without any stains or stains. Nuts and shells should be free of mold and musty smell.
Peanuts: useful properties
The composition of peanuts includes vitamins A, E, D, PP, B1 and B2, unique amino acids, vegetable fats, polyunsaturated lionoleic acid and folic acid, biotin and other microelements. Proteins in peanuts are more than 35%, fats are about 50%, and there is no cholesterol in peanuts.
Proteins contained in peanuts have an optimal ratio of amino acids, due to which they are easily absorbed by the body. A contained in peanut fats have a slight choleretic effect, so it is very useful for gastritis and peptic ulcer.
There are peanut properties that, when used, can improve memory, hearing, attention, increase potency, normalize the work of the heart, nervous system, liver and other internal organs.
Folic acid, contained in peanuts, activates cell renewal.
In addition, during the research it was revealed that the peanuts in a large number include antioxidants - a substance that protects cells from harmful to the body free radicals.
The highest antioxidant properties are polyphenols - these compounds are very similar in chemical composition to the antioxidant components of red wine. These components will be useful for the prevention of heart disease, blood vessels, ischemia, early aging, atherosclerosis. Also these components reduce the risk of malignant tumors.
Polyphenols are twenty-five percent higher in roasted peanuts than in raw peanuts. If with other products to compare the antioxidant properties of peanuts, then it gives way only to a grenade (it contains the most antioxidants), it stands on the same level as strawberries and blackberries. Due to its calming effect, peanuts are useful for those who have increased nervous excitability, insomnia, loss of strength. In addition, the use of peanuts can increase sexual potency in both women and men. For the treatment of difficult healing and purulent wounds, peanut oil is used.
Dangerous properties of peanuts
Peanuts in their raw form can provoke digestive disorders. It is worth considering and the fact that peanut peel is a strong allergen, therefore, in order to avoid this, before eating nuts, it is better to fry and clean.
Fatty acids and proteins that are contained in peanuts can cause a latent allergy.
People who suffer from arthritis, arthrosis, gout are not recommended to use peanuts.
Also, those who are afraid of gaining excess weight are also not recommended to eat peanuts, since it is a high-calorie product, and this can lead to the appearance of extra pounds or even obesity.
If peanuts are stored in a room with high humidity, then on the peanut there is a mold, which, releasing toxins, is able to hit the weakened human body.