New research from the University of Barcelona and the CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición suggests that the urinary phenolic metabolites — whose production increases after the consumption of peanut products — may contribute to the maintenance of vascular health.
Peanuts are edible seeds classified as legumes, nevertheless, they are frequently include in the nuts group, since they share a similar nutritional composition, being nutrient-dense and rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
They are the most consumed nuts worldwide, and are regarded as a convenient, tasty, and easy snack that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
The wide range of nutrients and bioactive compounds found in peanuts include fiber, folate, and arginine, and also, they are a well-known source of antioxidants such as polyphenols, whose concentration have been reported to be highest in their skins.
Phenolic acids were the most abundant polyphenols found in skin roasted peanuts and peanut butter with skin added, representing more than 60-70% of the total polyphenols.
The regular consumption of nuts and peanuts has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with improvements in the lipid profile, inflammation markers, and preservation of endothelial function.
However, the results of studies evaluating the impact of nut consumption on inflammation are discrepant, as clinical trials have not been able to consistently verify the anti-inflammatory effects found in observational studies.
“Phenolic compounds in peanuts may moderate inflammation and endothelial function,” said senior author Professor Rosa Lamuela and colleagues.
“The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of urinary phenolic metabolites with vascular biomarkers after peanut product consumption.”
The study involved 63 healthy young people (18-33 years old) who included a daily portion of peanut products in their regular diet for a period of six…
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