Peanuts and peanut butter can be healthy

Peanuts are often regarded as less healthy than tree nuts such as almonds, but that isn’t necessarily true, according to Vasanti Malik, research scientist in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“Peanuts are actually really healthy,” Malik told Consumer Reports in a September 13, 2018 article. “They’re certainly high in calories and fat, but the fat is good fat.”

Peanuts contain mostly mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, and they are high in protein and fiber.

Malik recommends eating peanuts with the skins intact, because they contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Other healthy options include dry roasted nuts without added sugars, and peanut butter without hydrogenated oils—hold the jelly.

Read the Consumer Reports article: Are Peanuts Good for You?

Learn more

Eating nuts linked with better heart health (Harvard Chan School news)

Humble peanut appears to offer health benefits of pricier nuts (Harvard Chan School news)