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.

Can 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.

Which nut is most anti-inflammatory? ›

High in ALA, walnuts have the highest omega-3 content, and researchers studying their effects have found they lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

What is unhealthy about peanuts? ›

Peanuts contain very high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA, Omega 6). It has been well established in the medical community that a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure and other serious health problems.

What are the 10 worst inflammatory foods? ›

  • 01 of 10. High Fructose Corn Syrup. ...
  • 02 of 10. Processed Foods with Added Sugar. ...
  • 03 of 10. Soda and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. ...
  • 04 of 10. Trans Fats. ...
  • 05 of 10. Refined Carbohydrates. ...
  • 06 of 10. Red Meat. ...
  • 07 of 10. Processed Meats. ...
  • 08 of 10. French Fries and Other Deep-Fried Foods.
May 5, 2024

What 3 foods cause inflammation? ›

Foods that can be inflammatory: Highly processed foods, like corn chips, fried foods and too much red meat, sugar, wheat, rye and barley in people with gluten allergies of celiac disease.

What drink kills inflammation? ›

Here are seven research-backed drinks that can help fight inflammation in your body.
  • Baking soda + water. ...
  • Parsley + ginger green juice. ...
  • Lemon + turmeric tonic. ...
  • Bone broth. ...
  • Functional food smoothie. ...
  • Matcha anti-inflammatory tonic. ...
  • Greens and berries smoothie.
Mar 16, 2023

What foods flush out inflammation? ›

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:
  • tomatoes.
  • olive oil.
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
Mar 26, 2024

What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. ...
  2. Curcumin. ...
  3. S-adenosylmethionine. ...
  4. Zinc. ...
  5. Green tea. ...
  6. Frankincense. ...
  7. Capsaicin. ...
  8. Cat's claw.

What are the unhealthiest nuts? ›

Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.

What is the number one fruit for inflammation? ›

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other types of berries are packed with fiber, antioxidants and potent phytochemicals such as anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation.

What is the number one healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Is it OK if I eat peanuts everyday? ›

So, is it safe to eat peanuts every day? The short answer is yes*. You can have great health benefits from eating peanuts each day. Peanuts can be a great addition to a plant-forward lifestyle.

Why can't you eat peanuts? ›

That's because peanuts can cause a life-threatening reaction in some people. Peanuts are one of the food allergens most commonly associated with anaphylaxis , a sudden and potentially deadly condition that requires immediate attention and treatment.

What happens when you eat too many 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.

How to remove inflammation from the body? ›

Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
  1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. ...
  2. Choose high-fiber carbohydrates. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Choose plant-based and leaner animal protein sources. ...
  5. Be conscious of your fat sources. ...
  6. Reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet. ...
  7. Reduce your sugar intake. ...
  8. Limit or avoid alcohol.
Nov 16, 2023

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