Nuts (Peanuts & Tree Nuts) - Health Benefits and Concerns

This report discusses the health benefits and concerns associated with consuming peanuts and tree nuts. It covers the nutritional composition, health-promoting attributes, negative health effects, safety concerns, and current research related to peanuts and tree nuts. The report also includes precautions to avoid nut allergies. Subject: Nutrition, Course Code: NUTR101, College/University: Not mentioned.

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Nuts (Peanuts & Tree Nuts)
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NUTS (PEANUTS & TREE NUTS) 1
Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Peanuts..............................................................................................................................................2
Nutritional composition.................................................................................................................3
Health promoting attributes of peanuts..........................................................................................4
Negative health effects..................................................................................................................5
Safety concerns..............................................................................................................................5
Current research on peanuts...........................................................................................................5
Tree nuts............................................................................................................................................6
Nutritional contribution.................................................................................................................6
Health promoting characteristics...................................................................................................8
Negative health effects of tree nuts................................................................................................8
Safety concerns..............................................................................................................................9
Current research.............................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................9
References...........................................................................................................................................10

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Peanuts and Tree nuts
Introduction
People are consuming Ground nuts and Tree nuts for many years as the source of protein,
iron, vitamins and other nutrients. Arachis hypogaea or Peanuts are also known as
groundnuts and goober. Some tree nuts that are consumed as raw or added with other
products are walnuts, almond, cashew, pecan etc. The consumption of peanuts is highest in
America it grew from 6.6 lbs to 7 pounds in two years (2012 to 2014) [1]. The allergies
related to nuts also higher in the United States. The consumption of peanuts and tree nuts is
increased in all over the world and the health issues associated these nuts also raised with
time. In this report, the health benefits, adverse health issues and the current research related
to peanuts and tree nuts will be discussed. Nutritional composition and the precaution to
avoid the nut allergies will also be mentioned in this study.
Definition
Nuts are the fruits composed of a hard shell and the edible seed. All the seeds, legumes and
dry fruits are considered nuts but in a botanical context, the nuts are the dry hard fruit, which
is not split open at its maturity to release the seed. Most of the edible oily seeds are
considered as nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and tree nuts.
Peanuts
Peanuts are the type of nuts that are originated in South America and scientifically known as
Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts are also called groundnuts, earthnuts, and goober [2].

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Figure 1 Peanut seed [3]
Nutritional composition
Peanuts are rich in fat and classified as oilseeds. The nutritional information has been
mentioned in table 1. Peanuts are the goods source of protein as they contain 20 to 30 %
protein content. They also contain carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals
Table1. Nutritional content of Peanuts [4]
Raw Peanut (1 oz.)
Nutrients Amount
Calories 161
Carbohydrates (total) 4.6 g
Protein 7.2 g
Fibres 2.4 g
Fat 14 g
Folate 68 mcg
Vitamin E 2.4 mg AT

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Nicotinic acid 3.26 mg
Vit B2 0.04 mg
Thiamine 0.18 mg
Pyridoxine 0.10 mg
Iron 1.3 mg
Calcium 26 mg
Magnesium 48 mg
Sodium 5 mg
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Health promoting attributes of peanuts
Peanuts have various health-promoting characteristics such as weight loss, preventing CVD,
reduce the risk of gallstone, cancer, and diabetes.
Weight loss
Various studies revealed that consumption of peanuts might help to maintain the healthy
weight and reduce the obesity risk [5]. It promotes satiety to the greater extent to reduce the
food intake. Peanuts are the great source of fiber, which helps to reduce the risk of weight
gain.
Cardiovascular health
Peanuts consumption helps to prevent the risk of developing heart-related diseases. The
nutrients like magnesium, copper, niacin and oleic acid are considered heart-healthy
nutrients.
Prevention of gallstone

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Frequently taking peanuts may contribute to preventing the risk of developing gallstone. The
cholesterol reducing effects of the peanuts are helpful to reduce gallstone.
Diabetes and cancer prevention
Peanuts are also helpful in reducing the risk associated with Type-two diabetes, inhibiting the
proliferation of leukemia and showing the anticancer activity [6].
Negative health effects
There is some fatal allergic reaction may cause by eating peanuts and/or breathing the dust
from peanut. Peanuts may also be infected by the fungus named Aspergillus flavus, which
releases a carcinogenic element or substance known as aflatoxin. The main symptoms
associated with aflatoxin poisoning include yellow discoloration of eyes, loss of appetite and
liver failure and liver cancer in a severe case [7].
Safety concerns
According to a report published by Davis et al (2008), around 12 million peoples are affected
by food allergies in America, including 5 to 8 percent. Among all the food allergies nuts
allergies account for 0.6 % allergies. Less than 3 million citizens of the United States affected
only by peanut associated allergies. Prevention of peanut allergies can be achieved by
preventing the exposure of peanuts. Keeping epinephrine shots ready may be beneficial to
avoid allergic reaction that may be life-threatening [8]. The researcher at the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) revealed that consuming peanuts in
infancy might prevent peanut allergy [9].
Current research on peanuts
School of immunology & microbial science and MRC (medical research council) researchers
develop new accurate and safe diagnostic test for peanut allergies [10]. An experimental
vaccine composed of peanut protein and Nano-emulsion, detergent water and droplets of
highly purified soybean shown to protect against the allergic symptoms in mice. An article

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published in BBC news by Westbrook revealed that skin prick blood test has been developed
to diagnose peanut allergies, which further stated that the test is less risky and cost-effective
compared to other available tests [11].
Tree nuts
Tree nuts are the dry fruit that has one seed in which the outer and inner layer of ovary
becomes dry and hard when comes at maturity. Commonly used tree nuts are walnuts,
almonds, pistachios and the cashews. Tree-nuts are considered the great-value products that
are used mostly for snacks foods and as the confectionary ingredients; therefore, the
beneficial marketing needs more attention to maintain the better quality of these nuts [12].
Figure 2 Almond (Tree nut) [3].
Nutritional contribution
Tree nuts such as almonds, cashew, hazelnuts, pecan, pistachio, macadamia, and walnuts are
rich in nutrients like calories, protein, iron, and potassium. One ounce of almonds contains
nearly 6 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of dietary fibers. A complete nutrient's information is
mentioned in table 2 below.

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Table 2. Nutritional information of tree nuts [13]
One Ounce Almon
d
Braz
il
Cashe
w
Macadam
ia
Hazeln
ut
Peca
n
Waln
ut
pistachi
o
Protein (g) 6 4.1 4.3 2.2 4.2 2.6 4.3 5.9
Calories 163 186 163 204 178 196 185 161
Total fat (g) 14 18.8 13.1 21.6 17.2 20.4 18.5 12.7
Saturated fat
(g)
1.1 4.3 2.6 3.4 1.3 1.8 1.7 1.5
Polysaturate
d fat (g)
3.4 5.8 2.2 0.4 2.2 6.1 13.4 3.8
Monosaturat
ed fat (g)
8.8 7.0 7.7 16.8 12.9 11.6 2.5 6.7
Potassium
(mg)
200 187 160 103 193 116 125 285
Fibres (g) ~3.6 2.1 0.9 2.3 ~2.8 2.7 1.9 2.8
Zinc (mg) 0.9 1.2 1.6 0.4 0.7 1.3 0.9 0.7
Magnesium
(g)
76 107 74 33 46 34 45 31
Cu (mg) 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.4
Pyridoxine
(mg)
0 0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.3
Riboflavin
(mg)
0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Folate (mgc) 14 6 20 3 32 6 28 14
Vitamin E ~7.3 1.6 0.3 0.2 4.3 ~0.5 0.2 0.7

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(mg)
Niacin (mg) 7.4 0.1 0.4 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.4
Iron (mg) 1.1 0.7 1.7 0.8 1.3 0.7 0.8 1.1
Calcium
(mg)
75 45 13 20 32 20 28 28
Health promoting characteristics
 Various studies revealed that consuming might reduce the risk of developing CHD
(coronary heart diseases), cancer and type-2 diabetes.
 The antioxidant present in tree nuts with different chemical characteristics may have a
beneficial effect in scavenging the free radicals [14].
 Walnuts are helpful to improve bone health and improve the metabolism in the body.
These tree nuts also contribute to alleviating mood of adults and children.
Negative health effects of tree nuts
 Consumption of tree nuts may increase weight
 Consuming tree nuts regularly may cause allergies. Symptoms associated with tree
nut allergies include abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, nasal
congestion, nausea, shortness if breathing and anaphylaxis.
 Eating tree nuts excessively may cause rashes and swell on the body.
 People with walnut allergy may suffer some serious health issues such as throat and
tongue swelling [15].
Safety concerns
Allergies related to tree nuts is one of the most common nut allergies. It is affecting nearly
0.5 to 1% of the total population of the United States [16]. A study conducted by Sicherer et
al found that the prevalence of allergies associated with tree nut among kids, increased in past
few years from 0.2 percent to 1.1 % [17]. The best way to prevent tree nut allergies is to

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avoid eating the tree nuts and products contain these nuts. Some alcoholic beverages also
contain nuts should be avoided. Tree nut oils containing nut protein, lotions, and hair care
products can also cause allergies [18].
Current research
The on-going study on tree nuts allergy by Scurlock believed to develop a novel
immunotherapy to treat the nuts allergy [19].
Conclusion
Peanuts and tree nuts both are consumed in all over the globe but highest in the United States.
By reviewing several studies conducted on health benefits and health concerns associated
with groundnuts and tree nuts, it can be concluded that there are various health benefits of
nuts such as weight loss, preventing CVD and gallstone, reducing the risk of CHD and cancer
and improves metabolism. Nuts contain healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fibers,
vitamins, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. Peanuts and tree nuts may cause allergies and other
health issues like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea. It was found that Nuts
have both favourable and unfavourable effects on health. The negative impacts can be
controlled by some safety measure or precautions such as avoid eating nuts and the products
contain nuts and keeping epinephrine shots.

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References
1. Here’s the shocking number of peanuts you eat every year [Document on the
Internet]: national peanut board; 2018 [cited 2018 July 19]. Available from:
http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/heres-the-shocking-number-of-peanuts-
you-eat-every-year.htm
2. Kotzekidou P. Food hygiene and toxicology in ready-to-eat foods: 1st. ed. Oxford,
UK: Academic Press; 2016.
3. Armstrong WP. The peanut: A subterranean legume [Documented on the internet]:
Palomar; 2009 [cited 2018 July 20]. Available from:
http://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/ecoph8b.htm
4. Peanut facts: nutritional breakdown [Documented on the internet]: the peanut
institute; 2018 [cited 2018 July 19]. Available from:
http://www.peanut-institute.org/peanut-facts/nutritional-breakdown.asp
5. Moreno J, Johnston C, El-mubasher A et al. Peanut consumption in adolescents is
associated with improved weight status: Nutrition research journal: 2013; 33(7): 552-
6.
6. Suchoszek-qukaniuk K, Jaromin A, Korycinska M et al. Health benefits of peanut
(Arachis hypogaea l.) seeds and peanut oil consumption: Nuts & seeds in health and
disease prevention: 2011; 873-880.
7. Arnarson A. Peanuts 101: Nutritional facts and health benefits [Documented on the
internet]: Healthline; 2015 [cited 2018 July 20]. Available from:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/peanuts#section9
8. Davis P, Jenab M, Heuvel J et al. Tree Nut and peanut consumption in relation to
chronic and metabolic diseases including allergy: The Journal of Nutrition: 2008;
138(9): 1757-1762.

NUTS (PEANUTS & TREE NUTS) 11
9. Study finds peanut consumption in infancy prevents peanut allergy [Documented on
the internet]: National Institute of the Allergy and infectious diseases; 2015 [cited
2018 July 20]. Available from: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/study-finds-
peanut-consumption-infancy-prevents-peanut-allergy
10. Scientists develop a new test to safely and accurately diagnosis peanut allergies
[Documented on the internet]: Medical research council; 2015 [cited 2018 July 20].
Available from: https://mrc.ukri.org/
11. Westbrook I. New peanut allergy blood test developed [Documented on the internet]:
BBC news; 2018 [cited 2018 July 21]. Available from:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43962236
12. Johnson J. Pest control in postharvest nuts: Improving the Safety and Quality of Nuts:
2013; 56-87.
13. Nutrient comparison chart for tree nuts: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Research Service [Documented on the internet]; 2010 [cited 2018 July 21]. Available
from: http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl
14. Alasalvar C, Shahidi F. Natural antioxidants in tree nuts: European Journal of Lipid
Science and Technology: 2009; 111(11): 1056-1062.
15. Ros E. Health benefits of nut consumption: Nutrients: 2010; 2(7): 652-82.
16. Pongdee T. Everything you need to know about tree nuts allergy [Documented on the
internet]; 2010 [cited 2018 21 July]. Available from:
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/tree-nut-
allergy
17. Sicherer H, Muñoz-Furlong A, Godbold H, Sampson A. US prevalence of self-
reported peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergy: 11-year follow-up: Journal of Allergy
and Clinical Immunology: 2010; 125(6):1322-6.

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18. The nuts allergy [Documented on the internet]: American college of allergy, asthma
& immunology; 2014 [cited 2018 July 21]. Available from:
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy
19. Brunk D. True nuts allergy respond to immunotherapy [Documented on the internet]:
family practice news; 2017 [cited 2018 July 21]. Available from:
https://www.mdedge.com/familypracticenews/article/133058/pulmonology/tree-nut-
allergy-responds-immunotherapy