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Groundnuts, wey pipo also dey call peanuts, na legume wey full wit nutrients and pipo dey chop am boiled, roasted, or use am as paste (like peanut butter).
According to Dietitian Aisha Bala Ahmad for Kano, north west Nigeria, groundnuts dey rich in plant-based protein, healthy fats, and plenty small-small nutrients wey dey important for energy, immune system, and bodi repair.
Dem cheap, dey available all year, and pipo love am across many cultures especially for Nigeria.
She still add say groundnut fit help boost libido for both men and women sake of say e high in Arginine – one amino acid wey dey help blood flow by helping bodi produce nitric oxide (important for erection in men and arousal in women).
“Groundnuts no be direct aphrodisiac” she tok
“but dem fit support better sex drive by improving blood flow, hormone levels, and reducing stress.”
Health benefits of groundnut consumption
- Rich source of plant protein: E dey help build and repair bodi tissue, support children growth and muscle maintenance for adults, and e important for immune system.
- Heart health: E high in unsaturated fats and resveratrol, wey fit reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve heart health if pesin chop am wit sense.
- Rich in healthy fats and protein: E dey support hormone production, including testosterone and estrogen.
- Brain health: E high in niacin and folate wey dey support brain function and fit help reduce age-related brain wahala.
- Overall nutritional quality: Compared to oda nuts, groundnuts dey very rich in minerals, micro and macronutrients, and vitamins.
- E dey improve skin health: E rich in vitamin E and biotin, wey dey make skin glow and hair strong.
- E dey help in weight control: Groundnuts get plenty fiber and protein wey dey make person feel full and reduce di chance to overeat if person chop am in moderate portion.
- Contain iron and folate: Groundnuts get small amount of iron and folic acid wey dey important for pregnant women to support pikin development and prevent anemia.
Nutritional profile of groundnuts (per 100g, raw)
Polyunsaturated fat ~15.6 g
Possible side effects
- Aflatoxin contamination: Aflatoxins na group of fungal poison wey dey affect crops like maize and groundnuts, and fit cause serious health problems. Aflatoxin B1 na strong liver cancer-causing substance. If groundnuts no dey stored well, dem fit get mold called Aspergillus flavus, wey go release this dangerous aflatoxin.
- Allergic reactions: Peanuts – groundnut allergy na one of di common food allergies, especially for children. E fit cause mild to serious reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Safe consumption tips
- Chop am wit sense – about 1–2 handfuls (30–50g) per day.
- Roast or boil to make am sweet and reduce antinutrients.
- No chop moldy or bitter nuts – throw dem away quick.
- Store inside dry, airtight container to avoid aflatoxin.