Peanut Skins Contain Health-Promoting Nutrition

I’ll Have Peanuts, With Skin, Please…

• Peanut skins have an abundant amount of natural antioxidants and a high content of dietary fiber, says new study.
• Even different types of roasted peanut skins, such as light-roasted or dark-roasted, contain these high amounts.
• Adding peanut skins to foods, such as peanut butter, can increase its nutritious content.

Peanut Skins Contain Health-Promoting Nutrition

You might want to think twice about not eating that peanut skin. According to a new study published in the February issue of Food Chemistry, entitled “Peanut skins-fortified peanut butters: Effect of processing on the phenolics content, fibre content and antioxidant activity,” peanut skins contain high amounts of bioactives and fiber that promote health and prevent disease.

The researchers examined the polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and dietary fiber amount in ground peanut skins, before and after they were combined into food, such as peanut butter. They measured the skins’ nutrient content when it was dry-blanched, light-roasted, medium-roasted, and dark-roasted. Regardless of roast type, peanut skins contained high phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and dietary fiber.

This study shows that peanut skins contain high amounts of bioactives, which are plant substances found to offer health benefits possibly beyond vitamins & minerals. Bioactives such as polyphenols work as antioxidants to protect against heart disease, cancer, and stroke.¹ Research shows that antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage in the body that can lead to heart disease and cancer.² Peanut skins have the highest antioxidant levels compared to other parts of the peanut, and roasted peanut with skins have a higher antioxidant capacity than blueberries. Peanut skins also contain high amounts of fiber, which promotes satiety and weight management, according to research.³

Peanuts are the most popular nut, and people who eat them tend to consume a healthier diet overall. Peanuts and peanut butter contribute many hard-to-get nutrients to U.S. diets. One serving of peanuts provides many of the essential nutrients we need each day.