Peanuts as a source of B-sitosterol, a sterol with anticancer properties

Year Published: 2009

Nutrition and Cancer

Atif B. Awad, Karen C. Chan, Arthur C. Downie & Carol S. Fink

The aim of this study was to evaluate peanuts and its products as sources of phytosterols vs olive oil in the American diet. Phytosterols have been shown to inhibit colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells. Phytosterols also provide protection against CVD through lowering cholesterol.

Key Findings: -Roasted peanuts contain 61-114 mg phytosterols (PS)/100g, 78-83% of which is B-sitosterol. Unrefined peanut oil: 207 mgPS/100g (more than unrefined olive oil, which has 145 mgPS/100g). Although refining the oils results in a loss of PS, this loss is greater in olive oil than in peanut oil. Peanut butter: 144-157 mg PS/100g; Peanut flour: 55-60 mg PS/100g