Resveratrol in Peanuts: Benefits & How to Add to Your Diet
Do Peanuts and Peanut Butter Contain Resveratrol?
Yes! Both raw and roasted peanuts and peanut butter contain the polyphenol (or ‘plant-based compound’) resveratrol. Resveratrol is a naturally-occurring compound that protects plants from disease.
Resveratrol in Peanuts vs. Other Foods
Resveratrol is an antioxidant that’s found in a variety of foods, including peanuts, blueberries, red wine, and the skins of grapes.
The amount of resveratrol found in foods and beverages can vary greatly. Therefore, it’s important to view these comparisons as approximate.
| Food | Serving | Total Resveratrol (mg) |
| Peanuts (raw) | 1 cup (146g) | 0.01-0.261-3 |
| Peanuts (boiled) | 1 cup (180g) | 0.32-1.281-3 |
| Peanut butter | 1 cup (258g) | 0.04-0.131-3 |
| Red grapes | 1 cup (160g) | 0.24-1.254 |
Note. From1 Higdon* (2005).2 Burns (2002).3 Sanders (2008).4 Hendler (2008).
Health Benefits of Resveratrol in Peanuts
Currently, it’s not known exactly how resveratrol functions to support health. However, results from a variety of studies gives us an idea of what benefits it may offer.
As an antioxidant, resveratrol may help to prevent cellular damage, and also support cardiovascular health.
Resveratrol may also protect against atherosclerosis by preventing the breakdown of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. This breakdown is the beginning of how cholesterol becomes deposited in the walls of the arteries, leading to heart disease.
Further, research conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago found resveratrol to be associated with a reduced risk of cancer in animals by stopping the growth of damaged cells in the body.
Several studies have also looked into the potential of resveratrol to combat age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and osteoporosis.5
Boiled Peanuts and Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in both peanut skins and seeds. Some studies suggest that boiled peanuts may contain a higher concentration of resveratrol than other peanut forms.
If you want to learn more about boiled peanuts—including how they contain nearly 4x the antioxidants of raw peanuts, or some simple recipes to make your own—check out our boiled peanuts page here.
Including Peanuts in a Resveratrol-Rich Diet
Incorporating a daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter into your meals or snacks can go a long way to contributing to your intake of resveratrol and other polyphenols—along with the wealth of other macro- and micronutrients important to your health.
To maximize your resveratrol intake, though, try pairing them with other resveratrol-rich foods—including grapes or blueberries. For more meal inspiration, see our page of 30+ healthy peanut and peanut butter recipes.
*This link leads to a website provided by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The Peanut Institute is not affiliated or endorsed by the Linus Pauling Institute or Oregon State University.