Peanuts contain monounsaturated fats and plant sterols that may help improve cholesterol levels. Peanuts are also a good source of plant-based protein, which may help with weight loss.
Peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut oil may all be beneficial for cholesterol. Although high in calories, eating them in moderation may also help people maintain a moderate weight as part of a healthy diet.
This article looks at how peanuts affect cholesterol, ways to include them in the diet, and other tips for managing cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that the liver makes. It is also present in some foods. Diet and lifestyle factors can affect how much cholesterol is in the bloodstream.
Certain proteins, called lipoproteins, carry cholesterol around the body. There are
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This is also known as “bad” cholesterol. It can form plaques to build up on artery walls, increasing the risk of peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is also known as “good” cholesterol. It carries LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and may help protect cardiovascular health.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. A combination of high triglyceride levels, high LDL and low HDL levels may increase the risk of plaques forming in the arteries.
Total cholesterol is the measurement of both LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Peanuts are a source of monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats help reduce LDL cholesterol and help protect heart health.
Peanuts contain a range of compounds that help prevent cholesterol absorption from dietary sources. These compounds include:
- resveratrol
- phenolic acids
- flavonoids
- phytosterols
Phytosterols may help improve cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol by up to 14%, helping to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Peanuts are also high in arginine, an amino acid that helps improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and may be beneficial in treating heart-related disease.
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There was no evidence that daily intake of peanuts and tree nuts altered concentrations of LDL or HDL cholesterol. This suggests peanuts may be a helpful addition in monitoring blood fats in people with type 2 diabetes.
Although peanuts are high in calories, they may help people maintain a moderate weight. A 2019 study found that increasing nut consumption of any type, including peanuts, may help reduce weight gain in the long term. Replacing less healthy foods with nuts and including them as part of a healthy diet may help prevent obesity.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), excess weight may contribute to higher LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Losing as little as
According to the
People may choose to consume peanuts in the form of:
- raw or roasted peanuts
- peanut butter, made from peanuts and a small amount of salt
- peanut oil
Palm oil and palm kernel oil are sources of saturated fat, which may increase cholesterol. A person should look for peanut butter without these ingredients and without added sugars.
People can eat peanuts raw or roasted. Excess salt can
People can use peanut oil for cooking, salad dressings, or marinades, such as peanut sauce.
A person can consider other ways to help lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol. This includes:
- limiting intake of saturated fats found in meat, dairy, and tropical oils
- limiting intake of trans fats found in baked goods, fried foods, or foods containing hydrogenated oils
- including healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocados, oily fish, olives, and seeds
- using liquid plant oils, such as sunflower, canola, or olive oil
- increasing soluble fiber intake by eating foods such as oats, lentils, beans, barley, fruits, and vegetables
- eating plant sterols, compounds that occur naturally in plant foods and may fortify certain foods such as cereals, low fat yogurt, and milk
- increasing physical activity, particularly aerobic and resistance exercise, and aiming for 30–60 minutes per day
- achieving and maintaining a moderate weight
- limiting alcohol intake to reduce triglyceride levels, and lower the risk of high blood pressure and obesity
- quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- taking cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, if necessary
Below are some frequently asked questions about peanuts and cholesterol.
Can a person with high cholesterol eat peanuts?
People with high cholesterol can eat peanuts as part of a balanced, healthful diet. Peanuts are high in calories, but are a source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Do peanuts raise or lower cholesterol?
Peanuts are a source of monounsaturated fats, which may lower LDL cholesterol levels. They also contain compounds that may prevent cholesterol absorption from the diet.
What is the best nut to lower cholesterol?
A low sodium diet including nuts may
Do salted peanuts affect cholesterol?
Excess levels of salt may
Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL cholesterol. Limiting saturated and trans fats and replacing them with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help improve cholesterol levels.
Peanuts also contain phytosterols, which help to lower LDL cholesterol. Peanuts are rich in arginine, which may help to improve blood vessel health and lower blood pressure.
Peanuts are a good source of plant protein, and eating them in moderation as part of a healthy diet may help people avoid weight gain. Reducing excess weight can help to increase HDL cholesterol levels while decreasing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
People can eat peanuts raw or roasted, as peanut butter, or use peanut oil in cooking and sauces. A daily serving consists of a small handful of peanuts or 2 tbsp of peanut butter.
