Heath Benefits of Eating Raw Peanuts

Peanuts belong to the legume family of beans and lentils. Discovered in South America, they now are common worldwide. The top producers of peanuts are India, China and the United States. Peanut pods grow underground and have a shell exterior with two or more peanut beans. Raw peanuts are high in several vitamins and minerals and have many health benefits, although you should consult a doctor with nutrition questions and avoid peanuts and peanut products if you have a nut allergy.

Preventing gallstones

• Women who consume at least an ounce of peanuts each week reduce their chance of developing gallstones by 25 percent, according to the WH Foods website. Peanuts' antioxidant and fiber content could provide that protection.

Protecting Against Cancer

• The antioxidants and folic acid in peanuts may provide some protection against cancer. A study in Taiwan found that eating peanuts reduced the chance of colorectal cancer by 27 percent in men and 58 percent in women, according to WH Foods.

Protecting Against Diabetes

• Peanuts have a low glycemic index rating, which means they could help regulate blood sugar. That effect could aid those already diagnosed with diabetes and reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by 27 percent, according to the website LifeMojo.

Protecting Against Heart Disease

• The high monounsaturated fats in peanuts are good for your heart and could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Peanuts also contain resveratrol, the component in red wine and grapes that reduces the risk of heart disease, and fresh peanuts have the highest levels of resveratrol. Magnesium also is beneficial in preventing heart disease, according to the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements, and 50 mg of peanuts a day will provide 15 percent of your recommended daily total of magnesium.