Introduction

Here is number 1 of the 14 legal food allergens in Europe: peanuts.
Who doesn't know it? The peanut, also called groundnut, monkey nut, earthnut or oil nut. The Dutch grew up with a peanut butter sandwich and we also like to eat a bowl of peanuts with drinks or tasty satay sauce often.

On the other hand, peanut is notorious as one of the products that most people are allergic to in the world. The allergic reactions to peanut can also be very severe and can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

But what is a peanut anyway? Here are the most important points in a row.

What is a peanut?

A peanut is often mistaken for a nut, but in fact the peanut is a legume from a botanical point of view. The reason that peanuts are still considered nuts is because they are very similar in taste and composition.

Where does the peanut grow?

The peanut plant originates from South America and peanuts in the Netherlands mainly come from China, Argentina and the US.

The peanut grows underground, hence the name groundnut.

Nutritional value of peanuts

Peanuts are little powerhouses when it comes to nutrients. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. Some key nutrients in peanuts include:

• Protein : Peanuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
• Unsaturated Fats : The healthy fats in peanuts contribute to a balanced diet and support a healthy heart.
• Fiber : Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals : Peanuts contain vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, all of which play important roles in the body.

This makes peanuts fit into a healthy diet. The advice for adults is to eat at least 15 grams of unsalted nuts (including peanuts) per day . In the Netherlands we eat an average of 3 grams, so it really can be better!

Health Benefits of Peanuts

Adding peanuts to your diet may provide several health benefits:

1. Heart Health: The unsaturated fats in peanuts can help lower cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for your heart.
2. Weight Management: The combination of protein and fiber in peanuts may help promote feelings of fullness, which in turn may aid in weight management.
3. Diabetes Control: The low glycemic index of peanuts can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
4. Antioxidants: Peanuts contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which protect the body from harmful free radicals.
5. Nutritious Snack: A handful of peanuts can be a great snack option, packed with energy and nutrients.

Number 1 food allergen

However, peanut is also number 1 on the food allergen list in Europe and is responsible for 20-25% percent of all food allergies. In addition, the number of people with a peanut allergy has doubled in the past 10 years.

Peanut allergy in children

2% of children in Western countries are allergic to peanuts and unfortunately only 20% grow out of a peanut allergy. That is why it is so important to give this allergen on time to reduce the chance of an allergy!

Cross reactions with peanut

Cross-reactions in people with peanut allergies and the following products can be encountered:

- 5% risk of allergy to other legumes (peas, lentils, beans, soy, lupine)
- 7% risk of allergy to nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews)

What does a label say if it contains peanuts?

You may encounter the following names for peanuts on a label:

• peanut
• Monkey nut
• Groundnut or peanut
• Protein hydrolysate
• Groundnut
• Natural aroma
• Oil
• Oil nut
• Peanut

Heating in peanuts

A roasted peanut is often more allergenic than a cooked one, but the allergen remains stable when heated.

Besides regular peanuts, the oil from the peanut, arachis oil, is also eaten. Freshly pressed oils such as wok oil contain peanut allergens. Highly heated oils (refined oils), usually used for ointments and in medicines are safe.
So the Vitamin D drops for your baby & child that some brands contain peanut oil are safe.

What contains peanuts?

Peanuts are found in many products, so you should always read the label carefully. See below for a list of what peanuts can be processed in:

• Aromas and herbal preparations
• Baking and roasting products
• cocktail nuts
• Broth
• Chili con carne
• Chocolate/candies
• Curries
• Desserts
• Dressings
• Gado gado
• Ice
• Ready-made meals
• catjang
• Cake
• Herbal mixes
• M&M's/chocolate peanuts
• Margarine
• Marinade
• Mixtures of seeds and kernels
• Nougat
• Breakfast cereals/muesli
• Oriental dishes (Chinese and Thai cuisine)
• Vegetable fat/ oil
• Salad
• Sambal
• Satay
• Sauces
• Seroendeng
• Snacks
• Sweets
• Soups
• Cake
• Vegetarian meat substitutes
• Meat(products)/sausage
• salty snacks

Preventing peanut allergy

By giving your baby peanuts early and often, you can reduce the chance of a peanut allergy by 8%. Use our my first peanut products to give peanuts to your baby in a healthy, safe & easy way.

Conclusion

Peanuts are not only delicious, but also nutritious and versatile. They offer a range of health benefits, from supporting heart health to weight management.

So you want your Mini to be able to eat this without any worries for the rest of his life! So what are you waiting for? Start adding peanuts to your baby's food today! Read here how to do this best with our my first peanut products

Sources:
Nutrition Center
Food Allergy Foundation
Allergen Consultancy
Metis Food Consultancy
Royal Dutch Society for the promotion of Pharmacy