Recently, there has been a spike in street vendors, commonly known as hawkers, selling peanuts, or as you would call them, njugu karanga, in the streets of Nairobi.
In Ngara, especially, and as you walk towards the globe centre, you will find scores of hawkers scattered across the pavements, roasting, packaging and selling njugu.
The peanuts go for as low as 10 shillings, 20 shillings and so on, seemingly taking advantage of matatu users who alight from Ngara with a loose change of coins of 10s and 20s.
If you thought this article was to caution you against indulging in that fun snack as you trek to town or home, then you’re wrong. In fact, you are encouraged to eat njugu on a regular basis due to their myriad of benefits.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of peanuts:
Ramp up Your Sex Drive
Yes, it’s true. Njugu have been found to contain arginine; a chemical used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
This is because the chemical helps to relax muscles around blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow.
Lifestyle Disease control
Some lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart-related diseases, high blood pressure, gall stones, and colorectal cancer can be alleviated by regularly munching on peanuts, preferably five times a week, studies have shown.
Antiaging Properties
Have you heard of the molecule resveratrol? No? The molecule is found in peanuts and it has been proven to be an anti-aging molecule. The same chemical is found in red wine and grapes and does wonders to the skin if taken regularly.
The resveratrol in peanuts is found in the seed itself and the skin. So, the next time you buy a packet of peanuts, don’t go for the peeled ones, buy the ones with skin to get more of the molecule resveratrol.
Risks and Considerations
While peanuts are a great, healthy snack, some people have been found to be severely allergic to proteins contained in them; arachin and conarachin.
Additionally, because peanuts are high in calories, it is sensible to eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consuming too many calories may lead to weight.
Roasted, salted peanuts may be less healthful than raw peanuts due to their high sodium content. That said, if people consume them in moderation, they can enjoy them as a part of a healthful, balanced diet.