Peanuts, also known as groundnuts, are a type of legume that is widely consumed as a snack or ingredient in many dishes. They are known for their high nutritional value and are a rich source of energy, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the number of calories in peanuts and the various factors that can affect the calorie content.

First, it is important to understand how calories are measured. A calorie is a unit of energy that is used to measure the amount of energy that food provides to the body. The body uses calories to fuel all of its functions, including physical activity, digestion, and metabolism. The number of calories in a food is determined by measuring the amount of heat that is released when the food is burned in a bomb calorimeter.

One ounce of peanuts, which is approximately 28 grams, contains approximately 170 calories. This means that a handful of peanuts, which is about 1/4 cup, contains around 85 calories. Peanuts are also high in fat, with one ounce containing approximately 14 grams of fat. However, most of the fat in peanuts is unsaturated, which is considered to be the “good” type of fat that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Peanuts are also a good source of protein, with one ounce containing approximately 7 grams of protein. They are also high in fiber, with one ounce containing approximately 2 grams of fiber. This makes them a good snack for people looking to increase their protein and fiber intake.

In addition to being high in calories, peanuts are also high in sodium. One ounce of peanuts contains approximately 90 milligrams of sodium. This is about 4% of the recommended daily intake for sodium. People who are trying to reduce their sodium intake should be aware of this and consume peanuts in moderation.

Peanuts are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals. One ounce of peanuts contains approximately:

• 8% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E
• 8% of the recommended daily intake for niacin
• 7% of the recommended daily intake for folate
• 6% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium

When it comes to peanuts, the calorie content can vary depending on the form in which they are consumed. For example, raw peanuts have a calorie content of around 166 calories per 100 grams, while roasted peanuts have a slightly higher calorie content of around 567 calories per 100 grams. This is because the roasting process causes the peanuts to lose some of their moisture and therefore become more calorie-dense.

Another factor that can affect the calorie content of peanuts is the type of oil that is used for roasting. Peanuts that are roasted in oil will have a higher calorie content than those that are roasted without oil. For example, peanuts that are roasted in coconut oil have a calorie content of around 718 calories per 100 grams, while peanuts that are roasted without oil have a calorie content of around 567 calories per 100 grams.

It’s also important to note that the calorie content of peanut butter can vary depending on the brand, ingredients and added sugar. The calorie content of a 2 tablespoons of peanut butter can range between 200-190 calories.

Another important factor that affects the calorie content of peanuts is the serving size. Eating a small serving of peanuts as a snack will provide a lot less calories than eating a large serving as a meal. For example, a serving size of 1 ounce (28 grams) of peanuts contains around 170 calories.

In conclusion, the calorie content of peanuts can vary depending on the form in which they are consumed, the type of oil that is used for roasting, and the serving size. Raw peanuts have a lower calorie content than roasted peanuts, and peanuts that are roasted in oil have a higher calorie content than those that are roasted without oil. When it comes to peanut butter, it’s important to read the label and compare the ingredients, sugar and calories per serving. By understanding the calorie content of peanuts, you can make more informed decisions about how to include them in your diet in a healthy and balanced way.