Tag: Peanuts vs tree nuts

Peanuts, despite their name, are botanically legumes that grow underground, a key difference from true tree nuts like almonds and walnuts. This fundamental distinction contributes to differences in their nutritional makeup, potential allergens, and risk factors that can influence their perceived value compared to other nuts.

While almonds and walnuts often steal the spotlight, studies show peanuts are packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, and are far from being the least healthy nut. Though technically a legume, peanuts offer significant nutritional value and heart-healthy benefits that rival their tree-nut counterparts.

Despite being botanically classified as legumes, not tree nuts, peanuts are often nutritionally compared to their shell-bound counterparts. This raises a crucial question for anyone focusing on a healthy nutrition diet: **are peanuts the healthiest nuts**, or should we be incorporating a wider variety into our diet?