A new scientific study conducted by Spanish researchers has found that eating peanuts may slow the body’s aging process by protecting the length of telomeres — the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten with age.
Published by the New York Post, the study highlights the role of nutrition in combating cellular aging. The researchers observed that roasted peanuts, in particular, had a measurable effect on telomere length, while peanut butter and butter blended with peanut butter did not yield the same benefits.
The clinical trial involved 58 participants divided into three groups:
- One group consumed 25 grams of roasted peanuts daily.
- Another group ate 32 grams of peanut butter.
- A third group consumed 32 grams of butter mixed with peanut butter.
After three months, the group that consumed roasted peanuts showed a significant increase in telomere length, suggesting a direct link between peanut consumption and the slowing of cellular aging.
According to the researchers, peanuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, niacin, and resveratrol, which are known to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Both factors are crucial in protecting telomeres and maintaining healthy cellular function.
The study concluded that peanuts’ ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species and lower inflammation makes them a potentially powerful food for promoting longevity — provided individuals are not allergic.
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