Pea-nut or groundnut (China-badam)

It is not a tree nut but the pod or legume of Arachis hypogaea which has the peculiar habit of ripening underground. It is a concentrated food. Peanuts have more protein, minerals and vitamins than beaf liver; more fat than heavy cream; and more calories than sugar.

The plant is an annual ranging from an erect or bunch form 450 to 600 millimetres (18 to 24 inches) high with short branches spreading to a runner that lies close to the soil. The stems and branches are sturdy and hairy; leaves are pinnately composed with two pairs of leaflets. The flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves. The peanut is grown mainly for its edible oil (badam tel) except in the U.S. where it is produced for grinding into peanut butter, for roasted salted nuts and for use in candy and bakery products. A small percentage of the U.S. crop is crushed for oil. The tops of the plants after the pods are removed are fed as hay.

Peanut is very effective in curing impotency. It gives sexual vigour and sexual strength.

Benefit and uses of Pea-nut or groundnut.

• Peanuts are a rich source of proteins (roughly 30 grams per cup after roasting) and Monounsaturated fat. Recent research on peanuts and nuts in general have shown their health benefits.
• Peanut oil and olive oil — were superior to low — fat diets for heart health. The presence of peanuts, peanut oil and peanut butter in the diet reduced the risk of heart disease by 21 per cent.