what are peanuts

Peanuts are a type of legume that originated in South America and are grown mainly for their edible seeds. They are also known as groundnuts, earthnuts, and goobers, and are related to beans, lentils, and soy. Peanuts are widely used in a variety of cuisines, including African, Latin American, North American, and Asian, and can be prepared by dry-roasting, boiling, and grinding into peanut butter. They are also used to make peanut oil, flour, and protein, which are used in a variety of foods such as desserts, cakes, confectionery, snacks, and sauces. Peanuts are rich in essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, several dietary minerals, and dietary fiber. They are also a good source of protein, fat, and various healthy nutrients, and studies show that peanuts may even be useful for weight loss and are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are classified as legumes, and they grow underground in large clumps of pods.