Peanut and black history

February is celebrated as Black History Month in the United States and, although not an officially recognised celebration at this time in Jamaica, focus is sometimes placed on significant black personalities. One such person is George Washington Carver, a botanist and inventor among other attributes. He is remembered for the work he did with peanuts, soybeans, pecans and sweet potatoes. He identified over 300 uses for peanuts and hundreds more for soy beans.

The legume peanut is nutritious both to the soil and to the human body. It is a good source of protein, as one ounce dry and roasted peanuts contains 7.48 grams protein, similar in amounts to an ounce of meat, but insufficient in the levels of three essential amino acids - lysine, threonine and methionine.

Amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks for protein, and because the body cannot make essential amino acids they must be supplied in the diet. There are some amino acids referred to as non-essential, because they can be made by the body. The body requires approximately 20 different amino acids to make protein, and if there is a deficiency, protein synthesis is affected.

It is recommended that legumes such as peanuts are prepared with even a small portion of animal protein to compensate for the amino acids which are insufficient or that the meal be combined with cereals. It is also advised to have variety, even in legumes, as they vary in amino acids.

Add to rice dishes

Peanuts can be used in a variety of ways. They make a delicious porridge and if sweetened with animal milk or combined with an animal protein will be a complete meal. Peanuts can also be added to rice dishes and stews. It makes delicious peanut butter which can be used as a spread or as an ingredient in drink blends. About one ounce of peanut has 14 grams of fat and contains small amounts of saturated fats, which can increase heart-disease risk.

Its profile for the healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is much better. Because of its high caloric content and protein source, it is used to make an enriched paste called plumpy which is used in famine relief by the World Health Organisation and United Nations Children's Fund.

As with all legumes, peanut is an economical protein source, which can be made complete combining it correctly with cereals and economical cuts of meats, fish or powdered milk. Peanut can go a far way in helping you to keep your food budget under control thanks to Carver.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.