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Nutritional importance of groundnut

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Nutritional Features Of Groundnut

The groundnut is particularly valued for its protein content (26%). On equal weight basis (Kg for Kg), groundnuts contain more protein than meat and about two and a half times more than eggs. Being an oil seed crop, it contains 40 to 49% oil.       

In addition to protein and oil, groundnuts are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and boron.       

The groundnuts also contains vitamin E and small amounts of vitamin B complex.       

High in calories, 5.6 calories nut -1 (calorific value of 567).        

Food value of Groundnuts Source:

 Content Percentage 
 Protein   25.2
 Oil  48.2
 Starch  11.5
 Soluble sugar  4.5
 Crude Fiber  2.1
 Moisture  6

      Jambunathan 1991

Nutritional characteristics of groundnut kernel

Characteristics  Raw*  Roasted* 
 Calories(g)  564  582
 Protein(g)  26  26
 Fat(g)  47.5  48.7
 Carbohydrate(g)  18.6  20.6
 Calcium(mg)  69  72
 Phosphorus(mg)  401  401
 Iron(mg)  2.1  2.2
 Thiamine (B1)(mg)  1.14  0.32
 Riboflavine(B2)(mg)  0.13  0.13
 Niacin(mg)  17.2  17.2

* Content 100-1 g; Source: Burn and Huffman, 1975

Chemical composition of groundnut shell, haulms and oil cake (in%)

Characteristics  Shell  Haulms  Oil Cake 
 Cellulose  65.7  22.11 to 35.35   
 Carbohydrates  21.2  38.06 to 46.95  22 to 30
 Proteins  7.3  8.30 to 15.0  45 to 60
 Minerals  4.5  1.39 to 2.88  4 to 5.7
 Crude Fiber    22.11 to 35.35  3.8 to 7.5
 Moisture    7.13 to 10.0  8 to 10

 Source: Reddy, P.S., 1988

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