What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Peanuts

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Peanuts
Peanuts may look simple, but what happens inside your body after you eat them is anything but ordinary. Often mistaken for nuts, peanuts are actually legumes—yet they share many of the same nutritional benefits as tree nuts. From supporting heart health to fueling your brain and muscles, peanuts trigger a wide range of positive responses in the body when eaten in moderation.

So what exactly happens to your body when peanuts become part of your diet?

1. Your Body Gets a Protein Boost
Peanuts are surprisingly rich in plant-based protein. A small handful (about 28 grams) provides roughly 7 grams of protein, making them an excellent option for muscle repair, growth, and overall body maintenance.

Once consumed, your digestive system breaks peanut protein into amino acids. These amino acids are then used to:

Repair muscle tissue
Support immune function
Produce enzymes and hormones
For people following vegetarian or plant-forward diets, peanuts can be a valuable protein source that helps maintain muscle mass and strength.