Are raw peanuts healthy?

Reader's Question: "Is it healthy to eat raw peanuts in their shell?"

Andrew's Answer: This question is a bit vague, and I'm not sure if the reader wanted to know if eating raw peanuts that have not yet been removed from their shells (inferring they were not tampered with) is healthy, or if eating peanuts - shell and all- is healthy.

To be clear, the shell itself should definitely not be consumed.

So, if you have fresh peanuts that you know are raw and not dehydrated, is it healthy to eat them?

Yes.

Here's my rule of thumb: If the peanuts were just picked, I can eat some.

Peanuts are, of course, not a nut but a legume. They have an unusual mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and that makes for some unique digestive challenges.

When you eat raw peanuts, it should be in proper proportion, as part of a low fat raw diet.

I've written more about the subject of raw peanuts on this page.