Peanuts is a fruit commonly used as a vegetable in Vietnamese markets. Peanuts have a green pod with a hairy exterior. When cut, they release a slimy substance similar to vegetables like okra and spinach. Peanuts are rich in calcium and are a delicious food that many people enjoy. Some people believe that the slimy substance in peanuts helps lubricate the joints and keep them strong.
The truth is that eating peanuts is good for your health because they are rich in natural calcium, fiber, and minerals. However, the slimy substance in peanuts is actually a type of soluble fiber, which is also found in vegetables like okra and spinach. This fiber does not help create lubrication in the knee joints but only improves digestion.

The joint-supporting benefits of peanuts mainly come from their high natural calcium content. However, people with joint problems should not overestimate the role of the slimy substance in peanuts in the treatment of joint diseases to avoid excessive expectations. To treat joint problems, patients need to use some omega-3 products, vitamin D, glucosamine, etc. To improve joint protection, we should maintain a diverse diet and provide sufficient nutrients. Supplementing functional foods for joints or vitamin-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables (containing a lot of vitamin C, D), eating fish and seed oils (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, olive oil) that contain a lot of omega-3 and minerals like calcium (found in milk, cheese, dark green vegetables…) will help the body stay healthy and contribute to the self-repair of joint damage.
Peanuts are still a nutritious food that should be consumed regularly. Peanuts contain pectin, slimy substances, protein, fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and various beneficial vitamins for all ages and health conditions. The high amount of plant fiber in peanuts is beneficial for people with high blood lipids, constipation, colitis, and overweight people.
Peanuts especially help fight constipation: The fiber and slimy substances in peanuts help lubricate the intestines, protect the digestive tract, and enhance probiotics.
Peanuts help strengthen bones due to their high natural calcium content.
Peanuts help control diabetes and reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Tips for choosing good peanuts:
Choose peanuts that are just right, not too old or too young. Look for a thin layer of fur on the peanuts, without dark spots, and with fresh green shells. When squeezed, the peanuts should be soft and not dry. The peanuts should not be crushed or wrinkled; they should be firm and shiny.
The best way to prepare peanuts for good health is to cook, steam, make soup, and limit deep-frying in a lot of oil.
Some medicinal dishes made from peanuts:
– Treat diabetes: Steam or boil young peanuts and dip them in fish sauce regularly.
– Treat low back pain and fatigue: Harvest the whole plant, dry it, and make a tea to drink.
– Treat cloudy urine: Drink water extracted from fresh peanut plants (100-150g) regularly.
– Treat constipation: Cook a soup with sliced peanuts and okra, and eat it regularly.
– Treat excessive sweating: Drink water extracted from roasted and golden peanuts.
– Treat gout: Boil 200-300g of peanuts and eat them regularly.
– Soak peanuts to extract the slimy substance for digestion support: Preparing about 4 peanuts by washing them thoroughly and cutting off the heads and tails. Cut them in half or slice them small and put them in a clean cup with about 250ml of boiled water to cool. Soak them for 6-8 hours to extract the slimy substance from the peanuts, filter the water, and drink it daily.