The Peanut Institute and a team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report that peanuts contain heart-healthy resveratrol. Recent studies on this plant compound found in red wine and grapes show that resveratrol may help reduce the risks of heart disease and cancer.

The average amount of resveratrol in one ounce of peanuts (without skin) is 73 mcg/g. In comparison, red wine contains approximately 160 mcg/fluid ounce.

It isn’t known exactly how resveratrol functions as a healthy food but some research shows that resveratrol can inhibit the build-up of platelets in blood vessels. It is also a potent antioxidant which can reduce the oxidation of LDL which in turn will lower cholesterol.