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With 7 grams of protein per ounce, peanuts give you 12% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of protein in each serving.

Peanuts create energy and control blood sugar so that you exercise more efficiently. The high fiber content in peanuts helps make you feel full quicker, so you snack less and keep hunger at bay longer.

Studies show that 2-3 servings of peanuts daily help to lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol levels) 11-14% without lowering HDL ("good" cholesterol).

Eating 2-3 ounces of peanuts daily may lower your risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease by as much as 21%. Peanuts contain mostly unsaturated fats and non-detectable levels of transfats. A high ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats helps improve your cardiovascular health.

Phytosterol beta-sitosterol (SIT), found naturally in peanuts, has been shown to inhibit cancer growth. SIT may offer protection against colon, prostate, and breast cancer, all of which tend to occur more in Americans than in other populations.

As a low response food on the Glycemic Index, peanuts satiate feelings of hunger, give you bursts of energy and help control blood sugar levels.

Peanuts have almost half of the 13 vitamins essential for normal growth and health and 35% of the essential minerals.

But do you know why the Virginia peanut are so large?