Minutus

RE:Peanuts / aflatoxin online case JA/May01

Hi Sheila and Dave, re: the recent case I have been reading a bit about
peanuts - prone to contamination of moulds that produce carcinogens (is
this the aflatoxin Dave?) and especially liver cancer - roasting probably
kills off the mould.

Regards, Joy

Dear Joy, Sheila, Dave and everyone,
Some trivia on peanuts.
Peanuts are not like usual nuts as in they don't grow on trees but are
harvested from the roots. So depending on the processing, they could well
be contaminated with soil born microbes. They are a legume, a nitrogen
fixing plant for the soil (great green manure crop).
There are many cultures that use peanuts a lot e.g. India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, (satay sauce). Is there any evidence that these cancers are
prevalent in these societies?
In all these cultures, the peanuts are roasted before eating so you may be
right Joy. Cold pressed peanut oil wouldn't be but most peanut oil
available commercially is solvent extracted so will have been boiled
extensively anyway.
Sorry but I have no info on why people would be allergic to them.
Jayne
Hom student.
Abu Dhabi, UAE

dear joy, dave, sara, hippyjay, and the person who started this discussion
about peanuts, thanks so much for all your information. i am continually
amazed and delighted at the knowledge minutus members have in so many areas.
and the generosity of your sharing. thanks again, sheila

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