The Classification Conundrum: Peanuts as Nuts, Pulses, or Neither in the Mind Diet

The classification of peanuts as either nuts, pulses, or neither can be quite confusing. In particular, the MIND diet categorizes peanuts as pulses rather than true nuts. This diet, designed to promote brain health, emphasizes the consumption of certain foods, including beans and legumes, which encompass peanuts. Despite the common culinary term, botanically peanuts are classified as legumes or pulses because they grow underground and belong to the same family as beans and lentils.

Nuts, Seeds, or Legumes: What’s the Difference?

When looking at this list: almonds, cashews, flax seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, it may be challenging to distinguish which ones are considered nuts and which are seeds. The terms 'nuts' and 'seeds' are often misused in culinary contexts, leading to confusion. Let's explore the distinct differences between them.

Defining Each Term

Among Nuts: Nuts are the hard-shelled fruits of plants that serve as an important source of nutrients for humans. Examples include hazelnuts, chestnuts, acorns, and hickories. They are characterized by a stony fruit wall, which is a composite of the seed and the fruit.

Among Seeds: Seeds are small, plant-enclosed structures that typically contain stored food. Edible seeds are crucial for the human diet due to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients beneficial to the body.

In terms of nutrient content, nuts are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats, while seeds are rich in protein, vitamins B, minerals, fats, and dietary fibers. It is a common misconception that peanuts and ground nuts belong to the nut family; however, they are actually categorized as legumes.

Common Edible Seeds

Some seeds, such as sesame and poppy seeds, do not require the husk to be removed for consumption. Other seeds, like sunflower seeds, need their husk removed. Whether for culinary or nutritional requirements, you can find nuts available in a variety of forms, including shelled, raw, roasted, and dry roasted. Similarly, seeds are available in both raw and roasted varieties, so you have plenty of choices!

For more information on the differences between nuts and seeds, you can refer to our article: Difference Between Nuts and Seeds.