Rum Soaked Peanuts Lowering Blood Sugar: Health Fad or Diabetes Remedy?

(Photo: Fidias Cervantes/Unsplash)

Rum soaked peanuts sound like a great snack but for many people struggling with high blood sugar or diabetes, the combo sounds more like a medical marvel. Recently, the pairing has emerged as a topic of interest among individuals seeking natural remedies for managing sugar levels. Can this boozy treat really lower blood sugar levels or is it a passing health fad passed along by health influencers?

Do Rum Soaked Peanuts Lower Blood Sugar?

The origin of this salty spiked snack isn’t known but nuts and booze have long been classic pairing seen at bars all over the world. The combination is surely delicious but what benefits do peanuts and rum provide to health enthusiasts looking to lower their blood sugar? 

There have not been many studies on the specifics of eating rum soaked peanuts to help with blood sugar. Studies have been conducted for both peanut’s effect on blood sugar and alcohol’s effect but never the combination. So far, only anecdotal evidence exists for the pairing. However, that isn’t to say that this is just a health hoax but further examination of rum soaked peanuts helping manage blood sugar levels should take place before it is deemed a miracle mix. 

The Alleged Benefits

Peanuts are packed with healthy fats and are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. All of these nutritional components can help the body regulate insulin responses, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.  

In 2020, a study conducted by Penn State found that those with elevated fasting blood sugar who ate a single serving of peanuts (about 1 oz.) as an evening snack had improved blood sugar levels in the morning. Another study from the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that eating peanuts or peanut butter may reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. 

Peanuts play a big part in this healthy snack trend but rum’s role is less understood. Rum, a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from sugarcane or molasses, is the key ingredient in the process of soaking peanuts. Despite being made from sugar, rum is like any other distilled spirit in that the sugars are converted into alcohol. According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol can help lower blood sugar and improve glucose management. While your liver is processing alcohol, it stops releasing glucose. As a result, your blood sugar level drops rapidly. 

So apart from adding a delicious complexity to the peanuts, rum can also lower blood sugar. Although, it should be noted that consuming too much alcohol can lead to an extreme drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. So moderation is key when looking to munch on a dish that is laden with alcohol. 

There is currently no direct evidence that shows that rum soaked peanuts offer specific benefits for managing diabetes or blood sugar levels. Consult a healthcare professional before adding alcohol-infused snacks to your diet, especially if you have diabetes.

The jury may be out on whether rum soaked peanuts are a curative pairing but it can still be a tasty snack option for those looking to have a good time. Use the recipe below if you are interested in trying this trending treat. 

Rum Soaked Peanuts Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 cup raw peanuts, shelled and skinless
• ½  cup dark rum
• 1 tablespoon sugar substitute
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger 
• ¼  teaspoon salt

Instructions for Rum Soaked Peanuts

In a container, pour the dark rum over the raw peanuts, making sure all peanuts are covered. Cover with a cloth and leave it at room temperature to soak for 24 hours. After 24 hours, drain the peanuts (reserve rum for a fat-washed tipple). Pat the peanuts dry with a towel.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar substitute, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Toss the soaked peanuts in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Spread the peanuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the peanuts in an oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly browned and fragrant, tossing occasionally to ensure even roasting.

Remove the peanuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely. They will become crunchier as they cool. Once cooled, store your rum soaked peanuts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

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