Why I avoid Peanuts part 1: I am not allergic to peanuts, and although Dr. Sears allows them, and I love a good natural peanut butter myself, other than being so tempting to eat too much, I now avoid mostly, because (Part 1):
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We already tend to steer clear of peanuts for some obvious (to our readers) reasons: the fact that they’re legumes, rather than actual nuts; the potentially dangerous, “anti-nutrient” lectins found in them; and their prominent spot in the upper echelons of the “Most Common Food Allergens” list. But there’s another reason to steer clear of peanuts, something we’ve touched on briefly in the past but never expounded upon. Peanuts, along with a couple other crops we tend to avoid, like corn and cereals, are especially susceptible to a mold that produces a mycotoxin called aflatoxin.
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Aflatoxin is a carcinogen that has been shown to cause liver cancer in rats (and, presumably, in humans). The amounts given to the rats in the study were highly concentrated, of course, with the express intent to study the effects of acute aflatoxicosis. You won’t be getting a couple grams of aflatoxin with every bag of peanuts or anything, so acute aflatoxicosis isn’t a big issue for people – at least in the US.
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That’s not to suggest that correlations between aflatoxin ingestion and cancer rates in humans haven’t been found. In China, for example, a study of five groups of people from different villages found definite positive correlations between the amount of aflatoxin ingested and liver cancer mortality rates. Those villagers who ingested less aflatoxin were less likely to develop liver cancer; those who ingested more were more likely. Unsurprisingly, the three major sources of aflatoxins in this study were peanuts, peanut oil, and corn. Similar reports of aflatoxicosis have been made in India and Kenya.
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India, China, Kenya – all developing countries with huge populations to feed. As the recent Chinese pet food contamination debacle attests, health and food standards in developing nations are often lacking. Aflatoxins develop because of these substandard conditions, whether it’s drought afflicted crops weakened and vulnerable to the mold that produces aflatoxin, or insufficient storage facilities letting in the moisture and humidity that creates the mold. Hot, humid climes and improper storage – the real culprits.
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The FDA is aware of aflatoxin, and all susceptible foods are tested to ensure they pass muster. Of course, “muster” to the FDA could mean “not so much that acute aflatoxicosis becomes imminent.” What about chronic (a descriptor our nation’s health “experts” seem loathe to address) ingestion of aflatoxins? You know… long term effects? Eating toxic aflatoxin, even in relatively small amounts, over a long period of time (say, slathered on to your morning toast every morning) just doesn’t seem like the best idea.
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Well, a link between aflatoxin exposure and stunted growth in West African children has been shown (bolstered by similar laboratory findings in animals), but no specific mechanism has been proposed to explain the relationship. Still, though, the very fact that much of the evidence seems to be pointing towards aflatoxin as a dangerous, development-stunting carcinogen, with a greater propensity to reside in peanuts and cereal grains, only bolsters my resolve to stay off impostor nuts and cereal grains (in or out of the closet alike). If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that increased liver cancer and stubby limbs are unequivocally devolutions.
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I don’t know about you, but the evidence against eating corn and peanuts and cereal grains just seems to be stacking up incredibly high. So high, in fact, that were it not for the remarkably solid foundation of facts, scientific evidence, and personal experience, I would worry it might topple over.

Why I avoid Peanuts - part 2: I am not allergic to peanuts, and although Dr. Sears allows them, and I love a good natural peanut butter myself, other than being so tempting to eat too much, I now avoid mostly, because (Part 2):
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Nuts themselves are actually a kind of fruit, specifically “dried fruit.” But not everything we consider nuts are really nuts. Some are actually seeds, often within fruits or even legumes. A hazelnut is, indeed, a nut. An acorn is also a variety of “true” nut, as are pecans, walnuts and chestnuts. But an almond, for example, is a seed inside a fleshy fruit’s (a.k.a. drupe’s) pit. A pistachio is a seed within a fleshy fruit. Pine nuts are seeds. Cashews are seeds. Peanuts are the seeds of a legume. Technically speaking, all nuts are fruits, and a “true” nut is indehiscent (they don’t – by themselves – open to spread seeds), hard-shelled and generally one-seeded.
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But let’s look at all this from a practical perspective: what’s good to eat? “Nuts” in the broad culinary classification contain protein. Big plus. They tend to be high in certain B-vitamins, vitamin E, and many minerals. Another plus. Low carb. Yet another plus. But not all “nuts” are created equal. Some, like peanuts, have high levels of omega-6. As we’ve said a lot lately, we moderns seem to get way more than enough of omega-6 in our diets. Walnuts, for example, offer a nice dose of omega-3. Almonds are a great source of phytochemicals, contain calcium, and are even lower in carbs than most.
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And then there’s the issue of aflatoxins, dangerous metabolites produced by certain mold varieties. Aflatoxins are common in what we usually refer to as “tree” and “ground” nuts, including almonds, walnuts and pecans as well as peanuts and cashews. The toxin has been shown to have carcinogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive properties. While certain farming practices can reduce the problem, the aflatoxin related molds are considered at least somewhat inevitable. Peanuts are often said to have the highest concentration of aflatoxins, and they are among the most heavily (pesticide) sprayed food grown.
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In terms of roasted versus raw, I’d recommend raw to avoid the oxidation that happens during heating. However, there are increasing challenges to the sale of truly raw (untreated) nuts. The Cornucopia Institute offers a great deal of information on the recent raw almond controversy, but all California grown almonds now have either chemical or high heat treatments. The change came after raw almonds were believed to be connected with two salmonella cases, although farming practices vary considerably and may have contributed to the problem. Regarding nut butter versus nuts themselves, it’s your choice. However, be sure to select nut butter (I recommend almond butter) without added ingredients, especially added sugars. And, again, I’d favor raw and organic over conventional and roasted.

Why I avoid Peanuts - part 3: I am not allergic to peanuts, and although Dr. Sears allows them, and I love (used to eat) a good natural peanut butter myself, other than being so tempting to eat too much, I now avoid mostly, because (Part 3):
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(from MDA):
We’re anti-peanut and not afraid to say it!
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Our fellow blogger Dr. Joe Mercola blogs about the latest shenanigans of the food industry. Not even peanuts are safe. Peanuts!
(But we still like almonds.)
(Psst…peanuts are full of molds and toxins.)
Not exactly your best bet for lunch.
The government actually allows what’s considered a permissible amount of contamination.
Thanks, Uncle Sam. We feel the love.)
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You have to wonder when peanut butter companies save you the trouble of using a knife and talk about that like it’s a good thing.