Unshelled peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Peanuts are eaten raw or roasted or salted. They are also ground to make peanut butter. They are a good source of E and B-complex vitamins, and protein. Peanuts can trigger an allergic response (anaphylaxis) in some people. If it is a severe reaction, a person can go into anaphylactic shock and, if untreated, can die.