Peanuts

Information brought to you by
The Peanut Institute

The Original Health Food

Peanuts roots are long and established. Peanuts and peanut butter are staples in today’s lunchbox but also have a historical background. In ancient Peru gold peanut shaped jewelry and fossils of peanut shells were found in the tombs of rulers. It was discovered that the ancient Aztecs honored peanuts as a life giving food.

In the 1800s peanut butter was born. A St. Louis physician encouraged a food products company to “process and package ground peanut paste as a nutritious protein substitute,” in part for people with poor teeth. During this time, peanut butter became a tasty and easy way to nourish patients because of its rich protein content.

peanut varieties Today peanuts and peanut butter are among the most popular foods in America. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, whole peanuts cracked at the baseball game, and peanut butter spread on an apple are classic combinations. Data shows that peanuts are the most commonly eaten nut in America, accounting for over half of all nuts eaten. When peanut butter is included, they comprise two-thirds of nuts consumed in the U.S.

A Handful a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Peanuts are truly Mother Nature’s Powerhouse. Peanuts are known for their protein content, great taste and as the perfect compliment to a glass of milk. Now nutrition research has proven peanuts can play a vital roll in preventing chronic disease and enhancing wellness. Research has proven that daily consumption of just one serving of peanuts or peanut butter can help reduce heart disease by 50% and cut risk of type 2 diabetes by 27%. Peanuts contain healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fat that helps lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and keep “good” HDL cholesterol high.

Energy Sustained, Weight Loss Maintained

Major weight loss studies have proven that including peanuts in your diet leads to successful weight loss and helps to keep it off. In these studies peanuts provide a source of protein and fiber that left people feeling satisfied five times longer than eating a high carbohydrate snack. Peanuts and peanut butter have also proven to help stabilize blood sugar throughout the day. This fact makes peanuts and peanut butter the perfect food any time day or night.

A Natural Superfood

Peanuts top the list of super foods because they are rich in protective nutrients, specifically resveratrol, like in red wine, that has been shown to reduce inflammation, cancer risk and aging. Peanuts contain more arginine than any other food. Arginine, an amino acid, acts as an antioxidant and helps dilate blood vessels and control blood pressure. USDA data shows that peanuts are rich in hard to get nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, folate and niacin. By daily consuming 1 ounce, peanuts help to easily achieve the recommended daily allowance of most nutrients of concern. Peanut flour and peanut oil are also being praised for their functionality, nutrient composition and taste.

Additionally, peanuts are a cost effective snack and protein source at meals, costing less per serving than any other nut or snack food. Enjoyed by both young and old, at breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack, peanuts are a unique superfood that when consumed daily provide beneficial nutrients to your diet and should no longer just be considered a tasty, indulgent comfort food.