Small lifestyle changes with big results
With every new year, it’s natural to want to make some big changes. Maybe it’s working out more, maybe it’s eating more sensibly, or maybe it’s just maintaining a more positive outlook (which has definitely been more difficult the last couple of years). But the good news? Not every big change takes big steps. In fact, with just one daily serving of peanuts (about 1 handful), you’ll be supporting all of those changes through the new year and beyond!
Looking for healthy tips, research and recipes for every day? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest to stay up-to-date on the latest!
Eating for Health
Every serving of peanuts packs 7g of hunger-satisfying protein, which is more than you’ll find in any other nut. That’s along with heart healthy fats and oils, 0 cholesterol, and 19 vitamins and minerals—including many that are hard to get in our diets otherwise.
With all of that nutrition condensed into one tiny shell, it’s no wonder why so many cultures around the world incorporate peanuts into their daily diets (and on that note, you can check out some of our favorite recipes from China, India and Nigeria in our blog here). But some diets have been identified as especially beneficial.
The Mediterranean Diet, for example, consists of an emphasis on fresh vegetables, healthy fats and lean protein—including peanuts. Studies on the effect of this diet show it can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease1 and support our brains as we age2, among other benefits.
By combining the most beneficial foods for the brain from the Mediterranean Diet and DASH diets, researchers created the MIND Diet.
Using this diet, researchers reported a 53% lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease3, as well as a decreased risk of Parkinson’s Disease and a slower rate of its progression4.
Getting Active
There are three important ways peanuts and peanut butter can help support an active lifestyle: energy, recovery and maintenance.
- Energy: Peanuts contain healthy fats, making them an energy-dense food.5 Our bodies use these healthy fats as a “fuel” to hit the trails, the gym, or your to-do list.
- Recovery: Post-workout, you’ll need protein to help your body recover. That’s because protein is essential for acquiring the types of amino acids that help your muscles repair, grow and stay healthy.6
- Maintenance: If weight loss is part of your resolution, a meta-analysis study found that nut intake may be associated with a decreased risk of obesity and lower body weight measures.7
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Supporting your overall health means finding foods that keep you feeling your best, and peanuts have plenty to love.
- Live a longer life: A healthy, plant-based diet with plenty of nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of dying prematurely from multiple causes, including cardiovascular disease. (one of the leading causes of death worldwide).8
- Disease prevention: For adults aged 50-71, researchers have found overall nut consumption also lowers your risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease, in addition to respiratory, infectious renal and liver diseases.9
But peanuts can do more than support a healthy body, they can also support a healthy mind!
A study of college students ages 18-33 found peanut and peanut butter consumption was associated with improved memory, and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.10
Small Bites for a Big Difference
If you want to start the new year with a new, healthier routine, peanuts have your back with plenty of protein and nutrients to support you every day—whether it’s in body or mind.
If you’re looking for more ways to give your daily diet a boost, be sure to check out a few of our favorite recipes! Including free downloadable Celiac and diabetes-friendly cookbooks.
Want to dive into the latest research? Check out our interactive Research Library.