Now more than ever, health and wellness are on everyone’s mind. To support your immune system, it’s important to follow a healthy diet that includes vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. One easy way to get plant-based protein is from peanuts and peanut butter.Peanuts are known as a superfood because they deliver significant nutritional value in a small amount.
One serving of peanuts is an ounce or approximately 35 peanuts and a serving of peanut butter is two tablespoons. Just one serving of peanuts delivers seven grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and heart-healthy fats.”Studies conducted in the United States and around the world reveal that eating peanuts regularly helps prevent disease, improves life expectancy and delivers positive effects throughout the body,” says Dr. Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and research director with The Peanut Institute.
“When you have foods such as peanuts and peanut butter that deliver plant protein, fiber and healthy fats, you’re making a smart choice that will keep you feeling full and help power you through the day,” Dr. Sterling adds.Peanuts not only contribute vitamins and minerals, but they provide energy and help support muscle repair, she emphasizes.
Peanuts can also be good for your mind as well as your body.”When you break down the nutritional structure of peanuts, they have a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds, including arginine, resveratrol, niacin, vitamin E and coumaric acids, that can contribute to cognition and mental health,” explains Dr. Sterling.A study published in 2021 in the journal Clinical Nutrition suggests that peanut and peanut butter consumption may improve cognitive function and reduce stress, based on data from healthy young adults.Adding peanuts and peanut butter to your diet is easy.
