16/10/08 Leading nutrition researchers at the 2nd International Nuts and Health symposium have recommended increased peanut and nut snacks consumption as a more effective step to improve dietary health and reduce risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Proceedings published in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that replacing snacks high in refined carbohydrates with nuts could have a high impact on nutrient density and risk of chronic disease. This encouraging news will benefit manufacturers already using peanuts in their applications, and will doubtless appeal to those wishing to tap into the booming healthy snacking trend.

Held at the University of California’s Western Human Nutrition Research Centre at Davis, the 2½ day meeting also concluded that eating a portion of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter as part of a balanced diet can markedly benefit health without leading to weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that inclusion of nuts and peanuts in moderate weight loss diets improves compliance and leads to greater weight loss compared to traditional low fat diets. The scientists also highlighted that nuts are an excellent source of protective phytochemicals, their total antioxidant capacity being comparable to broccoli and tomatoes and that roasting peanuts further raises their antioxidant levels by as much as 22%.

Dr Andrew Craig, Health Education Advisor for the American Peanut Council, commented: “The results of this symposium prove what we have always communicated – nuts are a delicious and healthy snacking option. Given the clear health benefits to be gained from regularly including even just a handful (30g, 1oz) of peanuts, or a good spoonful (15g, ½oz) of peanut butter into our diet, it is no wonder that these scientists have encouraged their more widespread consumption. Manufacturers can harness the taste and appeal of peanuts to create new and innovative snacks that offer consumers real health benefits – all from a natural, premium quality ingredients.

“However, products will only secure repeat purchase if they can offer great taste as well as advantages to health. American Peanuts in particular offer consistent high quality and a distinctly fresh, “peanutty” taste. Popular with a wide consumer base, American peanuts can be used in a wide variety of applications, and offer unparalleled quality and value.”