The paper – ‘A global review of peanut health studies’ – discusses the latest research findings that highlight an established and expanding evidence base for the health benefits or regular peanut and peanut butter consumption as part of a healthy diet.
The comprehensive summary provides manufacturers with invaluable information that will enable them to communicate the wide-ranging health messages that peanuts offer. This will encourage consumers to turn to peanuts and peanut products as part of a beneficial pattern of eating.
The key studies referred to in the review were published by leading journals, such as the Journal of Nutrition and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and include the largest meta-analysis of foods in relation to coronary heart disease, which identifies a causal link between a small number of dietary factors – nut consumption among them – and protection from CHD.
The ‘Mediterranean pyramid’ is frequently referenced, underlining the very low glycemic index of peanuts and their potential to lower the overall glycemic load of meals and snacks.
The APC’s paper provides links and references to an extensive catalogue of studies that show that nuts have value in promoting glycemic control and that their high protein, fibre and unsaturated fat content potentially contributes to weight maintenance as well as reducing the risks of hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes risk if consumed as part of a healthy diet.
The review notes: ‘An eating pattern that includes nuts, such as the Mediterranean diet, capable of being adapted to a range of settings, has been consistently related to beneficial health outcomes, thus providing more evidence of the positive impact of nut consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle. The task now is to interpret the evidence in consumer messages and make products and consumption suggestions accessible for consumers.’
Louise McKerchar, European marketing director for the American Peanut Council, said: “This summary offers a concise and informative tool that manufacturers can use to bring a healthful dimension to their peanut products and further enhance consumer appeal. However, products will only secure repeat purchase if they can offer great taste as well as advantages to health. American Peanuts have demonstrated that they offer a distinctly fresh, ‘peanutty’ taste and consistent high quality. They can be used in a wide variety of applications, including bars, biscuits, protein beverages, pastes and butters.”
Source: American Peanut Council
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