sign in sign up
<<
Home , Peanut butter

Peanuts Natural Health Food for All Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3 Introduction: From the Ground Up Natural Health 3 History and Consumption 3 are a Protective Package of 3 Peanuts Nourish Many: From Malnutrition to Obesity 5 Peanut Research Shows Long-term Health Benefits 5 Peanuts Provide Key for Survival 6 Success Rates Improve with Peanut-based Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food 8 Peanuts: Instrumental to Health in a Variety of Ways 10 Summary and Conclusions 10 References 11

“Children with moderate malnutrition should get the foods that provide all the nutrients they need for full recovery, not just the food choice that represents the cheapest option to provide them energy and . Their efficacy to promote recovery and their accessibility must be the first criteria to consider when making a choice” - World Health Organization

Andre Briend and Zia Weise Prinzo in 2009 paper titled “Dietary management of moderate malnutrition: Time for a Change” Food and Nutrition Bulletin Vol 30 no 2

2 3 Executive Summary which absorb nutrients from the soil. The kernels inside are recognized as nuts in the culinary world because they From the ground up, peanuts are natural foods that come from a shell and have somewhat similar inherently possess numerous nutritional components profiles to tree nuts. Inside each kernel is a peanut . combined into a small package. Peanuts have been All inherently have stored nutrients that, when recognized through the ages for various benefits, many planted, help to nourish new seedlings and bring new of which surround health. Peanuts are full of healthful life. Whether thought of as a legume or , peanuts and macronutrients in addition to micronutrients that are of their ground inherently possess a complex package concern to many populations. Over the past decades, of nutrients known to be critical in infancy as well as in growing interest in the area of functional foods has led promoting long-term health. to the discovery of numerous beneficial compounds in peanuts that have been called by various terms, which include functional compounds, bioactive components, and phytochemicals. Patterns of Peanut History The unique, complex characteristics of peanuts place them in a distinctive category as they have been shown and Consumption in population and human research studies to lower the The domestication of peanuts dates back thousands of risk of chronic disease, help manage weight, and improve years to South America, where peanuts were recognized nutrient adequacy. Evidence has shown that peanuts in decorative art and were furnished at gravesites as food benefit a variety of populations and age groups. The for the afterlife.1 Explorers brought peanuts to Europe improved success rates in malnourished children using and then to Africa and they soon became recognized as peanut-based food aid and the improved nutrient and affordable, nutritious food for slaves being transported. weight status in malnourished obese who consume They eventually traveled worldwide, making their way to peanuts indicate that there is something more to this China and to the United States (US). Over time in the US, natural food than was once realized. peanuts became a crop in high demand to be consumed as a nut, for their oil, or for their use as peanut butter Peanuts provide condensed energy in a small amount, or in various products. In the late 1800s physicians healthy plant , and nutrients critical to development recommended the use of peanut butter as a nutritious that are key factors for those with compromised nutrition. digestible protein source for people with poor teeth.2 The components in peanuts are easily digested, contributing to their acceptability as a commonly For centuries through today, peanuts have been enjoyed consumed food as well as the fact that they are well in many culinary applications from Chinese to African liked with an enjoyable flavor. Peanuts and peanut butter to Western cooking. Used in stews, sauces, porridge, complement many foods, including staple grains used in mixed dishes, boiled, or eaten out of hand; peanuts have humanitarian relief and can be added to diets dependent continually nourished different populations providing on such foods to enhance overall nutritional quality. an enjoyable flavor. Millions of peanuts are grown and consumed around the world. China, India, the US, and This white paper provides an overview as to why peanuts parts of Africa grow the most peanuts.3 In the US, peanuts are a natural health food for all. It highlights the unique and peanut butter comprise over two-thirds of all nut characteristics of peanuts and peanut butter, the research consumption and they are considered an all-American on their health benefits, and shows how they can be useful favorite.4 when added to diets the diets of young and old as well as undernourished and over-nourished populations around the globe. Peanuts are a Protective Package of Nutrients Introduction: Peanuts: Full of Healthy , Protein, Natural Health From the and Fiber Peanuts are a plant food. They are high in fat, but the majority Ground Up of this fat is known to be heart-healthy monounsaturated Peanuts are a natural food. They are classified as a legume fat, like that found in olive oil. “Bad” fat -- saturated, found because they mature underground into pods or shells, in many animal products, is low in peanuts, and trans fat,

2 3 found in many processed foods is not found in peanuts. While peanuts do not contain calcium, over two-thirds of Unlike animal protein, which oftentimes contributes bad the peanut butter eaten is consumed with milk.6 fat to the diet, peanuts provide protein that carries with it additional components that have positive health benefits. Data from the 2001-2004 “What We Eat in America,” The total amount of in peanuts is low with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over half consisting of healthy fiber. (NHANES), which looked at those two years and older also showed that peanut and peanut butter eaters take in more Peanuts Add Hard-to-get and critical nutrients.7 Levels of E, , food , Minerals to the Diet , , and were significantly Peanuts naturally provide nutrients that are hard-to-get higher than in non-peanut eaters contributing to much of for many populations in as little as one serving. Looking the days needed intake for these nutrients. at the diets of more than 15,000 children and adults in the US showed that those who consumed peanuts and Additionally, a human study conducted at Purdue peanut products achieved higher Recommended Daily University showed that eating about three ounces of Allowances (RDAs) for many important hard-to-get peanuts daily significantly increased intake of fiber, nutrients than those who did not eat peanuts.5 They had magnesium, folate, , copper, and the amino higher quality diets and levels of , vitamin E, acid arginine.8 When blood levels of magnesium were folate, magnesium, , , calcium, and . measured, baseline values fell below recommended

Table 1. Nutrients in Peanuts and Some of Their Role in Health Nutrient Function in Body Folate Helps produce and maintain cells; especially important in infancy and pregnancy Niacin Assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves; conversion of food to energy Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of , proteins, and Maintains normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune Magnesium system, keeps bones strong, helps regulate blood levels, promotes normal blood pressure Primary function is in the formation of bones and teeth; synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues Potassium Necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth. Immune support; building of proteins; wound healing; supports normal growth and development during Zinc pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence Helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy; essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, Thiamin (B1) and nervous system. Vitamin E Antioxidant; helps convert food to energy; immune function; regulation of other metabolic processes Critical for normal membrane structure and function; important to lung function and memory development Choline in infants Integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health; involved in oxygen transport and Iron regulation of cell growth and differentiation Copper Plays a role in the production of hemoglobin, myelin, collagen, and melanin A cofactor for enzymes Provides antioxidant function, helping to prevent cellular damage from free radicals; regulates thyroid Selenium function and plays a role in the immune system Key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies, carbohydrates, (B2) and proteins Involved in protein and red blood cell metabolism; role in nervous and immune systems Improves healing time in tissues; Precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels Arginine and can help decrease blood pressure Adds bulk to diet providing feelings of fullness; lowers total and LDL cholesterol reducing the risk of heart Fiber disease; slows absorption of carbohydrate, helping to regulate blood sugar; facilitates digestive regularity; stimulates intestinal fermentation, which may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer

4 5 Table 2. Functional Components in Peanuts and levels, but increased in all of the peanut eaters to above Peanut Butter and their Potential Health Benefits recommended levels corresponding with a range required to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Nutrient Function in Body Improves healing time in tissues; Precursor Peanuts and peanut butter have been recognized as a for the synthesis of nitric oxide, which great way to get multiple nutrients in a small portion from Arginine expands blood vessels and can help a single food source. Data show that obtaining certain decrease blood pressure nutrients from foods versus supplements can be beneficial. Studies on vitamin E supplementation, for example, show Improves longevity and performance; mixed benefits on health outcomes, but research does Resveratrol reduces inflammation not suggest adverse effects from consuming naturally occurring vitamin E in foods. Peanuts studied in the Reduces blood cholesterol, the growth US were recently shown to provide significantly higher Phytosterols and speed of various cancers (by 30- levels of natural vitamin E than was previously reported.9 50% in animals), and inflammation Table 1 highlights some of the nutrients found in peanuts and peanut butter and their beneficial functions in regards Reduce inflammation and sticking of to health. Flavonoids platelets to arteries Peanuts Bring Unique Health Promoting Functional Components developmental delays, and wasting. In addition, they Research has identified numerous compounds in have increased risk of chronic disease and lower life peanuts and in their skins that may have added health expectancies. Emerging research is beginning to show that benefits beyond basic nutrition. For example, arginine is including key nutrients in the diet in utero and in infancy a bioactive compound found in peanuts. It is an amino not only improves acute nutrient status and survival rates, acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps to but also can impact long-term health and reduce the keep arteries relaxed, improving blood flow. Aside from risk of multiple age-related diseases. Peanuts provide the macro- and micronutrients, the functional compounds many vitamins and minerals important in critical times of in peanuts can be clustered into four main categories: development. For example, data show that choline status 1) flavonoids, 2) phenolic acids, 3) phytosterols, and 4) early in life may have an impact on long-term memory, stilbenes. The compounds that fall under these categories while zinc status clearly affects growth rates.13,14 function in various ways to promote health and some have antioxidant capacity.10 Resveratrol, for example, On the other end of the spectrum, there is currently a is a stilbene known for its role in various mechanisms growing population of malnourished obese individuals that reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer with increased risk of chronic disease who take in too risk. It is said to have life promoting capabilities and to many , yet too few nutrients. Data show that increase endurance. Table 2 highlights each category, despite excess energy intakes, overweight children, for summarizes their health benefit, and provides examples example, are not meeting the dietary reference intakes of each compound. or recommended daily allowance of many nutrients, specifically vitamins and minerals.15,16 Peanuts are recognized as a nutrient-rich preventative food for these individuals and research supports their daily use to promote health, manage weight, and improve nutrient Peanuts Nourish Many: adequacy.5,17 From Malnutrition to Obesity When eaten in small amounts, peanuts can aid in Peanut Research Shows providing critical nutrients to all ages and all populations. Malnutrition, specifically severe acute malnutrition in Long-term Health Benefits children, is a serious problem that is preventable. Yet Peanuts and Chronic Disease it contributes to over 4 million deaths a year, more than deaths due to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.11,12 Large population studies show that diets rich in peanuts and peanut butter decrease the risk of chronic diseases Children deprived of essential nutrients because of like heart disease and diabetes that plague the United malnutrition oftentimes experience stunted growth, States.18 Small daily portions of peanuts, 1 to 1 ½ ounces

4 5 Peanuts and Weight Management Peanuts work on both ends of the spectrum as they have been shown in peanut-based food aid to help malnourished infants achieve weight gain success, while research shows that adults and children who consume peanuts have more successful weight loss and maintenance.35-37 Peanuts help keep weight in check because they are nutritionally balanced with great satiating qualities.

Peanuts and peanut butter have been shown to provide eating satisfaction because they provide a feeling of fullness significantly longer than high carbohydrate foods.38 The protein and fiber found in peanuts are thought to contribute to this, as well as the fact that peanuts can keep blood sugar stable. Emerging evidence also shows that the type of monounsaturated fat found in peanuts may stimulate a hormone linked to satiety.39 Peanuts can help reduce cravings and provide lasting energy until the next meal. have been shown to cut the risk of heart disease in half The enjoyable flavor of peanuts adds to eating and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a quarter.18,19 satisfaction and acceptability as well. The best results have been in people who eat peanuts five or more times per week. A recent meta-analysis In a moderate fat diet that included peanuts and peanut also provides strong evidence supporting an association butter versus a low-fat diet, peanut-eaters were more between monounsaturated fat as well as overall nut intake likely to continue with the diet.35 People felt less and reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease.20 deprived as the fat in peanuts helped to provide flavor and enjoyment with eating. The good fat in peanuts lowers total and bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while keeping good Peanuts are steadily absorbed into the body so that cholesterol high.21 Frequent peanut consumption (>five blood sugar and insulin levels do not become high.40 times/week) is also associated with lower levels of certain Their balanced macronutrients contribute to this, inflammatory markers that are predictors of cardiovascular but when eaten with high glycemic index foods, they disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes.22 Blood pressure also also attenuate blood sugar levels, indicating that the improves in people who consume peanuts and peanut bioactive components in peanuts may also play a role.41 butter as part of a high plant protein diet.23 Moreover, a large population study showed a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in women who consumed peanuts two or more times a week.24 Peanuts Provide Key Minerals such as magnesium found in high levels in peanuts have been identified as key players associated Nutrition for Survival with reduced incidence of inflammation, metabolic Proper nutrition is not only critical to health and syndrome, CVD, and type 2 diabetes, especially in development, but also to survival in those who are children.25-28 Vitamin E has been shown in population malnourished. In utero and in infancy, adequate nutrient studies to be important to heart health.29 intake can make or break the health status of an individual. Better nutrition equates to improved mental The array of bioactive components that are found in and physical development, stronger immune systems, peanuts noted in Table 2 are likely also contributing less illness, and improved short and long-term health, to these benefits. The phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, for which lead to reduced rates of mortality. Peanuts example, has been shown to protect against heart disease possess key nutritional attributes that can improve as well as to offer protection from colon, prostate, and health status and help promote recovery in those who breast cancer.30-34 Cancer growth and spreading to other are malnourished or who have compromised nutritional parts of the body was inhibited by as much as 50 percent status. in one study.31

6 7 Healthy Fats Figure 2. Total Protein in Various Grains and Legumes Per Half Cup Peanuts provide a lot of energy in a 20 19 18 Total Protein small amount, which is important to the (grams per half cup) malnourished who can only consume small 16 15 amounts at one time. Providing enough 14 calories is critical so that protein can be 12 10 spared for growth and repair. Peanuts are 8 8 8 8 7 about 50 percent fat, which at 9 calories per 6 5

gram, contribute more calories than traditional 4 2 foods used in humanitarian relief such as milk, 2

corn, soybean, wheat, and other grains. 0

Rice Peanuts Chickpeas Cornmeal Fat requirements are highest in infancy. All Pinto beans Kidney beans Wheat flour fatty acids are essential for growth, especially Soybean or flour for the development of the nervous system and of the brain, which is 60 percent fat. Fat is also a during the rapid growth period of infancy and early key requirement in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients childhood. It enhances the immune system and promotes including vitamins A, E, D, K, and carotenoids. muscle development. With starvation, body proteins in tissue and muscle are broken down into amino acids that The majority of fat in peanuts is heart-healthy are used to produce compounds that sustain life. monounsaturated fat, with balanced levels of polyunsaturated and saturated fats. Figure 1 shows the Peanuts and peanut butter provide higher levels of healthy fat profile of peanuts. A study in adults, published in the plant protein when compared to grains and most other December 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical legumes, which also contribute healthy calories and Nutrition, found that diets high in monounsaturated fat nutrients upon consumption. Figure 2 shows the amount from foods like peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil, and of total protein in various legumes and grains. Compared olive oil are superior to low-fat diets for heart health.42 to cornmeal, for example, which has 5 grams of protein per half cup, peanuts have 19 grams per half cup.43 Emerging data clearly shows that type of fat can impact Consuming the same amount of protein can be achieved health in various ways at different stages of life. The by eating fewer peanuts compared to the amount of fat in peanuts and peanut provides healthy calories to other grains. Over three and a half times the amount of malnourished infants and children at their time of need. cornmeal or rice would have to be consumed to obtain a total days protein needs. Rich in Protein Protein has many important functions in the body and is A healthy balance of protein that includes plant sources essential for maintenance and repair of tissue, particularly has been shown to benefit chronic disease risk. The inclusion of plant protein such as from peanuts or peanut butter brings an enhanced variety of protective nutrients Figure 1. Fat Profile of Peanuts into the diet that would not otherwise be present. These additional factors could also contribute to possible 50 50 Fat Profile of Peanuts improvements in malnutrition success rates and school- (percent of calories) aged child nutrient adequacy. Digestible 40 The components in peanuts are highly digestible. The true 33 protein digestibility of peanuts is comparable with that of 30 animal protein, but since plant proteins are usually low in one of the essential amino acids (called the limiting amino acid), their digestibility is less than that of animal products.44 20 The limiting amino acid in peanuts varies based on the study (i.e. lysine, methionine, threonine).45,46,47 Wheat and 14 rice share lysine as a limiting amino acid.

10 Protein quality is defined based on the amino acid pattern and percent of digestibility of protein. 0 0 Saturated Monounsaturated Polyunsaturated Trans Fat

6 7 Table 3. Percent Digestibility and PDCAAS Values for Peanuts and Selected Grains Many of the nutrients in peanuts are integral to growth, development, metabolism, and immunity. It is likely 48 Food Item True Digestibility% PDCAAS that the individual nutrients in peanuts work by multiple Peanuts 94 .7049 mechanisms and that they have synergistic effects toward improving health status. Soy 86 .9150 Whole Wheat 86 .4650 Maize 85 .4351 Success Rates

A score for protein digestibility termed “protein digestibility Greatly Improve with corrected amino acid score” or “PDCAAS” is determined by comparing essential amino acid requirements based Peanut-based on age to the essential amino acids that are still available Ready-to-Use to the body after food digestion. It reflects the amino acid content in comparison with an ideal protein. Therapeutic Food

Protein requirements are based on consuming foods with a PDCAAS of 1.0, which is the highest score. The PDCAAS Background for peanuts has been estimated to be about 0.70. Table While the calories provided by food aid are lifesaving, 3 shows percent digestibility and the average calculated there is now a push to better tailor food aid to the needs PDCAAS for peanuts and other selected grains . of young children with high-value protein and adequate micronutrients. The development of Ready-to-Use Fat digestibility varies based on the structure of different Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for use in relief has fatty acids. Saturated fats are full of hydrogen and have radically changed the approach to treating severe acute single bonds which make them more difficult to break down, malnutrition, meeting many of the treatment needs. RUTF whereas unsaturated fats have a least one location where is also called Plumpy’nut because it is a lipid-based mix hydrogen can be added (double bond), thus making them containing ground, roasted peanuts. In addition, vegetable easily digested and usable by the body. Peanuts are over oil, powdered milk, vitamins, minerals, and sugar are added. 50 percent monounsaturated fats, which are easily digested. Peanuts as the basis for RUTF enable better delivery of a full range of balanced lipids, essential amino-acids, minerals, Sometimes, inherent factors in foods can cause a and vitamins required by developing children. Peanuts are decrease the effectiveness of certain nutrients from the and nutrient-dense, and protein-rich, ideal for small food itself. Such compounds include protease inhibitors, stomachs in malnourished children who can only take in phytic acid, or fibers that could affect bioavailability of small amounts. Their high lipid content also helps protect nutrients or result in impaired growth and poor food vitamins against oxidation.54 utilization. Because peanuts are legumes, they contain some phytic acid, but the amount in peanuts can be lower 52 than in other legumes such as soybean. The fiber in Figure 3. Weight Gain in Children Consuming RUTF peanuts is mainly insoluble, with lower amounts of soluble Versus Maize/Soy Flour Therapy fiber. It contributes to daily intake, but has not been shown 7.5 to bind nutrients and restrict their absorption. In fact, the small amount of soluble fermentable fiber may improve absorption of some minerals.53 Nutrient Dense 5 * It is more than just healthy calories, fat, and protein that make peanuts and peanut butter stand out as unique healthful foods. As noted in Tables 1 and 2, they are 2.5 rich in multiple natural micronutrients as well, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as (g/kg/day) gain Weight resveratrol that are beneficial to health, making them a viable option for improving the nutrition status of those who are malnourished, developing, growing, or in need of critical RUTF Maize/Soy Flour nutrients. * Significantly different

8 9 Figure 4. Recovery Rates: Peanut-Based RUTF Versus Other Standard Therapies RUTF 100 95 Other Therapy 89 90 85

79 80 80 78 78 72 70

60 58

50 46

Success Rates (%) Rates Success 40

30 22 20

10 corn/soy corn/soy compared Not Not compared Not compared Not Standard milk therapy milk Standard corn/soy 0

Manary, et al. 2004 Patel, et al. 2005 Sandige, et al. 2004 Ciliberto, et al. 2005 Linneman, et al. 2007 Linneman, et al. 2007 Matilski, et al. 2009

Research Studies Health Organization (WHO) therapies for malnutrition Multiple clinical trials have been successfully conducted rehabilitation.55-60 Success with RUTF has also been with peanut-based RUTF since its production. The proven as home-based therapy that does not require populations in need of rehabilitation have included medical staff.55,57,61,62 Figure 4 shows published recovery moderately or severely malnourished children, children rates of peanut-based RUTF versus other standard with edema, and children infected with HIV. Results therapies. corroborate the fact that peanut-containing RUTF is effective in producing healthy, rapid weight gain. Figure In 2003, Diop, et al. showed that energy and protein 3 shows weight gain comparing RUTF and a maize/soy consumption was increased, and more weight was flour therapy in malnourished children over one year of gained in severely malnourished children who consumed age in a study in Malawi.55 RUTF versus a standard therapy.63 Rehabilitation time also occurred faster in those on peanut-based Treatment with RUTF in children has repeatedly shown RUTF. Another study in 2004 showed that moderately superior recovery rates and shorter duration to reach malnourished RUTF-users had higher intake of energy, weight-to-growth goals compared to standard World fat, iron, and zinc compared to a group consuming corn/ soy therapy because the consumption of staple foods fell in the corn/soy group.61 Both therapies resulted in modest weight gain, but the effect lasted longer for the RUTF group.

The evidence is striking. Peanut-based RUTF is improving the quality of humanitarian relief and is saving more lives than ever before. Its use has shown success in a number of populations and countries, including Sudan, Haiti, and many in Africa. Evidence also shows that compared to other treatments, peanut-based RUTF used as complementary food provides additional micronutrients and energy from healthy fat and can have a sustained impact on the incidence of severe stunting in children.64-66

8 9 Although success rates improve partially due reasons status of individuals, especially in children by continued such as reduced bacterial contamination problems use in RUTF or in US and international school feeding because of the elimination of the use of water, there is programs. likely something more to the peanut in this formulation. Peanuts and peanut butter are natural whole foods well- Familiar, Versatile, Complementary recognized for their health properties even in nourished Peanuts are an American , but are an individuals who are considered healthy. indigenous food to certain countries dealing with malnutrition or reduced nutrient intake. Thus, they are a familiar food to many, but may not be fully utilized. In addition to eating peanuts by themselves or as peanut butter, they can be enjoyed in various ways to further Peanuts: Instrumental to enhance nutrition by complementing commonly consumed staple foods such as grains like corn and wheat, which are Health in a Variety of Ways also often provided in food aid.

Acceptable Combining peanuts or peanut butter with corn, wheat, Peanuts have been a familiar favorite in the United States or certain other grains with different limiting amino acids and their acceptability has proven to span different ages and can produce higher-quality protein and boost the levels cross cultural barriers. Human studies that feed peanuts daily that are consumed. Additionally, including peanuts with have shown that they have a high acceptability rating.21,35-38 milk or soy can further increase the natural source of Peanuts and peanut butter fed daily to Mexican-American micronutrients such as magnesium, niacin, pantothenic adolescents in place of nutrient-poor snacks not only acid, vitamin E, and choline, which are important to improved quality of calories, but were well accepted by the development and rehabilitation. The addition of peanuts significant majority of children.36,37 could also slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, promoting satiation, and acceptability. Critical to the success of peanut-based RUTF is the fact that infants and growing children like the taste of it so that all nutrition needs are met with multiple feedings. Since peanuts and peanut butter are well liked and full of nutrition, they can be instrumental in improving the health Summary and Conclusions Peanuts are unique with a myriad of protective nutrients packaged into small, tasty kernels. Research on peanuts and peanut butter clearly shows that when eaten in small amounts daily they improve the risk of multiple age-related diseases. They are eaten in a variety of ways and are enjoyable, satisfying, and acceptable to those in need of nutrition as well as to over-nourished who need to manage weight. Peanuts have been recognized for centuries as a nutritious food and research is now uncovering some of the specific functional compounds in peanuts that likely contribute to their health benefits. Cracking open a peanut pod has allowed us to begin to take advantage of the natural health benefits that peanuts bring to each one of us across the globe.

10 11 15. Zive MM, et al. Vitamin and intakes of Anglo-American and Mexican-American preschoolers. Journal of the American References Dietetic Association. Vol 95, pp. 329-335. 16. Huerta MG, et al. (2005). Magnesium Deficiency is Associated 1. Good Earth Peanuts. “A short peanut history.” http://www. With Insulin Resistance in Obese Children. Diabetes Care. Vol goodearthpeanuts.com/historyworld.htm 28, pp. 1175-1181.

2. Southern Peanut Growers. “History of peanut butter.” http:// 17. Johnston CA, et al. Overweight and Poor Nutritional Status in www.peanutbutterlovers.com/history/index.html Mexican American Youth. Poster presentation. The Obesity Society 25th Annual Scientific Meeting, 2007. 3. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: Table 13 Peanut Area, Yield, and Production. http://www.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/ 18. Fraser, et al. A Possible Protective Effect of Nut Consumption psdQuery.aspx on Risk of CHD. Archives of Internal Medicine. 1992; 152: 1416-1424. 4. USDA-ERS. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service. ‘Peanuts: U.S. 19. Jiang R, et al. Nut and Peanut Butter Consumption and Risk Supply and disappearance’.U.S. Department of Agriculture, of Type 2 Diabetes in Women. Journal of the American Medical Economic Research Service, Food Availability: Spreadsheets. Association. 2002; 288(20): 2554-2560. Peanuts and tree nuts, http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/ FoodConsumption/FoodAvailSpreadsheets.htm 20. Mente A, et al. A systematic review of the evidence supporting a causal link between dietary factors and coronary heart 5. Griel AE, et al. Improved Diet Quality with Peanut disease. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Apr 13;169(7):659-69. Review. Consumption. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2004; 23(6): 660-668. 21. Pelkman CL, et al. Effects of moderate-fat (from monounsaturated fat) and low-fat weight-loss diets on the 6. Survey: Peanut Usage and Attitudes Toward Peanut Products. serum lipid profile in overweight and obese men and women. The Gallup Organization. July 2005. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Feb;79(2):204-12.

7. USDA-ARS WWEIA. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 22. Jiang R, et al. Nut and seed consumption and inflammatory Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition markers in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Am J Research Center, Food Surveys Research Group (Beltsville, Epidemiol. 2006 Feb 1;163(3):222-31. MD) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center 23. Appel LJ, et al. Effects of Protein, Monounsaturated Fat, and for Health Statistics (Hyattsville, MD). What We Eat in America, Carbohydrate Intake on Blood Pressure and Serum Lipids: NHANES 2001-2004 (Unpublished data presented at The Results of the OmniHeart Randomized Trial. Journal of the Peanut Institute Educational Tour, 2008). From: http://www. American Medical Association. 2005; 294: 2455-2464. ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=15044. 24. Yeh CC, et al. Peanut consumption and reduced risk of 8. Alper CM, Mattes RD. Peanut consumption improves indices colorectal cancer in women: a prospective study in Taiwan. of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy adults. J Am Coll Nutr. World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Jan 14;12(2):222-7. 2003 Apr;22(2):133-41. 25. King DE, et al. Magnesium intake and serum C-reactive protein 9. Shin EC, et al. Commercial runner peanut cultivars in the levels in children. Magnes Res. 2007 Mar;20(1):32-6. United States: tocopherol composition. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 11;57(21):10289-95. 26. He K, et al. Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults. Circulation. 2006 Apr 10. Francisco ML, Resurreccion AV. Functional components in 4;113(13):1675-82. peanuts. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Sep;48(8):715-46. 27. Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 11. Caulfield LE, et al. Undernutrition as an underlying cause of diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med. 2007 Aug;262(2):208- child deaths associated with diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, 14. Review. and measles. Am J Clin Nutr 2004; 80: 193-198. 28. Gartside PS, Glueck CJ. The important role of modifiable 12. Project Peanut Butter, http://projectpeanutbutter.org/PPB/ dietary and behavioral characteristics in the causation and Project_Peanut_Butter.html prevention of coronary heart disease hospitalization and mortality: the prospective NHANES I follow-up study. J Am 13. Zeisel, SH. Choline: Its Importance in Intrauterine and Coll Nutr. 1995 Feb;14(1):71-9. Neonatal Development. The Division of Nutrition and Harvard Clinical Nutrition Research Center, Harvard Medical School 29. Rimm EB, et al. Vitamin E consumption and the risk of and the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public coronary heart disease in men. N Engl J Med. 1993 May Health 11th Postgraduate Nutrition Symposium “Protective 20;328(20):1450-6. Nutrients: Are They Here to Stay?” http://hms.presentme.com/ protective-nutrients/choline-its-importance-in-intrauterine- 30. Awad AB, et al. Effect of dietary phytosterols on cell and-neonatal-development proliferation and protein kinase C activity in rat colonic mucosa. Nutr Cancer. 1997;27(2):210-5. 14. Krebs, N. Zinc: Is it a Protective Nutrient? The Division of Nutrition and Harvard Clinical Nutrition Research Center, 31. Awad AB, et al. In vitro and in vivo (SCID mice) effects of Harvard Medical School and the Department of Nutrition, phytosterols on the growth and dissemination of human Harvard School of Public Health 11th Postgraduate Nutrition prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2001 Symposium “Protective Nutrients: Are They Here to Stay?” Dec;10(6):507-13. http://hms.presentme.com/protective-nutrients/zinc-is-it-a- protective-nutrient 32. Awad AB, et al. beta-Sitosterol activates Fas signaling in human breast cancer cells. Phytomedicine. 2007 Nov;14(11):747-54.

10 11 33. Awad AB, et al. Dietary phytosterol inhibits the growth and 52. Schlemmer U, et al. Phytate in foods and significance for metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells grown humans: food sources, intake, processing, bioavailability, in SCID mice. Anticancer Res. 2000 Mar-Apr;20(2A):821-4. protective role and analysis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2009 Sep;53 Suppl 2:S330-75. Review. 34. Woyengo TA, et al. Anticancer effects of phytosterols. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jul;63(7):813-20. 53. Greger JL Nondigestible carbohydrates and mineral bioavailability. J Nutr. 1999 Jul;129 (7 Suppl): 1434S–5S. 35. McManus K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of a moderate- fat, low-energy diet compared with a low fat, low-energy diet 54. Briend, A. Highly nutrient-dense spreads: a new approach to for weight loss in overweight adults. Int J Obes Relat Metab delivering multiple micronutrients to high-risk groups. British Disord. 2001 Oct;25(10):1503-11. Journal of Nutrition, Volume 85, Supplement S2, May 2001, pp S175-S179. 36. Johnston CA, et al. Weight loss in overweight Mexican American children: a randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics. 55. Manary MH, Ndekha MJ, Ashorn, P, Maleta K, Briend A. Home 2007 Dec;120(6):e1450-7. based therapy for severe malnutrition with ready-to-use food. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:557-561. 37. Johnston CA, et al. Effects of a School-based Weight Maintenance Program for Mexican-American Children: Results 56. Sandige H, Ndekha MJ, Briend A, Ashorn P, Manary MJ. at 2 Years. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Aug 6. Home-based treatment of malnourished Malawian children with locally produced or imported ready-to-use food. JPGN. 38. Kirkmeyer SV, Mattes RD. Effects of food attributes on 2004;39:141-146. hunger and food intake. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000 Sep;24(9):1167-75. 57. Ciliberto MA, Sandige H, Ndekha MJ, Ashorn P, Briend A, Ciliberto HM, Manary MJ. Comparison of home-based 39. Schwartz GJ, et al. The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat therapy with ready-to-use- therapeutic food with standard intake to satiety. Cell Metab. 2008 Oct;8(4):281-8. therapy in the treatment of malnourished Malawian children: a controlled clinical effectiveness trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 40. Foster-Powell K, et al. International Table of Glycemic Index 2005;81:864-70. and Glycemic Load Values: 2002. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002; 76: 5-56. 58. Linneman Z, Matilsky D, Ndekha M, Manary MJ, Maleta K, Manary MJ. A large-scale operational study of home-based 41. Johnston CS, Buller AJ. Vinegar and peanut products as therapy with ready-to-use therapeutic food in childhood complementary foods to reduce postprandial glycemia. J Am malnutrition in Malawi. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2007;3 (3): Diet Assoc. 2005 Dec;105(12):1939-42. 206–15.

42. Kris-Etherton PM, et al. High-monounsaturated fatty acid 59. Patel MP, Sandige HL, Ndekha MJ, Briend A, Ashorn P, Manary diets lower both plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol MJ. Supplemental feeding with ready-to-use therapeutic food concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1009-15. in Malawian Children at risk of malnutrition. J Health Popul Nutr. 2005;23(4):351-7. 43. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2009. National Nutrient Database for Standard 60. Matilsky DK, et al. Supplementary feeding with fortified Reference, Release 22. spreads results in higher recovery rates than with a corn/ soy blend in moderately wasted children. J Nutr. 2009 44. Singh B, Singh U. Peanut as a source of protein for human Apr;139(4):773-8. foods. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1991 Apr;41(2):165-77. 61. Maleta K, Kuittinen J, Duggan MB, Briend A, Manary M, Wales 45. McOsker, et al. The limiting amino acid sequence in raw and J, Kulmata T, Ashorn P. Supplement feeding of underweight, roasted peanut protein. J Nutr. 1962 Vol 76: 453-59. stunted Malawian children with a ready-to-use food. JPGN 2004;38:152-8. 46. Venkatachalam M, Sathe SK. Chemical composition of selected edible nut seeds. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jun 62. Ndekha MJ, Manary MJ, Ashorn P, Briend A. Home-based 28;54(13):4705-14. therapy with ready-to-use therapeutic food is of benefit to malnourished, HIV-infected Malawian children. Acta 47. Sarwar G. Digestibility of protein and bioavailability of amino Pediatrica. 2005;94:222-5. acids in foods: effects of protein quality assessment. Wld Rev Nutr Diet. 1987; 54: 26-70. 63. Diop el HI. Comparison of the efficacy of a solid ready-to- use food and a liquid, milk-based diet for the rehabilitation of 48. FAO/WHO/UNU. Protein and Amino Acid Requirements in severely malnourished children: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Human Nutrition. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Nutr. 2003 Aug; 78(2):302-7. Consultation. World Health Org Tech Report No. 935, 2002. 64. Adu-Afarwuah S, Larty A, Brown KH, Zlotkin S, Briend 49. Suárez López MM, et al. Assessment of protein quality in A, Dewey KG. Randomized comparison of 3 types foods by calculating the amino acids score corrected by of micronutrient supplements of home fortification of digestibility. Nutr Hosp. 2006 Jan-Feb;21(1):47-51. complementary foods in Ghana: effects on growth and motor development. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:412-20. 50. Schaafsma G. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score. J Nutr. 2000 Jul;130(7):1865S-7S. Review. 65. Phuka JC, et al. Postintervention growth of Malawian children who received 12-mo dietary complementation with a lipid- 51. Introduction to Human Nutrition, 2nd Edition. Michael J. based nutrient supplement or maize-soy flour. Am J Clin Nutr. Gibney (Editor), Susan A. Lanham-New (Editor), Aedin Cassidy 2009 Jan;89(1):382-90. (Editor), Hester H. Vorster (Editor). ISBN: 978-1-4051-6807-6. Paperback. 384 pages. April 2009, Wiley-Blackwell 66. Lopriore C, Guidoum Y, Briend, A, Branca F. Spread fortified with vitamins and minerals induces catch-up growth and eradicates severe anemia in stunted refugee children aged 3-6 y. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80:973-81.

© Copyright 2010, PMK Associates, Inc.