KIDS WHO SNACK ON PEANUTS LESS LIKELY TO BE OVERWEIGHT

Adolescents who snack on peanuts at least once a week are less likely to be overweight or obese, have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and lower total cholesterol, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research. The findings also suggest kids who consume peanuts also have significantly higher intakes of vitamin E and magnesium and consume more servings of vegetables than non-peanut eaters.

The Mexican-American adolescents in the study are part of a school weight management program, FLOW, conducted at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, which is funded by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). Currently 39% of Mexican-American children are overweight or obese, compared to 32% of all children in the United States, and the rates among Mexican-American adults is twice as high.

Overweight and obese children are more likely to be more obese in adulthood and develop disease later in life, making them the target of many public health programs.

"Low cost and easily implemented interventions such as increasing peanut consumption may be one way to address health risks in at risk populations," said Dr. Craig Johnston, instructor at the Behavioral Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine, who is overseeing the study.

In the study, peanut eaters had higher intakes of magnesium and vitamin E and trended toward more fiber and potassium intake. Deficiencies are common among Mexican-Americans, including lower intakes of magnesium, which may play a role in increasing their risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The new research builds on previous work done in the "Family Lifestyle and Overweight" (FLOW) Prevention Program that showed peanut and peanut butter consumption promotes sustainable weight loss in children, reduces hunger, and improves vegetable and nutrient intakes in children.

"These results are consistent with government data from NHANES that shows children who eat a serving of peanuts or peanut butter have significantly lower zBMIs and higher intakes of vitamin E, magnesium, folate, niacin, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium than non-eaters," said Patricia Kearney, MEd, RD, program director for The Peanut Institute.

Packed full of nutrients, peanuts and peanut butter factor into the daily diet of millions of Americans and are featured in a host of protein-rich foods and snacks. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition also tips its hat to the tasty legume after it found eating peanuts or peanut butter at breakfast can control blood sugar throughout most of the day, even after eating a high-carbohydrate lunch.