A new study in Nutrition Research, “Peanut consumption in adolescents is associated with improved weight status”, showed that Mexican-American sixth graders that consumed peanuts at least once a week were less likely to be overweight or obese, had a significantly lower Body Mass Index (zBMI), and had significantly lower total blood cholesterol. In addition, participants who consumed peanuts had significantly higher intakes of vitamin E and magnesium and reported consuming more servings of vegetables than non-peanut eaters. Although there is clear evidence to support the multiple health benefits of consuming peanuts in adults, this study provides strong preliminary evidence that peanuts can have a significant impact on overweight and obesity in youth.
The adolescents in the study are part of a school weight management program, FLOW, conducted at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, which is funded by United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). Currently 39% of Mexican American children are overweight or obese, compared to 32% of all children in the U.S., and the rates among Mexican American adults is twice as high.
To learn more about how peanuts control hunger, click here.
To learn more about how peanuts help control blood sugar, click here.
Printable information sheet on peanuts and children’s diets.
Food For Thought booklet on peanuts and children’s diets.