LONDON, December 1 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photos

As the economic downturn bites and food costs continue to rise, it's reassuring to know that there is no need to compromise the festive spirit on quality, taste, convenience or health. While cautious consumers purposefully seek out good value holiday nibbles, peanuts - recently overshadowed by more exotic, expensive alternatives - are set to make a comeback as a natural, tasty, energy powerhouse snack.

Health education consultant for the American Peanut Council Dr Andrew Craig said, Research tells us that all nuts are extremely beneficial for health. The more exotic nuts may be great - but they are expensive, whereas peanuts offer all the health benefits at an affordable everyday price.

Scientific consensus on the role of nuts and health, recently published in The Journal of Nutrition, stresses that eating a portion of nuts or peanuts daily is a more effective step to improve dietary health and reduce risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and gallbladder disease, without leading to weight gain. Previous studies have shown that inclusion of nuts and peanuts in moderate fat weight loss diets improves compliance and leads to greater weight loss compared to traditional low fat diets. Dr Janet King, Professor Emeritus of Nutrition at University of California, USA and co-chair of the International Nuts Symposium confirmed in the Journal of Nutrition symposium proceedings that nuts are an excellent source of protective phytochemicals (such as antioxidants) and that replacing snacks high in refined carbohydrates with nuts could have a positive impact on nutrient density and risk of chronic disease.

Peanuts are a legume, nutritionally grouped with tree nuts, so they provide many of the nutritional benefits of both nuts and legumes. Peanuts are an excellent source of fibre and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, high in protein and cholesterol-free. They are also good sources of potassium, Vitamin E and niacin, plus three key nutrients, zinc, magnesium and folate that are inadequate in the diets of a significant number of British adults and children, according to Government dietary survey results.

With the doom and gloom of the credit crunch and economic forecasts, consumers need not compromise on taste and quality in a bid to save pennies this Christmas. High quality American peanuts offer a cheaper - but equally healthy and great tasting - alternative to other nuts. The range of great tasting American Peanuts available here in the UK is increasing and now includes luxury spicy flavoured peanuts, inshells and Belgian chocolate coated products, as well as unsalted varieties such as Planters Berry Nutty nut and fruit mix with cranberries Sun Valley Nutz. (For the full range of these high quality American peanut products and stockists, see below (1)).

For some great money saving gift ideas, try our new edible gift recipes, complete with gift wrapping ideas (images available), such as peanut butter truffles and biscotti with peanuts, white chocolate, apricots and cranberries (2).

So, this Christmas, look out for the high quality range of American peanuts now available in the UK and enjoy their great taste and value for money.

Notes for Editors

Images available for media use

(1) American peanuts peanut butter products currently available in the UK

Peanuts:

- Planters Berry Nutty natural mixed nuts, chocolate peanuts, jumbo peanuts raisins, honey roasted cashew and peanut, peanuts raisins and choc chip, nut and fruit mix with cranberries, dry roasted peanuts (Waitrose)

- Sun Valley King of Nuts (large American peanuts), roasted salted, dry roasted, chilli, honey roasted; Sun Valley Nutz, chilli vinegar (independent outlets)

- Firedancer peanuts (selected department stores, Lakeland and Tesco)

- Waitrose roasted inshell peanuts, cashew/peanut mix, dry roasted peanuts

- Marks Spencer Belgian milk chocolate coated American peanuts

- Sainsburys' unroasted monkey nuts (inshell peanuts)

- Planet Organic organic roast peanuts organic redskins

- As Nature organic redskins

- Dormens roasted salted peanuts (selected outlets)

- Ann's Nuts roasted salted (Costco)

- Kirkland own label mixed nuts (Costco)

Peanut Butter:

- Skippy, smooth crunchy (Waitrose, Ocado Costco)

- All Natural Peanut Butter Co (Selfridges, Tesco, Waitrose Ocado)

- Toppy peanut butter, smooth crunchy (Aldi)

(2) For Christmas party recipes, visit http://www.christmaspeanuts.co.uk

The following recipes* have been specially designed as edible gifts - the perfect way to save on your Christmas presents. Watch our peanut recipes being prepared and gift wrapped by Christine Picheca, online food editor, Canadian Living on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul5XH-R2boA

Biscotti with Peanuts, White Chocolate and Dried Apricots and Cranberries

Peanut Butter Truffles -creamy, delicious and decadent

Peanut Caramel Sauce- luxury ice cream topping for Christmas pudding alternative

*available to download from Tuesday 2nd December on http://www.christmaspeanuts.co.uk

The American Peanut Council is a trade association that represents all segments of the peanut industry. Peanuts have been grown commercially in the USA since the 1800's and the quality and flavor of USA peanuts are ensured through safety systems designed and audited by the United States Department of Agriculture for all segments of the industry. American peanuts in particular are recognised for their fresh 'peanutty' taste.

References

2007 Nuts and Health Symposium (2008) The Journal of Nutrition, 138: 1734S-1765S

To access the symposium papers published in September Journal of Nutrition go to this link http://www.nuthealth.org/press2.php3

Henderson L, Irving K, Gregory JR, Bates CJ, Prentice A, Perks J, Swan G, Farron M (2003) National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Adults aged 19 to 64 years, Volume 3: Vitamin and mineral intakes and urinary analysis. The Stationary Office, London.

Gregory JR, Lowe S, Bates CJ, Prentice A, Jackson LV, Smithers G, Wenlock R, Farron M. (2000) National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged 4 to 18 years. Volume 1: Report of the diet and nutrition survey. The Stationary Office, London.

Look for the words 'American Peanuts' or the Quality USA logo on packaging to be assured that you are buying great tasting, high quality peanuts and peanut butter.

Pictures accompanying this release are available through the PA Photowire. They can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For more information on the research or for a copy of the images, please contact: Jennette Higgs, Consultant Nutritionist/Dietitian and Media Specialist for the American Peanut Information Office, e-mail: jennette@foodtofit.co.uk, tel: +44(0)1327-354632.

For more information on the research or for a copy of the images, please contact: Jennette Higgs, Consultant Nutritionist/Dietitian and Media Specialist for the American Peanut Information Office, e-mail: jennette@foodtofit.co.uk, tel: +44(0)1327-354632.