Recently, the National Peanut Board (NPB) launched skinnyonnuts.com, an online information source that discusses how to fit plant-based proteins, specifically peanuts, into your diet. The new website, launched just in time for summer, is in response to the results of a research study commissioned by the NPB. The study revealed that Americans should follow a diet that includes more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.1 Along with information about the health benefits of peanuts, and the advantages of consuming healthy proteins, skinnyonnuts.com features nutrition and health information, recipes and energy-boosting snack ideas that include peanuts. It also presents tips on eating a gluten-free diet and managing food allergies. Peanuts truly are a valued and healthy food source. When compared to other tree nuts and snack items, peanuts are at the top of the list for their high levels of protein (more than any other nut) and fibre, low levels of saturated fat and sodium – all nutrients that help keep you feeling full. They also contain no cholesterol. Packing an even bigger peanut punch is the high levels of antioxidants that have been found in peanuts that have been roasted longer than normal. In a study published in the Food Chemistry Journal, research has found that the longer peanuts are roasted, the higher their levels of antioxidants. The extra-long roasting preserves more manganese and Vitamin E (which helps protect bones and red blood cells), than lightly roasted or even raw nuts. Peanuts also play a vital role in heart health. Evidence exists that suggests that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as peanuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority has approved a heart health claim that peanuts, peanut oil and peanut butter manufactured exclusively from roasted peanuts helps achieve normal cholesterol levels due to the beneficial fatty acid composition of peanuts and thereby promoting heart health (European Food Safety Authority, April 8, 2011). Making peanuts and peanut butter a part of your daily diet can be part of a tasty and healthy eating plan to help meet dietary guidelines. Peanuts are extremely portable, making them easy to incorporate into any meal and they’re especially easy and fun to include in summertime activities. Breakfast: On your way out for a morning jog? Why not layer chopped peanuts in a yogurt parfait for a protein boost. Mid-morning: Need a morning snack? Reach for a handful of peanuts for a nutrient-rich snack. Lunch: If you’re heading out to the local park for a lunchtime break, add protein and crunch to your salads by topping them with peanuts. Mid-afternoon: If you’re heading out for a game of ultimate Frisbee or golf, jazz up your mid-round snack with protein and nutrients by tossing light salted peanuts in with microwave popcorn. Dinner: Having dinner outdoors is a great way to incorporate convenience, portability, health and taste. Make a peanut butter dip for your veggies or bring them along to satisfy your post-dinner craving for crunch. For more information and for recipes to make your transition to a healthier diet peanutty smooth, visit www.skinnyonnuts.com. 1The national opinion survey of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18 and older was conducted February 2-4, 2011 and drawn from TolunaGreenfield Online’s panel of 3 million Americans. Results have a ±3.5% margin of error at 95% confidence.