Simply put, nuts are good for you. Whether it’s the heart-health benefits, improving cholesterol or losing weight, nuts seem to be everywhere lately. And, not only are nuts healthy, but they also can aid with weight loss – just in time for the holiday season.

Peanut butter smothered on apples. What snack could taste better and provide the same nutritious kick? This snack combines two staples in the homes of many Canadians and will keep you satisfied and full longer than other snack foods.

The 2012 International Peanut Forum (IPF) will be held at the Krasnapolsky Hotel, Amsterdam, April 11-13. The program will include sessions on sustainability; EU regulations affecting peanut trade; the latest on nutrition research; product innovation; and the all-important supply and demand panel discussions.

Who could have predicted last year's perfect peanut storm! In 2011, the combination of reduced peanut acreage, coupled with severe drought and high heat experienced by many U.S. peanut-producing states (especially in Texas), resulted in lower-than-normal yields and ultimately today's significantly tightened availability. In 2012, it's anticipated that more acreage may be devoted to high-value U.S. peanuts versus other row crops such as corn, cotton and sorghum in peanut-producing states. In a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture, it is prospected that due to the higher demand for peanuts, peanut growers intend to increase their peanut planting by 25 per cent in 2012.

We all know that peanut butter has long been a favourite in Canadian households, but did you know that peanut butter has some pretty interesting uses other than the peanutty eats we know and love?

It’s safe to say that peanut butter is the best thing since sliced bread, or should we say, the thing that goes best with sliced bread. Peanut butter can be added to many recipes and makes for a healthy snack at a fraction of the cost of other processed foods. But, many are not aware of the possibilities of peanut butter – they’re endless and underused. While the classic PB&J is great, use your imagination next time you’re in the kitchen.

Is snacking bad for you? Your first instinct may be to agree with this statement, but don’t be too quick to judge. Read on and you just might be surprised at what you can learn about snacking.

Over the years, many health studies have emerged that conclude that nuts are extremely beneficial to good health (this isn’t news to us!). The claims are plentiful and point to the power of peanuts. Let’s take a closer look at why USA-grown peanuts should have a commanding presence in homes across Canada.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to one’s health, but navigating which ones provide what benefits can be difficult to do. Statistics show that magnesium is a necessary vitamin for cardiovascular health and especially helps to keep the occurrence of a stroke at bay. If you are concerned with taking care of your ticker, consider eating more nuts and nut butters to get your daily dose of protein and magnesium.

The Peanut Bureau of Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its new website. Designed with a user-friendly experience and graphic presentation of information on peanuts, the new site has something for everyone.

It’s that time of year again when kids pack away their swimming trunks and haul out their backpacks. With this comes back-to-school shopping for school supplies, lunches and afternoon snacks. What better time to capitalize on the year’s second highest retail sales time than now?

We all know peanuts are one of the healthiest and most cost-effective snack options available. What you might not know is the extent to which peanuts are researched and studied. As one of the most popular snacking items worldwide, much attention is paid to learning more about what retailers and consumers want in a quality snack item.

A few peanuts a day could keep the doctor away, says a recent study from the University of Alberta. The study indicates that supplementation with high doses of resveratrol – the polyphenol found in modest amounts in peanuts, grapes and some red wines – can improve the metabolic health of obese men. These findings, featured in the May 2012 edition of Journal of Physiology, contribute to the idea that consuming this supplement could provide beneficial effects in the body and as a therapeutic intervention.

Given the health properties of peanut butter, it’s fitting that the popular spread was invented by a doctor to serve as a health food. Although peanuts have been around for much longer, peanut butter is considered to be relatively new.

Are you involved in growing, producing or providing services for the peanut industry? If so, the best thing you can do for your company is to become a member of the American Peanut Council (APC).

Peanut allergy sufferers might be one step closer to tossing their EpiPens for good. Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) may have uncovered a substance with the potential to significantly reduce allergic reactions to peanut-based products.

When it comes to nutrition, the healthiest oils to cook with are those rich in monounsaturated fat. Known as the “good for you fats”, monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy fatty acids that help keep cholesterol levels in check, and can be found in peanut, canola, olive, avocado and almond oils. Today’s health-savvy patrons will continue to seek out healthy menu choices, so why not proactively provide them with options?

We all know peanuts are one of the healthiest and most cost-effective snack options available. What you might not know is the extent to which peanuts are researched and studied. As one of the most popular snacking items worldwide, much attention is paid to learning more about what consumers desire in a quality snack item.

It’s not often that two stories with peanut implications come along that appeal to both culinary and neurological interests. But the practical implication from two recent U.S. studies is just that: to be good to your salads (absorb more vitamins from salad vegetables) and your brains (safeguard cognitive health in older adults) use more monounsaturated oils. The good news is that peanut oil for salads and peanuts for everyday eating fit the bill perfectly.

In the May 2012 issue of In a Nutshell, you read about how to eat healthy throughout the year. The key take-away from this article was that nuts can play an important role in your quest for health. Now it’s time to dig deep into the nutritional benefits of peanuts.

Peanut butter is delicious in cookies and on sandwiches, but its uses go beyond the kitchen. The tasty mixture of roasted nuts can do everything from removing grime to preserving garden tools. Discover the most unexpected uses for PB now!

There’s no question a mother would go to great lengths to ensure her child does not develop allergies. But, imagine if a mother could consume particular foods to help lessen the chance her child would develop allergies. A recent study is trying to prove just this.

As we enter into primetime snacking season, there’s nothing better than a handful of crunchy, tasty and healthy peanuts that are sure to win over your guests. And, as good as nuts are, they’ve moved beyond the cocktail crowd.

November 7-9, 2012 was a busy and exciting time, as peanut farmers from Florida and Georgia travelled to Toronto to learn about the Canadian retail market and experience the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair first-hand.

As one of Canada’s most beloved snacks, peanuts and peanut butter continue to show their nutritional powerhouse benefits. As pointed out in a recent article from The Sydney Morning Herald, they deserve some serious health credit.

After another successful year, the results are in and it’s no surprise that Canadians love their peanuts and peanut butter. According to recent research completed by Leger Marketing, peanut consumption in Canada remains high, indicating the peanut products are a staple in Canadian homes.

In recent articles from The Windsor Star and Glow Magazine, nuts were highlighted as arguably the healthiest snack in your pantry. Why not put this knowledge to use as you make good on your New Year’s weight loss resolution?

Just in from the Peanut Institute is a health announcement that is sure to set hearts a-flutter: oil roasted salted peanuts have been certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) as heart-healthy. As part of an overall healthy eating program, the Heart Check mark may now appear on packages of oil roasted peanuts. Visit the health and nutrition section of the Peanut Institute’s website for the complete announcement.

The food service industry is always aware of the ingredients in any prepared meal to minimize the risk of exposing customers to food allergens, but could a little exposure to peanuts lessen a severe reaction in those who live with allergies? While this has been a long-debated question, it may soon be answered thanks to studies being conducted by Canadian and U.S. doctors. The ultimate result? Train a child’s immune system to develop a higher tolerance for peanuts.

Whether you’re a health nut or just looking to improve your eating habits, peanuts are a great food choice to incorporate into a diet, particularly for your heart. Plain nuts and peanut butter can help to manage hunger and are increasingly believed to boost heart health. With conditions like heart disease, obesity and diabetes becoming more prominent, Canadians are looking for healthy meal options at home and when eating out. A recent article from The Telegraph titled “Go nuts for nuts,” examined the health benefits of various nuts including peanuts.