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.
With the announcement also comes some peanut health education. Peanuts are sometimes thought of as a high-sodium snack, but they’re naturally very low in sodium. In fact, many varieties of oil roasted salted peanuts contain sodium amounts that are below the AHA certification criteria limit. And, don’t forget about the health benefits of oil roasting. Most roasted peanuts are cooked in peanut oil, which contain the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fats found in olive oil.
Peanuts pair well with other heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try incorporating a serving of peanuts once a day as a snack or at a meal to keep your heart healthy all day long!
Sources: Peanut Institute
