Here’s some really good news to spread around. A large and powerful prospective epidemiology study published in September’s issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that American girls consuming peanut butter, peanuts and other nuts may reduce their risks for developing benign breast disease (BBD) when they are young women in their ‘20s. Even better news is that their risks in later life of developing breast cancer may also fall significantly.

With spring and summer fast-approaching, we soon will see melting snow give way to patios anxiously waiting to open up once again. Warmer weather revitalizes our lazy taste buds and rejuvenates our interest in healthy eating. This means eating more snacks and salads, and adding a little creativity to our meals.

The history of peanut butter in the Canadian diet dates back to 1884 when Montrealer Marcellus Gilmore Edson first patented modern peanut butter for peanut candy. Since then, peanuts and peanut butter have been inseparable from the Canadian diet.

The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) recently released a new position statement on the dietary exposures and allergy prevention in high-risk infants.¹ Infants who are at high-risk for developing allergies are defined as usually having a first-degree relative (at least one parent or sibling) with an allergic condition such as a food allergy, atopic dermatitis or asthma.

It doesn’t matter if you like your peanuts plain, roasted, salted or flavoured with chili spices. New research shows that the health benefits of peanuts are independent of how the snack nuts might be flavoured or seasoned. Researchers at Purdue University led by Dr. Richard Mattes reported this month that seasonings/flavours on snack peanuts did not offset their nutritional benefits.

What’s better than the classic taste of peanut butter? Why, new flavoured peanut butter, of course! With the recent growth of the entire peanut butter category, new peanut butter flavours have been introduced – and their popularity is spreading rapidly. Now, Canadians can enjoy tasty twists on their favourite snack: honey, banana granola, cinnamon granola raisin, cranberry and even chocolate-flavoured peanut butter for those who want to enjoy a treat.

The summer and back-to-school seasons are times when shoppers are looking for convenience, portability, variety, and, of course, value for their purchasing dollar. This is where the perfectly powerful peanut comes in.

Magnesium is a mineral you need every day for good health – but are you getting enough? According to Health Canada, many adults have inadequate intakes of magnesium.

Desserts are the most eagerly awaited course in all meals. In the restaurant industry, desserts make the last impression and can ultimately make or break your relationship with your customers. Here are a few simple but mouth-watering ideas that will get customers coming back to you for more.

From flours and spreads or to use as a legume, peanuts can be eaten in so many different ways. While we are most familiar with peanut butter, peanut confections and just plain peanuts, other applications are just as good for you and make cooking and eating more fun and exciting. Here is a look at how the foodservice industry can incorporate peanut products to create healthy and delicious recipes for their customers.

Peanut plants have been growing in South America since 1500 BCE. In Peru, peanuts were highly valued – so much so that the Incans of Peru used them as a sacrificial offering and entombed them with mummies to help their deceased relatives in their spirit life.

Since 1989, the Tracking Nutrition Trends (TNT) nutrition study has been following the self-reported food/nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Canadians. The 2013 survey results have recently been released.

Peanuts have been a fan favourite for years, but do you know about their important walk through history? Today, many enjoy roasted peanuts at the ball game, a classic PB&J for lunch or even as a new beer flavour (yes, this is now a thing!), but the peanut’s vital role in Southern agricultural history dates back to the early 1900s with inventor George Washington Carver.

It’s not easy for busy Canadians to maintain a healthy diet with their long work hours and lack of time to cook or prepare meals at home. More and more Canadians are looking for quick and healthy dining options, and are relying on the restaurant industry to provide some guidance.

Whether crunchy or smooth, on a slice of toast for breakfast or in a wrap with chicken and veggies, added to a spicy Thai peanut dressing or smothered on graham crackers with marshmallows, there are so many ways peanut butter can be used to spice up your menu.

 Although the patios will be closed, sports games and playoffs keep the bars and pubs busy in the fall. While French fries and chicken wings will satisfy some customers, the more sophisticated customers will be looking for a refined, healthier menu selection that will keep them energized until the end of the season.

Here’s some really good news to spread around. A large and powerful prospective epidemiology study published in the September 2013 issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that American girls consuming peanut butter, peanuts and other nuts may reduce their risks for developing benign breast disease (BBD) when they are young women in their ‘20s. Even better news is that their risks in later life of developing breast cancer may also fall significantly.

By: Dr. Andrew Craig, APC Health Consultant

More evidence has emerged that oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a very promising therapy for food allergy and for stopping peanut allergy in children in particular. A research team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge (UK) reported recently in The Lancet on the STOP II trial of peanut OIT in 99 children with all severities of clinically-confirmed peanut allergy, aged 7-16.¹

According to the International Food Informational Council (IFIC) 2014 Food and Health Survey, conducted in the U.S. in March and April 2014, the healthfulness of food and beverage products is increasingly important. Now, more than ever, shoppers are considering health benefits when filling up their grocery carts.

Ramping up marketing efforts for the holiday season is essential in the retail world. While traditional marketing strategies are still valuable, many retailers have shifted their marketing efforts to social media to gain a competitive advantage. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with peanuts and peanut butter, especially during the holiday season. As a cost-effective and healthy holiday choice, peanuts and peanut butter are staple items to have on hand. Not only a great ingredient for appetizers and main dishes, they’ll provide all the energy the party planner needs to get through holiday party and dinner preparations.