Go Nuts for National Peanut Month (includes 5 Nutty Recipes!)

Did you know that peanuts are not nuts? They are considered legumes since they grow underground and not on trees. Peanuts are the most popular “nut” in America for a reason, they are tasty and filling! Celebrate this perfect snack all of March for National Peanut Month.

Peanuts are not only a convenient food to munch on, but they are also good for you. They are full of protein, making them a great alternative source of protein to meat for carnivores and vegetarians alike. They are also packed full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that your body utilizes for development and cellular repair.

Cultures throughout the world utilize peanuts’ unique flavoring to elevate numerous dishes. Peanuts can be added as the whole seed to food or ground to peanut butter. From breakfast to dinner and even desserts, there truly is no wrong way to eat a peanut.

5 Reasons to Eat More Peanuts

Peanuts are a staple of most American diets; however, many people aren’t familiar with all the health benefits these “nuts” possess. Next time you throw back a handful of nuts, enjoy them even more knowing you are nourishing your body.

Here are 5 reasons to eat more peanuts:

1. Protein: Peanut butter is known to be a great source of protein. A handful of nuts, which is approximately 1 ounce, contains 7 grams of protein. This is considered a good amount of protein, especially for a non-meat food. Your body utilizes protein to build muscle and perform other daily functions.

2. Monounsaturated Fats: This is considered the “good” fat that you want to incorporate more of into your daily intake. Monounsaturated fat has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, and raise HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol.

3. Vitamin E: You can obtain about 16% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin E in a serving of peanuts. The body uses Vitamin E as an antioxidant to help protect your cells from damage.

4. Fiber:Peanuts as well as peanut butter contain a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full and regulate your digestive system, promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

5. Potassium:Many different organs and systems rely on potassium for healthy functioning. Potassium is used to maintain blood pressure, fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.

5 “Nutty” Dishes to Try

While you can always just eat peanuts right from the shell, they are so much more fun to eat when they are incorporated into a yummy dish. Here are just a few of my favorites:

1. Overnight Oats: The latest craze is popular for a reason, overnight oats are not only delicious, but they are also easy to make. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to your favorite overnight oats recipe to add fiber and even more flavor.

2. Chocolate and Peanut Butter Smoothie: These two flavors blend so well, especially in a smoothie. All you need is a base smoothie, I like to use a banana mix, a dollop of peanut butter, and some cocoa powder.

3. Peanut Butter Cookies:While all cookies are delicious, there is just something about peanut butter cookies that make them even more scrumptious. They are quick to make, and even quicker to eat.

4. Thai Peanut Noodles:A popular dish at many Thai restaurants that will always be a hit. Of course, you can always make them at home and add your own flare to them!

5. Peanut Butter Fried Rice:Peanuts, as well as peanut butter, are used in many savory dishes to enhance the flavor of the dish. Add chopped-up peanuts to fried rice for a whole new flavor pallet.

No matter what dish you decide to make, or just decide to eat peanuts in their natural form, don’t miss out on celebrating this nut in March.

Your Turn to Action: Which peanut-based dish are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below.

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