Peanuts: Nutrient-dense ‘super food’

(NAPS)—If you are looking for affordable ways to get more energy-boosting protein in your diet, you may want to try peanuts and peanut butter.

With 7 grams per serving, peanuts have more protein than any nut. Coupled with their more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients, peanuts are considered by many food experts to be a “super food” capable of providing lasting energy. That’s why they can be a smart addition to your diet any time of the day.

Peanuts and peanut butter are also affordable sources of protein and convenient—you can take a pack with you or stir peanut butter in a smoothie or your oatmeal.

Value And Versatility

 A growing number of families are finding that peanuts and peanut butter—with their nutrition and flavor—offer both value and versatility.

For some, that means adding them to dinner recipes, such as a stir-fry dish. Others consider them essential ingredients in salad dressings. Still others will spread or sprinkle on toast for a quick breakfast, put in soups and stews or baked goods and, of course, enjoy with jelly in a classic sandwich.

Peanuts are even at home in a more elegant dessert such as this parfait.

Peanut Parfait

Ingredients:

               1             cup of lemon or vanilla yogurt (nonfat or low fat)

               1             cup of your favorite fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries)

               4             teaspoons of peanuts

Preparation:

Slice fruit into bite-size pieces. Measure 1?4 cup of yo­gurt into the bottom of cup. Top with two tablespoons of fruit and one teaspoon of peanuts. Continue layering until you reach the top of your cup.