Consumers Say They're Eager to Eat a More Plant-Based Diet, But Need Help Understanding How, New Research Finds

/PRNewswire/ -- While most consumers say they agree with recommendations in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans that call for eating a more plant-based diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and other plant-based foods — only a third believe they're knowledgeable about how to do so.

That's one key finding in research commissioned by the National Peanut Board (NPB) that led to the creation of skinnyonnuts.com – a new web site focused on helping consumers decipher the recently released dietary guidelines and increasing their consumption of nuts and other plant-based foods.

"Americans have never been more conscious about eating nutritious foods, but they're saying they need help to turn that desire into action," explained registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly.

Along with information about plant-based diets, skinnyonnuts.com features nutrition and health information, recipes and energy-boosting snack ideas. It also presents tips on eating a gluten-free diet and managing food allergies.

"When you consider that 90 percent of American pantries contain one or more jars of peanut butter, sometimes the challenge is as straightforward as connecting the dots to foods people already enjoy," said Raffaela Marie Fenn, president and managing director of the National Peanut Board. "That's precisely why we created this new site."

Among the research findings:

* While 66 percent of respondents believe they are very or generally knowledgeable about nutrition and diet overall, only 33 percent say they are very or generally knowledgeable about plant-based diets.
* 67 percent did not know that eating a more plant-based diet could help manage overeating and craving.
* 38 percent said say they're mostly or usually eating a plant-based diet today, with 68 percent admitting they definitely or probably should consume more plant-based foods.
* According to respondents, three challenges in particular make it difficult for them to eat a more plant-based diet: eating out or eating at other peoples' homes, staying with a plant-based diet and finding tasty, enjoyable foods and recipes.
* Fewer than half (41 percent) of respondents said they are very or generally knowledgeable about nuts, their nutritional value or the role they play in eating a more plant-based diet


Peanuts have over 30 nutrients and are packed with more protein than any nut —seven grams per ounce. When you combine nutrition and value, peanuts out perform all other nuts. They can be a nutrient-rich part of a tasty and healthy eating plan to help meet the USDA's 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in a variety ways.

* Choose a variety of protein-rich foods: With seven grams of protein per serving, peanuts have the most protein of any nut.
* Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day: Peanuts are naturally low in sodium.
* Consume less than 20 grams of unsaturated fat and consume less than 300 mg per day of dietary cholesterol: Peanuts contain two grams of unsaturated fat and peanuts and peanut butter are cholesterol free.


The national opinion survey of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18 and older was conducted February 2-4, 2011 and drawn from TolunaGreenfield Online's panel of 3 million Americans. Results have a +/-3.5 percent margin of error at 95 percent confidence.

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.

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New U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Make Your Calories Count with Nutrient-Dense Peanuts

/PRNewswire/ -- The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines address the American obesity epidemic by telling consumers to "maintain calorie balance over time" and to do it by "consuming nutrient-dense foods" such as peanuts. When maintaining proper calorie balance, refined grains, solid fats, and added sugars should be replaced with nutrient dense foods. The new Dietary Guidelines explains, "A healthy eating pattern ... emphasizes nutrient-dense foods - vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, and nuts and seeds."

According to USDA data, peanuts and peanut butter are 67% of the nuts eaten in the US. Consumer data highlights taste, health benefits, convenience, and affordability as the reason. Peanuts are technically a legume and contain more protein than any other nut.

For the first time, a Key Recommendation says to consider the protein package that brings good fats along with it. It says to "Replace protein foods that are higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories and /or are sources of oils." The report explains, "The fats in meat, poultry, and eggs are considered solid fats, while the fats in seafood, nuts, and seeds are considered oils." A peanut butter sandwich, preferably on whole grain bread, would be a healthier option than a hamburger or a grilled cheese sandwich. Research has shown that peanut oil is similar to olive oil in reducing risk of heart disease.

According to the new Guidelines, "Consumption of a balanced variety of protein foods can contribute to improved nutrient intake and health benefits. For example, moderate evidence indicates that eating peanuts and certain tree nuts reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease when consumed as part of a diet that is nutritionally adequate and within calorie needs." Research shows that a small, daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter can cut the risk of heart disease in half.

Peanuts and peanut butter are placed in the nutrient dense category because for 160 calories, they provide hard-to-get nutrients such as dietary fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E, thiamin, and magnesium. There are numerous studies showing that peanuts help manage weight because of their high satiety value and consumers don't tire of them. Multiple studies show that participants who ate peanuts and peanut butter had a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and more nutritious diets.

The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization that supports nutrition research and develops educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles. Learn more about peanuts and health at www.peanut-institute.org.

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