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 | | PEANUTS HELP AMERICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN LOSE WEIGHT | | | The American Peanut Council | | 20/03/2008 | | | New research published in US journal Pediatrics has revealed that high risk overweight adolescents, between the ages of 10-15, can lose weight if they snack on peanuts or peanut butter instead of other less healthy options. This comes as promising news for UK snack manufacturers looking to cater to the expanding healthy snacks market this side of the pond.
The research was conducted on high risk overweight Mexican American children participating in the ‘family lifestyle and overweight’ (FLOW) prevention programme, which aims to address overall lifestyle issues with educational sessions on nutrition and behaviour modification, physical activity and healthy snacking in school. Participants lost statistically significant amounts of weight at 3 months and had not regained it 6 months after the trial. Their overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were also significantly reduced at 6 months compared to the control group.
This study shows that by exercising, establishing regular eating times and choosing nutrient-rich foods, such as peanuts, young people at risk of becoming obese can maintain a healthy weight. According to the research, peanuts and peanut butter were well liked by the participants and their satiating effect prevented the children from snacking on other unhealthy snacks later in the day.
Welcoming the research, Louise McKerchar, European Marketing Director of the American Peanut Council commented: “This research is further proof of what we have long known about the satiating effects of peanuts. Its significance lies in the formal recognition that peanuts can play a crucial role in healthy diets and weight management. Great tasting, high quality American peanuts are the smart choice for snack manufacturers in this competitive and strictly controlled environment looking to appeal to schools, parents and kids.”
Jennette Higgs, consultant nutritionist for the American Peanut Council comments: “The UK’s Healthy Schools’ scheme is redefining the way children exercise and eat during school hours. A key component is improving school snacks. This latest research adds further credibility to peanuts featuring as part of the diet. To entice kids and meet the strict healthy eating regulations, snacks must taste great and still deliver good nutrition. In my opinion, American peanuts hit the mark on all fronts.” | |
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