BEAT THAT AFTERNOON SLUMP WITH POWER-PACKED PEANUTS

You often hear the health nuts of the world exclaim, "Stay away from peanuts!" But here at Montagu we believe that all nuts have health benefits... even peanuts. If you are prone to those awful afternoon slumps where only coffee and a sugary snack seem to keep the sluggishness at bay, then maybe it’s time to reach for a different pick-me-up.

That’s right: peanuts are the energy-boosters you never knew you needed!

Research around the world has shown that eating peanuts or peanut butter on a daily basis has numerous health benefits, including:

• sustained energy
• improved mental cognition
• overall, a longer and healthier life.

Specifically, regular peanut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and numerous kinds of cancer. Now, that doesn’t mean you should go out and raid your local Montagu’s shelves of all their peanut products (though we absolutely don’t mind if you do!). What it does mean is that since nuts are nutrient-dense snacks, they should be enjoyed in moderation (28-30g portions) for maximum benefit to your health.

PEANUTS ARE:

• Low GI: they help stabilise your blood sugar levels and keep your energy tank from taking a plunge later in the afternoon.
• Protein-packed: One 28g serving of peanuts contains more protein than any other nut. A serving of about 35 peanuts contains 7 grams of plant-based protein with fibre and healthy fats, which keeps you full for longer.
• Appetite suppressing: Peanuts have also been found to stimulate peptide YY, a hormone that has been shown to decrease appetite.

In addition to being super tasty and an excellent energy source, peanuts are filled to the brim with important minerals that perform essential functions in the body.

A 30g portion of peanuts is:

High in copper
A busy lifestyle can take its toll on your body and immune system. It’s important that we fuel our bodies with foods that support them. Copper contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and nervous system. It also plays an important part in the formation of bone.

A source of manganese
When you’re on the go during the day, your body needs to keep up. Peanuts contain manganese that helps keep your bones, cartilage, connective tissue and joints in tip-top shape, so that you get that much needed boost to power through until home time.

This amazing mineral contributes to:

• normal formation of connective tissue
• normal bone formation
• normal formation of cartilage
• joint lubrication
• cell protection from free radical damage

A source of zinc
If you weren’t a fan of peanuts before, you will be now once you see this list of everything zinc contributes to in your body. Prepare to be amazed.  

Zinc plays a key role in the normal functioning of a wide variety of processes, including:

• wound healing
• normal metabolism
• immune function
• cognitive function
• DNA synthesis
• cell division
• fertility and reproduction
• maintenance of hair, skin, nails, bones and vision
• maintenance of testosterone in the blood
• protection of cells from oxidative stress
• taste and smell
• maintenance of insulin levels and many vital enzymes
• maintenance of Vitamin E in the blood
• absorption of Vitamin A

A source of potassium
Step aside, bananas! Peanuts are the new potassium-packed super-snack! A 30g serving of peanuts contains more than 200mg of potassium. Potassium helps maintain normal water and electrolyte balance in the body. It plays a role in normal functioning of the nervous system and muscle function. It also contributes to normal blood pressure and regular heart rhythm.


So, the next time you’re feeling snacky and sluggish in the afternoon, forget what those health nuts say about peanuts… Beat that sleepy slump with a handful of Mother Nature’s nuggets of nutrients!