Podcast Episode 185: Research Update: Peanuts & The Power of Prevention – Dr. Samara Sterling

Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by the family farmers of the Georgia Peanut Commission, and we thank them for their sponsorship and support of the podcast

Fight Diabetes, Heart Disease & More with Peanuts

People have enjoyed the delicious crunch of peanuts throughout history, and it seems like they’ve always been known for their nutritional value. As early as 1502, travelers to Hispaniola (today’s Haiti and Dominican Republic) discovered that natives consumed peanuts frequently and considered it a healthy food. In the 1600s in the French Antilles, peanuts were thought to have benefits for stomach ailments. In the 1890s in the United States, peanut butter was used as a plant-based protein source to help sick patients recover in the Battle Creek, MI sanitarium headed by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (the same doctor who invented corn flakes).

Today, research surrounding peanut nutrition continues to point to its health benefits.

Tune into this podcast episode to learn about:

• the latest research on peanuts/peanut butter consumption and diabetes/cardiovascular disease
• what nutrients and components in peanuts and peanut products are beneficial to health and why
• the role of plant sterols, bioactives, protein, amino acids, fiber and fat in peanuts/peanut products
• practical and fun tips and ideas for incorporating peanuts and peanut products into your diet
• facts about the added sugar and fats in peanut butter
• how peanuts/peanut butter fit into the plant-based eating trend
• the role of peanuts in cognition/mental health
• facts about peanut farming and sustainability

Samara Sterling, Ph.D.

Dr. Samara Sterling is a nutrition scientist and serves as the Research Director for The Peanut Institute and has expertise in the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. In her role, she manages the research funded by The Peanut Institute and industry partners and develops research aims surrounding peanut nutrition research. She also works as a researcher for clinical nutrition and lifestyle interventions, examining strategies to improve health in at-risk communities. She has also served as a nutrition consultant for various community-based research projects and sits on the External Advisory Board for USAID Peanut Innovation Lab. Dr. Sterling regularly speaks for both national and international audiences and is passionate about translating science to consumer-friendly messages. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, a Master’s degree from Andrews University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The advantage of peanuts is the fact that just a small amount can deliver significant benefits to body and brain. Peanuts contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals and a host of antioxidants that positively impact overall health and protect against disease. What’s more, both peanuts and peanut butter are affordable and convenient so they’re easy to incorporate into a daily diet.”

Resources:

Georgia Peanuts:
Website | Recipes | Sustainability | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Peanut Institute:
Website | Research Library | Disease Prevention | Resources | Videos | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

About Georgia Agriculture

Related Posts:

Infant Feeding & Food Allergies – Episode 174 with Sherry Coleman Collins

Food Allergies at School – Episode 91 with Sherry Coleman Collins

Peanut Allergy Prevention – Episode 68 with Sherry Coleman Collins

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Partnerships:

Sound Bites is partnering with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (formerly the American Association of Diabetes Educators)! Stay tuned for updates on the podcast, blog and newsletter!

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Music by Dave Birk

Produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts

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