Peanut Butter: High-Value Superfood

(NAPSI)-Want to spread the value in your meals and snacks and boost your protein and nutrients? Spread peanut butter. The benefits of peanut butter are clear when you compare cost per serving.

For instance, just two spoonfuls of peanut butter-a serving about the size of a ping-pong ball-costs around 13 cents but has just as much protein as a glass of milk (24 cents per serving) and more than a hot dog (56 cents per serving).

In addition to packing plenty of protein, researchers using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that people who eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly take in many more nutrients-including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, zinc, folate and fiber-than those who don't. Plus, peanut butter provides good fats that lower cholesterol, according to researchers from Penn State.

One delightful way to up your protein and nutrients for less with peanut butter is with this recipe, which can healthfully feed a family of four.

Peanutty Vegetable Medley

2 teaspoons peanut oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

½ cup water

2 teaspoons chili powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cauliflower (about 2½ pounds), broken into large florets

2 carrots, cut into ½-inch slices

1 green pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces

⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

8 ounces couscous, pasta or rice, cooked

In a 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Stir in tomato sauce, water, chili powder and salt. Add cauliflower, carrots and green pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in peanut butter. Cover and simmer 5 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Serve with couscous, pasta or rice.

Makes 4 servings.

You can find more recipes and information about the nutrition in peanuts and peanut butter from the experts at The Peanut Institute. Look online at www.peanutinstitute.org or call (888) 8PEANUT.

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What is PB's perfect pairing this National Peanut Butter Lovers Month? Produce.

PRNewswire/ -- There is no denying that most people need to increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables. For some, the recommended daily consumption seems daunting. During Peanut Butter Lovers Month this November, try dressing up those fruits and veggies with fun, flavored peanut butters and peanut butter recipes for dishes that are sure to please everyone in the family.

According to Produce for Better Health Foundation, 90 percent of Americans consume fewer fruits and vegetables than the recommended daily amount, which ranges from 2 to 6 1/2 cups each day. Peanut butter, on the other hand, is consumed in 89 percent of households in the United States.

"Peanut butter is the perfect partner for almost any fruit or vegetable because it's a flavor that we already love," said Raffaela Marie Fenn, president and managing director of the National Peanut Board. "According to Weekly Reader, 64 percent of students said they would eat more produce if paired with peanut butter. Peanut butter tastes great with many different types of produce -- from broccoli and spinach to pears and pineapple. This Peanut Butter Lovers Month, get creative to encourage healthy eating."

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamin E and an excellent source of niacin, an essential vitamin that converts food to energy, both of which are important for proper growth and development. Peanuts, peanut butter and other peanut products are high in protein, have no trans fats and are cholesterol-free.

Trying to get more fruits and vegetables in to your family's diet -- or your own? The ideas below are just a few fun ways to combine fresh produce and peanut butter into delicious, healthful meals and snacks.

-- Add P.B. Loco Asian Curry Spice peanut butter to your favorite fruit
chutney for a tasty vegetable dip.
-- In the mood for a decadent dessert? Dress up a traditional baked apple
with Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter.
-- Add a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper to Sunland Onion Parsley
peanut butter and you have the perfect sauce for steamed mixed
vegetables -- serve as a side dish or over rice as an entree.

For recipes and photos of the dishes mentioned above, as well as other information about USA-grown peanuts and peanut butter, check out www.nationalpeanutboard.org .

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