By Clint Thompson
March is National Peanut Month. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is using this time to educate and inform Georgians about the importance of adding peanuts and peanut butter to their diet, according to Donald Chase, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
“It’s just an opportunity for us to highlight what we think is, not just a crop, but an incredible food. Peanuts, besides from being delicious, are also one of the most nutritious things you could possibly eat,” Chase said. “They’ve just got so many health benefits that we continue to explore and find all the time. I don’t mean to be a Debbie downer, but the unfortunate thing is we’ve seen consumption of peanuts decline, including peanut butter.
“I guess if I could ask people to do something is go buy that peanut butter. It’s delicious. Find a new way to use it and put it in your diet again.”
Chase said peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at about 50%. Georgia’s 4,000 peanut producers contribute approximately $2 billion every year to the state and local economy.
One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.Source: Georgia Peanut Commission