Peanuts and peanut butter are among America's most popular foods. American's consume more than 6 pounds of peanuts and peanut products each year.  Did you also know...

· Peanuts are protein powerhouses providing over 10% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) per 1 ounce serving of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. 

· Peanuts are less expensive sources of protein than many other foods (such as cheese, bologna and hamburgers). Peanut products are especially popular with vegetarians and people who would like to reduce their consumption of red meat. 

· Peanuts are good sources of many essential vitamins and minerals. 

· Peanuts contain fiber, offering about as much as ½ cup of broccoli. Fiber reduces the risk of some types of cancer; helps control blood sugar levels and may help reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood. Fiber also increases your sense of "fullness" which is important when dieting. 

· Peanuts are naturally a low sodium food. 

· Peanuts contain mostly unsaturated fat, which has been shown to lower LDL-cholesterol levels in your blood. In fact, recent studies indicate that frequent consumption of peanuts and nuts, as part of a healthy diet, may actually lower the risk of heart attack. 

· Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free, an added value for health conscious consumers. 

· Peanuts are a good source of folic acid. 

· Peanuts contain nearly half of the 13 essential vitamins. 

· Peanuts contain 35 percent of the essential minerals. 

· Nearly 80% of the fat in peanuts is unsaturated fat.

· Peanuts are included in many medically endorsed weight loss and diabetic diets.