What comes to mind when you think of February? Do you think of all things red, pink, sugary and sweet? We use this time to celebrate the ones we love, but many are forgetting to take care of one major thing… their heart health.

Did you know that February is American Heart Month? According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. Every year, heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined, yet around 70% of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease.

Not really sure where to start doing right by your heart? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast amount of information that is available at our fingertips. What if we told you there is one very simple thing that you can do to improve your heart health? Eat. More. Peanuts!

Listed below are just a few of the heart-healthy benefits that come from eating just one, one ounce serving of peanuts multiple times a week:

• Peanuts contain “healthy fats” that help decrease your “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase your “good” HDL cholesterol.
• Each serving has 19 vitamins and minerals, which can help fight heart disease and lower blood pressure.
• Peanuts can help protect the inside of your arteries from damage and inflammation.
• Each serving of peanuts is loaded with 7 grams of protein that can help lower blood sugar, fight diabetes, and power you through your day.

Source: The Peanut Institute

Need some tips for incorporating peanuts into your cooking/diet? Don’t fret, we have some solutions that are ready to be a part of your plate!

• Needing to fry something? Try using peanut oil instead. Peanut oil is low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fat, like what’s found in olive oil, making it better for you than traditional vegetable oil.
• Peanut flour is a great alternative for those with a gluten intolerance. It’s also full of protein and other nutrients, which makes it a great staple for your kitchen.
• Peanut powder is extremely versatile and can be used to add a quick serving of vitamins, minerals, and protein to your diet. Try adding a scoop to smoothies/milkshakes, oatmeal, pancakes/waffles, yogurt, or any type of batter. There are many ways to get creative with peanut powder.

Your heart is good to you, so be sure to do your part for it! You can find a variety of peanut recipes by visiting www.gapeanuts.com