The USDA lists Peanuts as a valuable source of daily protein.
Peanuts are eaten like nuts as snacks and are included in the US dietary guidelines and related dietary guidance in the “protein group,” along with other types of nuts (USDA, 2011).
Not only can eating a handful of peanuts a day reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, but an ounce of peanuts provides about 1/3 of the USDA daily protein requirements for most children and adults.
Learn more at these resources:
- The Peanut Institute: http://www.peanut-institute.org/eating-well/food-pyramids/usda-mypyramid.asp
- Choose My Plate Gov site: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/protein-foods
- While “nut” is in their name, peanuts are in fact legumes Learn more at the Self Nutrition site.