Impact of Peanut Consumption on Stress, Immune Function, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Health in High-Stress Individuals

Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females
* 18-65 years old
* BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 39.9 kg/ m2
* Recruitment will be based on Perceived Stress Scale - 4 (PSS-4) score

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 18 and over 65 years old
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Adults who rely on prescription medication that may influence study variables, apart from birth control
* BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2 and \> 39.9 kg/m2
* Smokers who currently use tobacco- or marijuana-containing products including e-cigarettes, vape pens, pod mods, tanks, and electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS)
* Habitual consumption of nuts, nut butters, nut powders, nut side dishes, nut bars or other nut products
* Known food allergies (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame, corn) due to samples not prepared in a hypoallergenic environment
* Currently living in close contact with individuals who have an allergy to peanuts, in order to avoid exposing these individuals to an allergen
* Self-reported history of difficulties with blood drawing procedures including prior fainting or dizziness, or veins assessed as not suitable for four separate venipunctures by licensed phlebotomist
* Diagnosed active chronic diseases for which the individual is currently taking daily medication, including but not limited to:

  * Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, asthma, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, osteoporosis
* Recent minor surgery (within 4 weeks) or major surgery (within 16 weeks)
* Known gallbladder disease or history of cholecystectomy
* History of gastrointestinal surgery, including gastric bypass surgery or resection
* Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
* Recent antibiotic therapy (within 4 weeks)
* Recent hospitalization (within 4 weeks)
* Current participation in another research study
* Has HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or another disease that affects the immune system
* Gives regular blood donations and is unwilling to stop during the study
* Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic
* Current diagnoses of an eating disorder (ex. anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
* High - very high triglyceride levels: ≥ 300 mg/dL
* Adults who are unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children and teenagers), pregnant women and prisoners will be excluded from participation in the study
* Participants who are unwilling to collect and transport urine, stool and saliva samples
* Abnormal hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels
* Abnormal liver function (defined as liver enzymes that are \>200% of upper limit (ALT upper limit is 43 U/L or Aspartate transaminase (AST) upper limit is 54 U/L)
* Unwillingness to discontinue probiotic, prebiotic, fiber, or other supplements (except RDA-level vitamin and mineral supplements) during the study
* Unwilling to consume study foods
* Alcohol consumption \> 20 g/day