Why is Peanut Butter Healthy?
Is the conventional peanut butter-made of peanuts, salt, cold-pressed vegetable oil, and added natural flavors like honey-actually healthy? Let's find out whether you are eating right or not.
Peanut Butter Nutrition Facts
- Peanuts are not nuts they are legumes
- There is 7 mg of protein in two tablespoons of peanut butter
- According to FDA regulations, a jar of peanut butter should be called peanut butter spread if 90% of it is not made of peanuts
- Strawberry jam goes best with peanut butter
- Consuming peanut butter while pregnant reduces peanut allergy risks for the child later on
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
What are the benefits of eating peanut butter? Though it is high in calories, how does peanut butter aid in weight loss?
Peanut butter-coupled with bread, apples, or smoothies-reduces your appetite to the bare minimum. The high-calorie content provides you with enough energy to go about your day. Natural sugars present in the butter will keep your sugar level in check throughout the day. Its fiber content ensures digestion and a good bowel movement.
Apart from proteins and fiber, peanuts contain monounsaturated fats, magnesium, beta-sitosterol, and vitamin E.
Monounsaturated fats along with magnesium reduce the risk of heart attacks while promoting the growth of healthy muscles and nerves. Beta-sitosterol eases hormone imbalance and can keep you in a good mood throughout the day. Lastly, Vitamin E in peanut butter will give you a radiant skin, increase cognitive functions, and reduce eye disorders. Besides, peanut butter also aids in reducing blood pressure, increasing bone strength, and burning bad fat.
Is Peanut Butter Good for You?
Peanut butter is a staple in most American homes and it is, indeed, good for health, but the side effects of eating too much peanut butter are far worse.
- The food you pair your peanut butter with can lead to weight gain
- Peanuts are legumes, undercooked peanut butter are anti-nutritive
- You risk exposure to pesticides and mold
- They can trigger acid reflux, indigestion, and even cholesterol
Is Natural Peanut Butter Good for You?
Now that you know a bit about this golden elixir, you must keep in mind that the quantity and quality of peanut butter you eat determines its health benefits. It goes without saying that natural peanut butter is far better than its canned counterpart.
Canned peanut butter from famous brands is expensive. Moreover, canned peanut butter spreads contain added sugars, flavors, and other harmful ingredients that cause hypertension, heart diseases, and neurological disorders.
These side effects are persistent irrespective of the quantity of peanut butter you consume. On the other hand, natural peanut butter is far more healthier and you can make them at home.
How to Make Peanut Butter at Home?All you have to do is get two cups of dry roasted peanuts, add salt as per taste, and get the food processor running. The peanuts will go from crunchy nuts to buttery soft spread in a matter of minutes. You can add more salt or honey to balance the taste before you dig in. You can store it for a period of three months in airtight containers with proper refrigeration.
Ashley completed her degree with nutrition as her major. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and playing with words. After struggling for almost a year to find a job that could make her feel lively, she ended up as a freelance writer. Ashley writes health-related blogs and articles. She makes sure that her works always stand unique and are useful for everyone. Ashley is also a YouTuber who shares health-related videos. She knows the value of the right information and how it can be beneficial to others. Therefore, her only motto is to provide accurate information. If Ashley sounds like that neighbor who you can ask for health tips, take a look at her works.