Peanut butter has been used since forever, and yes, we combine it with almost anything. Its nutty flavor works well with jelly, right? Well, your favorite treat is actually healthy, and we will give you a few more reasons to eat it with your chocolate, apples and celery. You read that right.
Peanut butter is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, and promotes a healthy weight loss process.
The benefits of peanut butter
In 2015, a group of researchers at Vanderbilt University conducted a study to determine whether peanut butter is healthy. According to them, peanut butter prevents premature death and optimizes health.
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats make peanuts incredibly healthy. These nuts are also rich in potassium, antioxidants and fiber. Eat peanut butter regularly to lower your LDL cholesterol. It may also help you lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
You don’t need to eat tons of peanut butter to get the most of its benefits. Even the tiniest amount will do wonders.
It’s tasty
Peanut butter keeps you full for longer, and keep in mind that you should consume it in moderation. Two tablespoons will do just fine for you.
Energy boost
Eat peanut butter to keep your energy up. It’s a perfect idea for your midday snack, and will also help you prevent blood sugar crash in afternoons.
Calorie-restricted diet
Peanuts have more protein than any other nuts. Two tablespoons of peanut butter will give you eight grams of protein. Peanut butter improves the metabolic rate, too. Eat peanut butter every day to increase your metabolic rate by 11 percent.
Muscle and nerve health
A serving of peanut butter will give you 12 percent of your recommended daily requirement for magnesium. This mineral takes part in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium regulates body temperature, cleanses the body and gives you energy. It’s also important for your bones and teeth.
Omega-6 fats
Omega-6 fats in peanut butter reduce inflammation but this nut spread lacks omega-3 fats. In other words, you should combine your peanut butter with flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon and other foods reach in these fats.
Brain health
Peanut butter and olive oil will give you a lot of monounsaturated fats. Stress affects brain function, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in peanut butter neutralize this damage. Eat peanut butter regularly to reduce anxiety and optimize your brain function.
Stress
Peanut butter reduces stress levels and optimize your brain function. Beta-sitosterol in peanut butter affects serotonin levels. When you are stressed, your cortisol levels go up, and the body has to work extra hard. Beta-sitosterol lowers cortisol levels and calm your body.
Allergy
About three million Americans are allergic to peanuts. That’s why experts suggest that pregnant moms should eat peanut butter to reduce the risk of allergies in their children. Pregnant women should eat peanuts and other nuts three to five times a week.
Fights toxins
Vitamin E relieves premenstrual syndrome, protects from air pollution, prevents cataracts and other conditions. Some experts say that vitamin E prevents Alzheimer’s too.
Vitamin K is important for the blood clotting process and allows calcium to flow through the body.
Caution
We usually eat peanut butter with bread and crackers. However, combining peanut butter with high carbs isn’t a good idea. Eat the butter with celery, apples and other low-calorie foods.
A tablespoon of peanut butter has 100 calories, so try to measure your servings. Opt for products that don’t contain hydrogenated oils as these make it hard for your cells to communicate.
