Peanut butter is one of the world’s most popular spreads. People put it on sandwiches, pair it with fruits and vegetables, or even snack on it by the spoonful. But is it really good for you?
Peanut butter on its own is relatively unprocessed, as peanuts are simply roasted, and turned into a paste, says Healthline. But different brands and companies that sell peanut butter often add ingredients like sugar, vegetable oils, and trans fat. Eating too much of these additives has been linked to health problems.
If you are buying peanut butter, make sure to choose a brand that only uses peanuts, and maybe a small amount of salt and other additives. It can make an excellent snack, as it is low in carbs, and high in protein and healthy fats.
Health Digest claims eating peanut butter can have health benefits, like:
Increasing your daily nutrient intake.
Peanut butter contains vitamin E, which can help you maintain blood health. It also contains vitamins B3 and B12, which protect the digestive and nervous system, as well as boost immunity, and help with mood, appetite, and sleep.
As long as you exercise portion control, says Web MD, peanut butter is a natural source of arginine, an amino acid which promotes good blood vessel functioning. Weight loss and management require a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, but peanut butter can help with these goals, as long as it doesn’t contain too many additives, or it can begin to have negative effects.
Other healthy nut butter alternatives to peanut butter include:
- Almond butter
- Walnut butter
- Macadamia nut butter
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-peanut-butter-bad-for-you#what-it-is
https://www.webmd.com/diet/peanut-butter-good-for-you
