10 Reasons You Should Eat Peanut Butter
Nut butters have a bit of a bad rep in the diet and weight loss world.
Depending on the type of peanut butter you choose, you may want to re-think about keeping some on hand, as not all peanut butters are made equal. When it comes to selecting the right kind with the most health benefit – always choose an all natural peanut butter.
Always check the ingredients! Make sure that it only contains one or two ingredients – peanuts (always) and occasionally, salt.
While we don’t believe in eating an entire jar of peanut butter every day, practicing moderation and enjoying 1-2 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter per day will allow you to reap the benefits of peanut butter!
Peanut butter has more benefits to it than just being delicious and containing those healthy fats.
Here is a list of the 10 health benefits of peanut butter:
and why there is no need to avoid the heavenly spread any longer!
1. Healthy Fat
- Peanut Butter is a source of healthy fats. Fats help to keep you feeling full longer, which can aid in weight loss by preventing you from snacking! Healthy fats are also crucial in the maintenance of healthy hormonal balances, especially for females.
2. Source of Protein
- Peanut butter also contains protein! Proteins we consume are broken down by the body into amino acids, which are then used in the repair of muscle tissue – not only making us physically stronger, but aids in gaining lean muscle mass that many of us strive for.
3. Source of Fibre
- All natural peanut butter also contains fiber – meaning it will digest slower than simple carbohydrates or higher sugar food choices, which helps in keeping the feeling of satiation in between meals when trying to lose weight. Fiber also helps to maintain good digestive health and regularity.
4. Great Source of Energy
- With peanut butter being very calorie dense, and the digestion process being prolonged due to the protein, fiber and healthy fats it contains, it will keep you fuelled for longer! All natural peanut butter will not leave you with a sugar high and then a crash shortly after.
5. Aids in Heart Health
- Along with containing saturated fats, peanut butter also contains a fair amount of unsaturated fat, which aids in maintaining a healthy heart!
6. Good Source of Potassium
- As we know, Pakistani diet contains very high levels of sodium (salt). Choosing foods that are higher in potassium can help to counteract the negative side effects of too much salt, and in turn be very beneficial to cardiovascular health.
7. Vitamin & Antioxidant Rich
- Peanut butter contains other vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamins E & B6, magnesium, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, resveratrol, and thiamin. These nutrients are excellent for bone building and muscle recovery, as well as aiding in keeping the immune system strong. Resveratrol in particular aids in the reduction of your chances of Alzheimer’s disease and viral and fungal infections. Magnesium also aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels and maintaining normal blood pressures as well.
8. Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- The unsaturated fats found in peanut butter are also shown to help improve insulin sensitivity, which can also help to reduce your risk of becoming a type two diabetic.
9. Reduces the Risk of Gallstones
- Studies have shown that in people who eat nuts or nut butters on a regular basis (in moderation), have a significantly lower risk of developing gallstones.
10. Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
- Peanut butter also contains B-sitosterol, which has been shown to aid in the reduction of the risk of developing certain cancers such as colon cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer.
This tasty spread is not only good for your taste buds, it is great for YOU!
Not to mention, peanut butter goes great with pretty much anything!
Our personal favourites?
Amnas All Natural Peanut Butter paired with Amnas All Natural Strawberry Preserve on a whole wheat toast
Sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-peanut-butter.html
https://www.healthambition.com/health-benefits-of-peanut-butter/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-peanut-butter.html
http://www.prevention.com/food/smart-shopping/healthy-eating-why-peanut-butter-good-you