Don’t think that I have gone nuts when I say that peanut butter is good for health. It is. You would argue that it’s peanuts we are talking about for starters which has a lot of fat content and secondly butter, since when butter has become healthy. But I can counter argue with a lot of facts. I agree, peanut contains a lot of fats but did you check, 100 g of peanuts contain only 7 grams of saturated fat but 24 grams of monounsaturated and 16 grams of polyunsaturated fats, which are very beneficial for good health. Along with this, peanut is also rich in protein, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It is also packed with minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium etc. Peanut butter is a mixture of peanut and some oils. It is a great source of good calories and helps in many ways to keep the body fit and healthy. If you want to know more reasons to include peanut butter in your daily diet, I have prepared a list.
1. Aids weight loss
Yes, you read it correctly. Now stop rubbing your eyes and concentrate. Though peanut butter contains fat, it is all good fat namely monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Besides it is rich in protein which it is helpful for repairing and building muscles, especially if you workout. People who are trying to lose weight are advised to consume protein rich food because it helps them feel fuller for a long time thus they can avoid munching on junk food. Peanut butter is a good way to indulge and cheat on your diet, after all a little indulgence only helps in going a long way while dieting. It is also gluten free and high in dietary fibre and digests quickly. Need more reasons to lick that peanut butter off the spoon?
2. Good for your heart
Nuts and nutty oils are great for good heart health, then why should peanut stay behind? The high amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in peanut butter make it healthy, just like olive oil. Studies have shown that peanut butter reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Boosts energy and elevates mood
As already discussed, peanut butter is rich in good fat, therefore, making it a great source of good calories which gives you a lot of energy and keeps you active. We often feel a little down or depressed while dieting. We see people around us munching down tasty food when we have to eat boring salads, but as we know peanut butter aids weight loss, a little bit never harms. Indulgence helps to elevate mood, but most of the times we feel guilty after indulging. But indulging in peanut butter won’t make you feel guilty as by now you know, it’s good for your health.
4. Rich in nutrients
Peanuts are a rich source of antioxidants. They are also packed with various minerals like calcium (stronger bones), iron (better Hb count), magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc, better health overall. This improves our immune system and prevents us from various fatal diseases.
5. Better health
Some researches have also shown that peanut butter helps lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Being rich in potassium, which controls and regulates high blood pressure. People who consume peanut are more prone to gallstones than those who don’t eat nuts.
6. Pregnancy
Protein is one a very important part of a pregnant lady’s diet. What better than peanut butter. The very fortified peanut butter provides the lady with the requisite amount of proteins healthy fat and minerals. Besides, some researches have shown that eating peanut or peanut butter during pregnancy lowers the risk of the baby having any nut allergies. Now that’s what I call a good news!
Did you know peanuts or groundnuts are one of the rare species that are classified both as a grain legume and oil crop. So tell me, which one are you planning to spread on your toast, Crunchy Peanut Butter or Smooth Peanut Butter?