Is peanut butter good for health? Should you eat peanut butter as part of a balanced diet? Is it wise to switch to the spread as part of your daily meal? If you are still in dilemma to include peanut butter as part of your diet, this post is for you.
The delicious spread has many health benefits besides offering a nutrient-rich addition to the meal. The list of good things about peanut butter just goes on.
Read on to explore the health benefits of peanut butter:
Peanut butter is known to be heart friendly. It has its share of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats as well. It signifies that you can eat the spread without putting your heart at risk. The unsaturated fats in it help in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and increase the circulation of HDL (high-density lipoproteins) which is the good cholesterol (1).
Regular consumption of peanut butter significantly lowers the risk of Type II Diabetes. The unsaturated fats that it contains help in improving insulin sensitivity. Researchers have found that intake peanut butter and other nuts in your diet prevents this type of diabetes (2).
Peanut butter has a high percentage of various essential vitamins. This is why it is important to add peanut butter to your daily diet. Vitamin C is known to help boost the immune system. It also makes it easier and faster for simple ulcers to heal. A study conducted at Pennsylvania State University, lead to conclusive results that those who consume peanut butter, get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals, needed for normal bodily functioning (3).
Peanut Butter is rich in Vitamin E, an essential micronutrient that helps in dissolving the complex structures of fatty acids. Those who suffer from cystic fibrosis are suggested to include the versatile spread in their daily diet to reduce fat and increase calories and proteins (4).
It has antioxidant properties, which is provided by riboflavin, pyridoxine, thiamin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid. Resveratrol is one of the antioxidants that it contains. This polyphenol antioxidant is known to be effective in controlling heart disease, degenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s, fungal or viral infections and certain cancer type along with chronic degenerative diseases (5).
The spread is rich in magnesium that is an essential element that your body requires to function properly. Magnesium also helps in the proper development of muscles and bones. Peanut butter also contains potassium that acts as an element that balances fluid in the body. Consuming regulated quantities of this nut, can help in increasing muscle mass without a drastic increase in body fat. It also helps restore and strengthen muscles post-surgery (6).
Gallstones is a major health problem that is commonly caused by birth control pills, crash diets, obesity, etc. A study conducted on peanut consumption and its relation to gallstone risk showed that women who ate peanut butter and other nuts regularly had a lower risk of getting gallstone compared to those who rarely ate nuts (7).
Regular bowel movement is important for overall health. Peanut butter is rich in dietary fibre. It has 2.7 g of fibre in merely one tablespoon serving (8). Adding it to your diet prevents constipation and other health problems.
A spoonful of peanut butter has loads of proteins and healthy fats that your body requires for physical activity every day. This delicious supplement contains plenty of calories in the form of protein and fats that will give you lots of energy for your activities throughout the day. With all the good calories it contains, your energy level will remain high.
Adding peanut butter to your diet can help you in preventing weight gain. Since it is rich in high protein and fibre content, the benefit of eating peanut butter is, it helps control hunger without leading to weight gain.
Creamy or crunchy, the super-delicious spread is a treat to eat! The amazing peanut butter benefits can’t be ignored! So, include the spread right away in your meal. Do you think the post has helped you? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.