HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEANUT BUTTER

Not only being many kids’ favorite sandwich filling, peanut butter offers a nutrient-rich pack and a variety of health benefits including a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and gallstones.

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Spreading peanut butter on your favorite sandwich not only gives a tastier flavor but also provides many health benefits. popsugar.com

Peanut butter is a paste made from dry, roasted peanuts which is often used as a filling on toast or sandwiches. Peanut butter is a healthy food that is loaded with nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E, C, A, calcium, folate, niacin, magnesium and iron…

Contain a rich source of protein

A serving of two tablespoons of peanut butter contains 7 grams of protein. The body needs the amino acids present in protein to build and repair muscle tissues. Besides, protein-rich foods like peanut butter also keep you feeling full for longer.

Lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Peanuts are high in monounsaturated fats, a type of fat that is proven to be a heart-healthy substance. A study found that a high monounsaturated diet which emphasized peanuts and peanut butter reduced cardiovascular disease risk by approximately 21% compared to the average American diet. Additionally, peanut butter contains other nutrients such as vitamin E, protein, folate, niacin and manganese that have been shown to promote heart health.

Not only containing oleic acid, a healthful fat found in olive oil, these tasty legumes are also a great source of antioxidants as many fruits that can be a key to their cardio-protective benefits. The result from four studies of the Adventist Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study, Women’s Study and Physician’s Health showed that participants consuming nuts at least 4 times per week indicated a 37% decreased risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who never or sometimes ate nuts. Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant in peanut butter is effective in controlling certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other health problems.

Prevent cancer

A number of studies have discovered that peanut butter contains folic acid, phytosterols, phytic acid and resveratrol that may fight against cancer, especially colon, prostate and breast cancers. A rich source of all these nutrients including beta-sisterol, which has demonstrated anti-cancer powers, makes peanut butter become one of cancer-preventive foods.

Reduce the risk of type II diabetes

Peanut butter contains not only protein but also unsaturated fats which have been noted to improve insulin sensitivity. Researches into peanut butter intake and diabetes showed that a higher consumption of peanut butter and other nuts reduces the risk of type II diabetes.

Prevent gallstones

Gallstones is one of the major health risks in developed countries which is caused by being overweight, certain types of cholesterol drugs, crash diets and birth control pills. A study on peanuts consumption and the risk of gallstones showed that women who consumed peanut butter and nuts regularly had reduced risk of developing gallstones.