Peanut butter is one of the top favorites in the spreads category. Its creamy consistency and nutty flavor are hard to resist. Moreover, you can stock up on peanut butter jars in your pantry for various health benefits. It is an evergreen energy booster and an excellent alternative to regular butter. Hence, natural peanut butter is a perfect go-to for fitness enthusiasts as it contains carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fats. You can add a dollop of peanut butter to your protein shake or spread it on a crispy toast; it is flavorful, nutritious, and much better than regular butter.
Benefits of peanut butter
What Are The Benefits Of Peanut Butter?
We have rounded up the top 14 benefits of peanut butter that you must know.
1. Free From Saturated Fats
Peanut butter scores more than regular butter for being free from saturated fats, thus being healthy for your heart. The fat present in peanut butter is equivalent to that found in olive oil, making it a perfectly healthy spread. Unsaturated fats keep your cholesterol levels balanced and under check. Hence, peanut butter is safe to consume.
2. Minimizes Risk Of Gallstones
Gallstones are deposits in your gallbladder that form due to improper diet, poor fluid consumption, obesity, and specific types of cholesterol-related or hormonal pills. You can steer clear of developing this painful condition by regular peanut butter intake.
3. High In Magnesium And Potassium
Potassium is well-known for its heart-related benefits. It mainly functions like an electrolyte that balances the flow of fluids in your bloodstream without pressurizing your heart in the process. Magnesium is also a vital mineral in peanut butter that controls your blood sugar and blood pressure. It also aids in the development of your bones, muscles, and immunity. So, without further ado, grab a jar to avail these amazing benefits of peanut butter.
4. Prevents Cancer
One of the greatest benefits of peanut butter is that it has potential cancer-prevention properties. It consists of a substance called beta-sitosterol, which controls the spread of cancerous cells in your body. This benefit of peanut butter requires more research, but some scientific studies done on this subject have indicated positive results.
5. Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Diabetic patients have to exercise strict control over their eating choices and habits. In such a scenario, peanut butter comes as sweet relief for their taste buds. It has minimum carbohydrates which are highly beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes. According to research, 2 tablespoons of this delicious nut butter every day can reduce the risk of diabetes by 30%.
6. Improves Bone Health
Strong and healthy bones are the key to an active body and painless old age. So, hurry and amp up your peanut butter intake as it is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and calcium. All these minerals constitute a wholesome package for good bone health. The protein content in peanut butter helps prevent muscle cramps. Additionally, there is Vitamin K in it which looks after the smooth absorption of vital nutrients in your body.Â
7. Supports Body Building
One of the most popular benefits of peanut butter is that it is fitness-friendly. Rich in protein, peanut butter is a top choice for bodybuilders and all others aiming at increasing their muscle mass. Only 2 tablespoons of peanut butter can give you 8 grams of protein. Moreover, the same quantity provides you with other nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like B3 and B6. The potassium content adds to the versatility of peanut butter by making it an effective reliever for muscle cramps and muscle soreness. Â
8. Enhances Mood And Sleep Quality
For good sleep, your body needs a healthy balance of sleep hormones. Peanut butter does that for you. It boosts the production of the ‘happy hormone’ called serotonin which uplifts your mood and improves your sleep.
9. Curbs Sugar Cravings
Sugar Cravings are hard to resist. They create a make-it-or-break-it situation for us right at a time when we are on a mindful eating journey. No worries! Peanut butter can help you say bye-bye to those sugar temptations as it acts as a perfect substitute for unhealthy sugar. You can add it to laddoos, muffins, and other sugary dishes. Peanut butter keeps you satiated for long hours and prevents you from overeating.
Some More Benefits Of Peanut Butter
10. Pumps Up Energy And Increases Productivity
As peanut butter contains a pack of nutrients, it is an excellent energizer for your body. Eating it in your morning breakfast can help you begin your day with vigor. High energy levels increase productivity automatically. So, find a way to include peanut butter in your morning breakfast or afternoon meal, to feel revitalized and ready for the day.Â
11. Rich In Fiber
The rich fiber content in peanut butter keeps bowel issues like constipation and indigestion at bay. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol. (ALSO READ: Fiber Rich Food: 30 Fiber Rich Fruits & Vegetables)
12. Rich In Antioxidant Properties
Peanut Butter is packed with powerful antioxidants like folate, thiamin, niacin, etc. These antioxidants help to maintain your cholesterol levels under check, ensure proper digestion and regulate nerve function.Â
13. Manages Blood Sugar
One of the other benefits of peanut butter is that it manages your blood sugar effectively. Its low carbohydrate content and high-magnesium content are ideal for healthy blood sugar.
14. Aids Weight Loss
Peanut butter has a high caloric value per serving but it’s high in protein and fiber, which make it helpful for weight loss. You need not overfeed on peanut butter as that can backfire. Eating it in modest quantities can help you feel full for longer hours and prevent you from unnecessary snacking. (ALSO READ: 24 Best Weight Loss Foods To Lose Weight Fast) Â
Benefits Of Peanut Butter: Summary
Peanut butter is a delicious indulgence and a nutritious one too. You can use it in plenty of ways and avail various health benefits like strong bones, good sleep, controlled blood sugar, etc. Only remember to take it in moderate quantities.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided solely for educational reasons and is not intended to replace the medical treatment provided by a healthcare professional. Because each person’s needs are different, the reader should check with their doctor to see if the material is appropriate for them.