Peanut butter with a crisp, toasted bread- a lovely breakfast idea, or an evening snack. The crunchiness, and thick swirly texture add up to a warm sweetness in your mouth. However, did you know of the many health benefits of peanut butter?
Peanut butter is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins (like vitamin E and B vitamins), minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc), and dietary fiber. They help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and reduce the risk of heart disease, when consumed as part of a balanced diet. These nutrients are thus, extremely vital for various bodily functions and overall health.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is versatile and easy to incorporate into various meals and snacks, making it a convenient to add nutrients to your diet.
Following are the benefits of peanut butter, and caution which needs to be maintained while eating, as per dietitian Swati Bathwal.
Weight Loss
Peanut butter contains a total of 200 calories with each serving and it is considered a diet food because of its ability to suppress untimely cravings. It has fiber, fats, carbs and proteins which keep you full for quite a long time.
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Preserves Heart HealthÂ
The antioxidants in peanut butter are very effective in reversing cellular injury, which is a major cause of heart ailments or cardiovascular diseases. Peanut butter also has unsaturated fat, which is very effective for the body.
Reduces Cancer risk
Though there is no evidence that promises for the benefit of peanut butter but experts do believe that vitamin E present in peanut butter helps prevent cancer. Vitamin E is actually connected with reduced risk of malignancies which includes colon cancer, gut health, lung health, and liver, and is very effective in fighting against cancer.
Protection against Neurodegenerative Disorders
Peanuts have Niacin and vitamin B3 and they are very helpful in fighting against the neurodegenerative disorders, which include Alzheimer’s. Niacin also helps in faster recovery of damaged cells in the brain and protects you from other memory-related disorders as well.
However, it’s important to choose natural peanut butter without added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or excessive salt to maximize its health benefits. Remember, moderation is key (due to its high calorie content). People with peanut allergies should definitely avoid peanut butter and consider alternatives made from seeds or other nuts. Consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice is also recommended for individual health needs.