8 Surprising Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by prince lucky

Peanut butter isn’t just the source of countless school lunches, workday snacks, and classic comic skits—it’s also chock-full of healthy nutrients. Peanut butter contains eight grams of protein, four grams of fibre, and 15% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, supporting skin, hair, and nails. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that can help fight signs of ageing and lower your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Check out these seven excellent health benefits of peanut butter!

Peanut Butter,
Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA

8 Proven Health Benefits of peanut butter you don’t know

Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Because peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, it helps reduce your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that those who eat peanuts and peanut butter are less likely to develop clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease. A study from The Journal of Nutrition found that women with higher levels of fatty acids in their blood had a 23% lower risk for cardiovascular disease than those with lower levels.

Has Antioxidants That Could Slow Down Cancer

One study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that eating natural peanut butter could reduce cancer risk. Antioxidants in the fruit, such as resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin (all-powerful phytochemicals), may slow down cancer cells and reduce tumours. Resveratrol has also been linked to lowered cholesterol, reduced blood pressure and increased endurance.

Helps Lose Weight

Weight
Photo by PublicDomainPictures from Pixbay

If you want to lose a few pounds, you might want to add peanut butter to your diet. Due to their high fibre content, research has shown that adding peanut butter and nuts can help people lose weight. A study from 2010 published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who regularly added nuts and peanut butter to their diets lost more weight than those on a standard diet plan.

Recommended Article: 5 Best Air Fryers in India for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Good For Preventing Diabetes

A Harvard Medical School study suggests eating peanut butter might help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that women who eat a tablespoon of peanut butter five times per week were 22 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t. Meanwhile, eating two tablespoons each week lowered their risk by 38 per cent. Those results held even after accounting for other variables such as diet, physical activity and body weight.

Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

According to a study from Georgia State University, consuming peanuts regularly may help decrease blood pressure in people who are already at risk for hypertension. Participants who ate about 1.5 ounces of nuts every day for 18 weeks saw an average drop in systolic blood pressure by 5 points and diastolic blood pressure by 3 points. The study authors attribute these changes to increased consumption of plant-based protein, fibre, magnesium and antioxidants such as resveratrol.

Increases Energy Levels

It may be due to protein or monounsaturated fat, but peanut butter has increased energy levels. This makes it an excellent choice for breakfast since it’ll help you power through your morning and have enough energy to go about your day feeling energized and focused. If you need even more kick, try topping your peanut butter toast with sliced banana for potassium and tryptophan (an amino acid) for more energy.

Prevents Osteoporosis

Image Credit: mass4d.com

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes weak and brittle bones, making them prone to breaking easily. Bone density is highest in our twenties and thirties, so maintaining solid bones should be one of your priorities as you age. Consider eating more calcium-rich foods like peanut butter to keep your bones healthy.

Improves Brain Function

A complex carb like PB is digested slowly, so your blood sugar rises gradually and stabilizes-keeping your energy levels consistent. Because your blood sugar stays relatively even throughout the day, peanut butter can also improve brain function over time. The healthy fats in peanut butter (especially when eaten with whole-grain toast or whole-wheat pasta) also contribute to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease as you age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is peanut butter healthy every day?

The trick is eating just a little bit. In a study published in Pediatrics, children who ate peanut butter four or more times per week had a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies than those who ate it less than once per week. Other studies have linked peanut butter consumption to lower cholesterol levels, decreasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. And because peanuts are packed with protein, they help build muscle mass.

Does peanut butter help hair growth?

Yes! Research has shown that peanut butter is packed with protein, which helps hair to grow. By consuming two tablespoons of peanut butter daily, you can help your hair look healthier and fuller. It’s easy to add a nutrient-rich snack into your diet that will stimulate new growth!

Conclusion:

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, peanut butter isn’t just for kids! The health benefits of eating peanut butter are endless. They can be applied to anyone from a stay-at-home mom to a hardworking entrepreneur. Remember: balance is critical, so don’t go overboard and eat peanut butter for every meal. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders if you have any preexisting health conditions or allergies.

Leave a Comment