For more than 200 years, peanut butter has greatly affected out diet, especially Americans. Historically speaking, peanut butter became an alternative source of protein during the World War II because of scarcity in meat. Now, people have made it as one of the most popular spread in the world.
Peanuts or peanut butter is considered one of the healthiest and nutrient-packed food available to everyone. Nevertheless, it also has a downside to it, because of the different health conditions it may trigger or develop, so let’s take a look at the different effects of eating peanut butter.
Benefits of Eating Peanut Butter
Here are some benefits we can get from consuming the right amount and quality of peanut butter.
It’s a good source of nutrients
Like eggs, peanut butter contains nutrients that are needed by our body to keep going. It has good mono-saturated fats and proteins that boost your body’s energy, keeping you active and moving.
It’s an antioxidant
If you aim to eliminate toxins and other bad elements that may affect your health, try eating peanut butter. Mono and polyunsaturated fats from peanuts and peanut butter help in the better absorption of Vitamin E, which protects the body from toxins (air pollution, toxins from other food, etc.).
It helps you slim down and prevents you from being Obese
Strange it may seem because of the thought that peanut butter has fats, it in fact can help you trim down your body. The protein and fiber contents of peanut butter gives you the feeling of being full for a longer period of time. Peanut butter along with a slice of bread or simply a spoon-full of it can be satiating. Thus, eating later can be avoided and fats from other food can be eliminated from your daily diet. Genistien, another compound found in peanut butter, acts directly on genes that may cause obesity. This lessens your body’s ability to absorb and store unwanted fats.
It reduces you risk of acquiring Diabetes
A consumption of one ounce of peanut butter (2 tablespoon) at least five times a week may lower any risk of developing diabetes by about 30%. Eating peanut butter also helps keep your blood sugar stable.
It prevents development of allergy
Some people are allergic to peanut butter, and when they consume them, the result is inflammation. But studies have shown that early consumption during conception by the mother may lower the risk of the child’s allergic reaction to nuts and peanut butter.
It develops healthier muscles and nerves
Peanut butter contains magnesium which helps regulate body temperature. Furthermore, magnesium in peanut butter can also help in detoxification, development of healthier muscles, and maintaining a well-functioning nervous system.
It’s food for the brain and stress reliever!
Yes, it’s true! Peanuts and peanut butter help you keep a sharp brain! Some people consider eating peanuts before or during studying hours, or reviewing for a long and difficult examination. How is this possible? The Nuts’ antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce stress (or oxidative damage) to the brain.
Since it provides protection to the brain, we can see how peanut butter help an individual be relieved from stress. Aside from the relaxing and satisfying feeling you get from eating it, peanut butter contains plant sterol, which can also contribute to balancing the hormones when the body and mind is stressed. This substance also has the ability level-up the body’s immunity.
Dangers of Eating Peanut Butter
Despite offering benefits for your body’s health, there are cases wherein peanut butter may bring about some health issues.
It can cause you to gain weight
Always check the labels of the peanut butter you are purchasing. Though peanuts used in peanut butter are healthy, other additives such as saturated fat or too much salt or sugar can affect your diet, and may cause you to gain weight rather than lose some.
It can cause you to consume molds
Peanut butter has a high susceptibility to molds and fungi. Consumption of a type of fungus called Aflatoxin may cause late child development. Through light roasting, peanuts will be at low risk of having this dangerous fungus.
Peanut butter has been a part of our daily food consumption, whether it is during breakfast, snack, or whenever you feel like eating. It is good to know that this food supports the holistic health of a person. With the right brand and right amount of consumption, peanut butter is a great weapon and shield for our body’s everyday wellness.