If you are ready to make a positive change for your body, begin with adding peanut butter to your diet. Even though there are many alternative nut spreads in the health spotlight, the most famous and dominated is peanut butter.
Peanut butter is especially common in those who work out as it is rich in unsaturated, healthy fats that will keep you full longer than other meals.
Peanuts and peanut butter are rich in nutrients that benefit the health and regulate blood sugar levels. There are many reasons to include at least 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to your diet, mainly to prevent breast cancer, reduce insomnia, or fasten the process of weight loss.
What nutrients does peanut butter provide?
Peanut butter provides essential vitamins and minerals, and a great amount of protein. The most notable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter provide are:
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Niacin
- Vitamin B-6
Benefits of peanut butter
Reduces the chances of breast cancer
Young teen and preteen girls can reduce the risk of benign breast disease if they consume peanut butter from an early age. Natural fats and proteins that peanuts provide can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Additionally, researchers claim that peanut butter is packed with vitamin-E which helps in lowering the risk of colon, lung, liver, and stomach cancer.
Helps you lose weight
People who want to maintain their weight are recommended to consume peanuts or peanut butter. Even though many consider peanut butter to be fatty, it is a great source of fiber, protein, and nutrition that suppresses hunger leading to weight loss. Your blood sugar stays at a safe level and you are provided with healthy benefits. Reduce weight gain by consuming 2 tablespoons 2 times per week.
Reduces stress levels
Consuming peanut butter can help you normalize levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And if you are lacking antioxidants, fats, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C, peanut butter will provide every single one of them. Combine the butter with your favorite snack and experience a good mood.
Promote brain activity and memory
Researchers discovered that people who consume food rich in vitamin B3 (niacin) are less likely to develop memory disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. The vitamin B3, vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium in peanut butter helps recover the damaged brain cells and provide protection against Alzheimer’s. The effects of vitamin E are especially important for elderly people, as it promotes better brain activity and cognitive functions. Therefore, remind the elderly to include a jar of peanut butter in their menu.
It is the ultimate snack for bodybuilders
Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders include peanut butter in their meals for many reasons. It is a great source of protein, which is essential for repairing and building muscles after a workout. However, keep in mind that peanut butter doesn’t contain all of the essential amino acids you need to function.
If you want to have a more complete protein meal, spread peanut butter on whole-grain bread, adding the amino acid methionine to your diet, which peanut butter lacks.
Manages blood pressure
Peanut butter provides an awesome property of potassium, which lowers blood pressure. Peanuts are also rich in magnesium that is good for heart function. Make sure to buy an unsalted version of the peanut butter to feet its effects.
Lowers risk of diabetes
Peanut butter and peanuts decrease the risk of diabetes and positively affect in controlling blood sugar. Even though peanuts contain a lot of fats, they are healthy unsaturated fats that improve insulin and glucose stability.
A study published by Harvard University claims that a woman who regularly consumed peanut butter decreased the risk of diabetes by 21% compared to those who didn’t consume.
Helps you sleep better
Tryptophan is the amino acid in peanuts that increases the release of melatonin – the sleep hormone and serotonin – the hormone of happiness. This helps your body slow down its functions, calms you down, and provides you a good night’s sleep. However, do not overeat it – you only need 2-3 tablespoons to feel calm.
It has a positive effect on pregnant women
Eating peanut butter during pregnancy may help the fetus become tolerant to nut allergies and prevent from developing nut intolerance. Additionally, the whole range of nutrients and antioxidants will improve the mother’s health during gestation.
If you are a peanut butter fan, you can use it while cooking to add a depth of flavor. This healthy and delicious nut butter will provide you unforgettable taste and health benefits.
