Is Peanut Butter Good for You?
By Sara Butler
It's not a bad idea to search out alternative sources of protein in your life. After all, skipping meat some days of the week has been found to be a healthy way to go about eating. One source of protein you probably have in your pantry right now is peanut butter. But is it the go-to source of protein you should eat regularly for your health? Here's what you need to know.
Peanut Butter Pros
Peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats, which are good for you. It's also full of nutrients and protein, which means it provides your body with what it needs to be healthy while it also keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
A few of the pros of peanut butter include:
- It's good for your heart - The monounsaturated fat in peanut butter is great for your heart. Studies have found that eating peanut butter each week can help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- It's good for blood sugar - Studies have also found that regular consumption of peanut butter can help to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- It provides you with energy - The healthy fats, fiber, and protein in peanut butter all add up to give you the boost of energy your body needs to make it through the day.
- It's good for your nerves and muscles - The magnesium in peanut butter can help to ward off headaches, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Plus, it helps support a healthy central nervous system as well as healthy bones and teeth.
The Cons of Peanut Butter
As good as peanut butter is for you, there are a few drawbacks. These cons include:
- It's calorie dense - Peanut butter packs a calorie punch, so it's important to watch your portion size. Also, many peanut butter brands have added sugars, so keep an eye on that in order to keep it as healthy as possible.
- It could have unhealthy fat - Make sure to keep an eye out on packaging for hydrogenated vegetable oils. They're often used to improve consistency and make it stable on the shelf, but these hydrogenated oils can cause inflammation and damage your cells in the process.
Peanut butter is like many other things in life. In moderation, it's very good for you! Just make sure to choose the right peanut butter and look at the nutritional information to keep your servings in check.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah.