When we think of peanuts, the first image that comes to mind might be a snack to have with beer or something simple to munch on. However, recent studies have highlighted the health benefits of peanuts. One of the most surprising benefits is that peanut butter can aid weight loss. Who would have thought that peanut butter, known for its high-calorie content, could help shed pounds? Let’s delve into the secrets behind this.
The Secret of Peanut Butter
Peanuts are high in fat, boasting 568 calories per 100g. However, the unsaturated fatty acids in peanut butter stimulate brown adipose tissue which generates heat by burning calories in your body. This is why it is often cited as a food rich in healthy fats.
Isn’t It A Calorie Bomb?
Peanut butter contains high calories but it’s also effective for weight loss. As it is high in protein and fat, it helps maintain feelings of fullness for a long time thereby limiting carbohydrate intake. The unsaturated fats in peanuts also prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
Excellent In Maintaining Satiety
Dieting can be a battle between managing hunger and satiety. Peanut butter helps you feel full and satisfied, thus enhancing the sustainability of a diet. It also carries the benefits of nuts, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Boosts Cardiovascular And Neural Health
Peanut butter is also rich in dietary fiber. It helps prevent adult diseases and conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis by lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In addition, Lecithin in peanuts promotes blood circulation in the brain, contributing to maintaining a healthy brain. Components like vitamin E and choline help enhance various cognitive abilities, including memory.
Muscle Growth and Recovery
Peanut butter contains essential amino acids for muscle composition, while healthy fats are used as an energy source. It’s also rich in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6, which are good for muscle recovery and fatigue recovery after exercise.
The abundant antioxidants also help relieve muscle pain caused by intense exercise, making it good for athletes or those trying to build muscle.
Can I Eat Any Peanut Butter?
Choosing 100% peanut butter is the best option, but it can be hard to adapt to due to the sticky texture and dry mouthfeel at first. Products with a little added salt or sugar can enhance the flavor. However, products with too much sugar can cause weight gain and high blood sugar levels, so caution should be taken when choosing the product.
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Tryptophan, a type of amino acid, is essential for producing hormones like serotonin and melatonin, known to help alleviate sleep problems. Peanuts are a good source of tryptophan, which improves sleep quality, making it one of the only approved “late-night snacks” before going to bed.
What’s The Difference With Almond Butter?
Almond butter, which has recently emerged as a rival to peanut butter, is gaining popularity as its health benefits and tastes have recently been promoted. The taste of almond butter isn’t much different from peanut butter, but it is a bit smoother. While almond butter can be made with both raw and roasted almonds, peanut butter is only made with roasted peanuts. Almond butter enhances flavor when added to foods. For example, it can make curries or pasta much more savory, giving them a creamy texture.
Beware of Allergies
Despite the health benefits of peanut butter, there are things to be warned about–peanut allergies. For those with peanut allergies, not only consuming it, but even touching it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties, swelling or redness at the contact site, hives accompanied by itching, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea within minutes or hours.
Proper Storage Of Peanut Butter
Unopened peanut butter can be stored at room temperature. It is best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. If opened, it should be refrigerated immediately to maintain freshness and prevent oil separation. If refrigerated for a long time, it can harden, so it is recommended to leave it at room temperature for a while before eating.
Most Commented