The Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
When it comes to peanut butter, I'm obsessed! From spreading it on waffles, toast, pretzels to dipping apples, I love this condiment. But, as much as I choose it over butter and margarine, I've heard some negative aspects about this yummy substance and I must admit, I'm pretty disappointed.
"Peanut Butter, like all nut butters, is very calorically dense, so portion control is key to avoid gaining weight from eating too much peanut butter," says EA Stewart, MBA, RD publisher of the blog The Spicy RD. "It also may be contaminated with aflatoxin, a potential liver carcinogen, BUT this shouldn't be reason for concern as the FDA enforces a ruling that peanuts and peanut products don't contain more than 20 parts per billion (ppb) aflatoxins. "
But, then EA taught me the good aspects of peanut butter and I was left happier than a kid in a candy store!
"It contains heart healthy fats-MUFA's aka Monounsaturated Fatty Acids which, in addition to promoting heart health, may also help stabilize blood sugar levels and control insulin, and reduce blood pressure," says EA. "Peanuts are a good source of antioxidants, and contain fiber and protein."
After learning the good and bad things about this delicious spread, I wanted to know the best ways to eat it!
She suggested the following, for a quick and easy snack to serve it with fruit such as apples and banana slices or on top of a rice or corn cake. When it comes to a more filling snack or a meal, she makes PBJ smoothies with PB, frozen berries, dairy or non-dairy milk. Did you know it's also delish with meals such as Thai Peanut Noodles, or in a salad w/ spinach, shredded carrots, bean sprouts? This was all out of the mouth of EA!
So, not only did she let me know about how it's an excellent source of protein, I got recipe ideas from our chat as well! Those trying to lose weight with peanut butter should follow this advice from EA herself!
"Peanut Butter can be part of any healthy weight loss strategy, provided you stick to one (or less) servings per day," says EA. "Since peanut butter is filling —due to both protein and fat — people who eat it may be less likely to overeat other foods, and have a lower calorie intake overall. "
So, enjoy your PB, but in moderation! Yummy!
About Guest Blogger Hope Kumor
Hope Kumor graduated Temple University May 2013 with a BA in English and also attended Bucks County Community College and earned her AD in Journalism in 2010.
She's had internships with Family Circle and Good Housekeeping Magazine in New York City as well as 1490 WBCB and Bucks County Courier Times. She has a background in social media, writing, newspapers and PR.
Most of her writing centers around health & fitness since she was the Health & Fitness Staff Writer for Her Campus Temple. She freelances for various websites, but still makes the time to hang with her boyfriend, family, friends and workout.
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