Peanut butter is a food paste or spread made from ground dry-roasted peanuts. It often contains additional ingredients that modify the taste or texture, such as salt, sweeteners, or emulsifiers. Peanut butter is served as a spread on bread, toast, or crackers, and used to make sandwiches.
Below are a few health benefits of the popular tasty spread:
Rich Source Of Protein
Peanut butter contains a high amount of protein. Proteins that we eat are broken down into amino acids, which are then utilized in each and every cell for repairing and building the body.
Rich In Dietary Fibre
Peanut and peanut butter are both high in dietary fibre. Dietary fibre is one of the most important parts of our diet since a lack of dietary fibre can lead to several health problems and diseases such as constipation, diabetes, cholesterol, and various heart diseases.
Prevents Type 2 Diabetics
Consuming peanut butter can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Peanuts contain not only protein but also unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats have been noted to improve insulin sensitivity. Research into peanut butter consumption and diabetes showed that a higher intake of peanut butter and other nuts lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
A 2016 research paper published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology has revealed that peanuts are an excellent source of compounds like resveratrol, phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytosterols that completely stop the absorption of cholesterol from the diet. The fat content in peanut butter is almost equal to that of the fats found in olive oil. It contains both polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. As these fats are not saturated, they are good to consume without putting the heart at any risk. The unsaturated fats in peanut butter help to lower bad cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein) and promote the circulation of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).
High In Potassium
Peanut butter contains potassium that acts as an electrolyte and is a fluid-balancing element in the body. In comparison to sodium, which directly puts pressure on the cardiovascular system in the form of hypertension, potassium does not put any pressure either on the blood or on the cardiovascular system. In effect, potassium is a heart-friendly element that is found in high quantities in peanut butter.
Source: Guardian Newspaper
