Peanut butter has earned its share of fame and slack over the years. Some call it lip-smacking, while others feel it is fattening but cannot resist having it in their daily meals. However, a nut butter that tastes perfect with toast, bananas, apples, and even on its own remains a favourite among most health and fitness enthusiasts. Smooth, gooey, and sometimes crunchy, peanut butter is perfect for fixing all your cravings. With evolving taste buds and people adopting healthy eating habits, peanut butter has gradually become permanent on many kitchen shelves. However, while many people are charmed by this wholesome and delicious snack, some are worried about the disadvantages it might have. Mr Mohammad Patel, Founder and CEO at MyFitness, shares some common misconceptions about nut butter.
Myth 1: Peanut butter contains only fat and has no nutrients
While it’s true that peanut butter has high-fat content, but it is not all unhealthy. In addition to healthier fats, peanut butter contains a lot more beneficial nutrients. The majority is a combination of heart-healthy fatty acids like mono and polyunsaturated fats, among others. In addition, peanut butter is a good source of Vitamin E, protein, magnesium, potassium, and niacin. In many cases, nutrition specialists even suggest adding this nut butter to the daily diet as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re looking for something delicious but healthy, it is another reason for you to go back to having a spoonful.
Myth 2: Peanut butter can cause diabetes
In contrast to this notion, peanut butter is a low-carb spread with good fats, protein, and fibre. It means that peanut butter, with no added sugar, is, in fact, good for people with fluctuating blood glucose levels. Do you know that having peanut butter or peanuts in meals, especially breakfast, can help with obesity and manage blood glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes? Additionally, peanut butter spreads are a source of magnesium, an essential nutrient for prediabetic people or those with type 2 diabetes.
Myth 3: Peanut butter makes you fat
Valid with most of the spreads, having too much of it is harmful and has its share of problems. High in fat, this nut butter is a rich source of protein. For example, 30 gm peanut butter is loaded with 7gm protein, 1gm of sugar, 1.99gm of fibre, and only and 5gm of carbohydrates. While it is perfect for someone trying to gain muscle fast, it helps shed a few pounds. In addition, the monounsaturated fats in peanut butter lower the risk of obesity, diabetes and even prevent heart disease.
Myth 4: Peanut butter is high in sodium and is purely unhealthy
Peanuts are not naturally high in sodium. While peanut butter has a good sodium content of around 152 mg, it amounts to just 10.1% of an adult’s ideal daily intake, i.e., 1500 mg. In addition to this, peanut butter is a nutritious spread with bioactive compounds and antioxidants with numerous health benefits. Not just this, your favourite nut butter even aids gut health. Packed with fibre, it reduces inflammation and amps up the gut bacteria for better digestion.
All in all, peanut butter is gradually becoming a favourite among most people because of its power-packed benefits. Reasonably rich in vitamins and minerals, moderate amounts are perfect for those seeking a well-balanced, healthy diet. But remember, anything in excess isn’t a good idea.
