Smoothy Slim
Photo: Polina Tankilevitch
Peanut butter also contains some linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid abundant in most vegetable oils. Some studies suggest that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids, relative to omega-3, may increase inflammation and the risk of chronic disease ( 13 ).
Common superfoods include: Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens and Swiss...
Read More »
Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to a host of sleep problems—from insomnia to sleepiness, not getting enough of this vitamin can wreak havoc on...
Read More »
This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
Learn More »Peanut butter is a popular spread and a good source of protein. However, it can be dangerous to people are allergic to peanuts, and some brands are high in added fats and sugars. So, is peanut butter healthy or not for most people? Peanut butter is one of the world’s most popular spreads. To many peanut butter lovers, it tastes delicious and the texture is simply amazing — especially the way it sticks to the roof of your mouth before it melts. Of course, not everyone can enjoy peanuts. Some people are allergic to peanuts, and they can even be deadly for a small percentage of the population (1). But is peanut butter unhealthy for the remaining 99% of people? Let’s find out. What is peanut butter? Share on Pinterest Kkolosov/Istock Peanut butter is a relatively unprocessed food. It’s basically just peanuts, often roasted, ground until they turn into a paste. Yet this isn’t necessarily true for many commercial brands of peanut butter. These may contain various added ingredients, such as: sugar
Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help...
Read More »
9 Foods to Naturally Detox Asparagus. Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. ... Broccoli. Broccoli...
Read More »
This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
Learn More »High in healthy fats Since peanut butter is very high in fat, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion contains a hefty dose of 597 calories ( 4 ). Despite their high calorie content, eating moderate amounts of pure peanut butter or whole peanuts is perfectly fine on a weight-loss diet ( 11 ). And since peanut butter is rich in heart-healthy fats and is a good source of protein, it can be a good option for vegetarians or those following a plant-based diet to incorporate into their diet in moderation. Half of the fat in peanut butter is made up of oleic acid, a healthy type of monounsaturated fat also found in high amounts in olive oil. Oleic acid has been linked to several health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity ( 12 ). Peanut butter also contains some linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid abundant in most vegetable oils. Some studies suggest that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids, relative to omega-3, may increase inflammation and the risk of chronic disease ( 13 ). However, not all scientists are convinced. Higher-quality studies show that linoleic acid does not raise the blood levels of inflammatory markers, casting doubt on this theory ( 14 , 15 ). Summary Pure peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats. While some people have been worried about its omega-6 linoleic acid content, there is limited evidence to justify their concerns. Peanut butter is fairly rich in vitamins and minerals Peanut butter is fairly nutritious. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of peanut butter provides many vitamins and minerals ( 4 ): Vitamin E: 60% of the daily value (DV) 60% of the daily value (DV) Vitamin B3 (niacin): 84% of the DV
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust,...
Read More »
Muscle cramps can occur from detox itself or can be a side effect of the dehydration that can accompany detox. These cramps can occur throughout...
Read More »
This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
Learn More »A potential source of aflatoxins Even though peanut butter is quite nutritious, unprocessed peanut butter may also contain substances that can be harmful, including aflatoxins ( 19 ). This is because peanuts grow underground, where they can be colonized by a widespread mold called Aspergillus. This mold is a source of aflatoxins, which are considered harmful to health. According to the National Cancer Institute, no outbreaks of illnesses associated with aflatoxins have been reported in the United States. However, there are some concerns about the long-term health effects of aflatoxins, particularly in developing countries ( 20 ). In fact, some human studies conducted in developing countries have linked aflatoxin exposure to liver cancer, stunted growth in children, and delays in mental development ( 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ). Fortunately, the processing of peanuts into peanut butter can significantly reduce the amount of aflatoxins present in the final product ( 26 ). Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) closely monitors the amounts of aflatoxins in foods and makes sure that they don’t go over recommended limits. You can also minimize the risks associated with aflatoxin exposure by sticking to commercial brands of peanut butter or peanuts and by tossing out any nuts that appear moldy, shriveled, or discolored ( 20 ). For more information on food molds, check out this article. Summary Unprocessed peanut butter may contain aflatoxins, which are compounds that have been associated with adverse effects on health in developing countries. Purchasing commercial brands of peanut butter and discarding moldy or discolored nuts can minimize the risk of side effects.
Research suggests that eating oats may reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol levels ( 9 , 10 , 11 ). Eating oats may also...
Read More »
Most people aged over 14 should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of salt per day. However, the average salt intake in the United States...
Read More »
This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
Learn More »
Use nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics to help calm your immune response naturally. Exercise regularly — it's a...
Read More »
A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.
Learn More »
The highest concentration of vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, and Indian gooseberries. According to research...
Read More »