Peanut Butter – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, June 23, 2017 by Russel Davis

Peanut butter is among the most popular spreads around the world. The healthy spread is known for its high nutritional value that staves off certain diseases and promotes the body’s overall health. November is considered the National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month. More than 65 million pounds of peanut butter are expected to be consumed in the U.S. during the said month.

List of known nutrients

As a byproduct of peanut, peanut butter contains many of the essential nutrients found in the legume. NutritionData.Self.com has listed the important vitamins and minerals found in peanut butter, which include:

Betaine
Calcium
Choline
Copper
Fluoride
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-3
Omega-6
Pantothenic acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for peanut butter

Peanut butter is widely known to reduce overall mortality risk. A 2015 study carried out by researchers at the Vanderbilt University found that daily consumption of nuts are tied to lower odds of death. According to researchers, nuts are naturally dense with health-promoting and protective nutrients, thus lowering the overall mortality risk. “Nuts have a healthy fat profile — including mono- and polyunsaturated fats — are rich in antioxidants, contain nutrients like potassium that help maintain a healthy blood pressure, are rich in fiber, and contain heart-healthy plant phytosterols,” Jennifer McDaniel, was quoted in saying on EatThis.com.

Likewise, peanuts are known to reduce the odds of developing type-2 diabetes. The legumes are high in unsaturated fats that boost insulin sensitivity. A previous study showed that eating an ounce of peanut butter at least five days a week may lower the odds of diabetes by nearly 30 percent. Aside from this, the legumes are notably effective in weight management. Peanuts are notably high in protein and dietary fiber that promotes satiety. As a result, the body’s overall daily caloric consumption may be reduced.

Peanut butter is touted to promote muscle and nerve health. The high magnesium content in peanut butter is found to aid in body-temperature regulation, detoxification and energy production. The mineral is also essential in fortifying the teeth and bones, building up the muscles and boosting the body’s immunity. Likewise, the rich supply of polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats in peanut butter are beneficial in promoting good circulation and keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay.

In addition, peanut butter is found to reduce inflammation. Peanut butter is also valued for its high antioxidant content, specifically resveratrol. According to experts, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that prevents the onset of certain types of cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, viral and/or fungal infections, and degenerative nerve diseases. Furthermore, peanut butter is known to lower the odds of developing gallstones. Additionally, peanut butter in touted to boost brain health and relieve stress and anxiety.

Body systems supported by peanut butter

Peanut butter supports the heart and the circulatory, muscular, and skeletal systems. The popular spread is also known to benefit the brain as well as the digestive, nervous, and immune systems.

Ways to use peanut butter

Peanut butter is primarily used in sweets and baked goods such as cookies, pies, breads and cakes. Peanut butter can also be incorporated in coolers such as popsicles. CountryLiving.com has curated a number of peanut butter recipes across the web.