Children love peanut butter, and some adults consider it as the source of nutrients. For a long time, nuts have been known to contain various substances which are beneficial for our entire health. When it is processed into spreadable peanut butter, it even gains more popularity. In America, children make peanut butter and jelly a widely popular treat and most of the children eat a great number of peanut butter sandwiches in their entire childhood. Being practical has made peanut butter a favorite treat. It is a great pleasure to be able to lick peanut butter directly from the spoon. It can also be spread onto various snacks and dishes, which saves cooking time.
What is the difference between nuts and peanut butter?
Raw nuts have been known as a good source of vitamins and minerals. Although may cause allergies in some people, nuts are rich in oil which can be easily transformed into energy supply. Raw mix nuts contain fiber, vitamin E, vitamin B, folate acid, amino acid, mono unsaturated, and saturated fats. This is one of the suggested food for pregnant women, as it contains various beneficial substances for baby’s growth. Most nuts also contain antioxidants which is useful in combating aging process.
When raw nuts are processed into peanut butter, some processes are involved. These nuts are roasted, grounded, and chilled into the paste form. When the processes only involve different treatments without any added substances, peanut butter can be as nutritious as the raw nuts. However, some manufacturers choose to add some sugar and other sweetener into the mixture for peanut butter. This is when peanut butter is not as good as the raw nuts in term of nutrition.
Is peanut butter good or bad for cholesterol?
A good peanut butter is made of merely peanuts which is added with a small portion of salt. This real peanut butter can be as good and healthy as the raw nuts. Peanut butter contain carbohydrate, protein, mono-unsaturated fat, saturated fat, and vitamins. It also contains zinc, iron, potassium, and selenium. Peanut butter is also enriched with anti-oxidants that is found in raw nuts. Compared to raw nuts, peanut butter contain higher level of carbohydrates. However, the amount of carbohydrates inside peanut butter is considerably safe and will still promote stable blood sugar level.
Peanut butter is a good source of energy and is harmless for our health. However, the process of making the paste peanut butter from raw peanuts is sometimes dangerous, as preservatives, sugar, and other unnecessary substances may be added. Peanut butter originally contains both monounsaturated and saturated fats which is still considerably harmless. However, when sugar is added into its process, peanut butter develops trans fat. This kind of fat is the one which can be harmful, since it may increase the formation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and inhibit good cholesterol (HDL).
Seeing the facts, you might want to find the real peanut butter which contain merely ground peanuts to support your daily menu and combating the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. However, moderate consumption of peanut butter will not intoxicate your body. Peanut butter contains sufficient energy, vitamins, and minerals needed by our body if consumed wisely.
Is there an alternative for peanut butter?
If you are not sure that your ready-made peanut butter is free of trans fat and added sugar, you might want to consider replacing it with raw nuts which are clearly healthier. As an alternative to the delicious, addictive peanut butter, you might consider almond butter or soy-nut butter, which are more natural and healthier. Almond butter contains similar nutrition with peanut butter with lower saturated fats and trans fat. So does soy-nut butter. However, you don’t need to cut down your consumption of peanut butter completely, as its content of saturated fat is not a direct toxic which harm your body. Balancing its consumption with nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruits will help you get sufficient nutrition for a better digestion. Avoid consuming peanut butter with other foods which are loaded with sugar as it may lead to artery blockages which may cause cardiovascular diseases.
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