Many of you probably think that peanuts are nuts, but that is not the case. Peanuts belong to the legume family, just like, for example, peas or beans.
In the late 19th century, the famous American physiotherapist and creator of cornflakes, John Kellogg, suggested that people replace meat with peanut butter. This recommendation was especially aimed at those who had meat intolerance or difficulty chewing solid food.
The beneficial properties of peanuts were noticed as early as the American Civil War (1861-65) – American soldiers ate peanuts to regain strength after battles.
Beneficial Properties of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter contains many beneficial components, minerals, and vitamins.
This magical product includes:
- Proteins, which are the basis of muscle tissue;
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are a source of energy. They are not synthesized in the body, so humans must obtain them through food;
- Vitamins and minerals, without which life cannot be sustained.
Specifically, the chemical composition of peanut butter is as follows:
Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and selenium.
Vitamins contained in peanut butter:
- Choline (Vitamin B4) – helps the liver, nervous system, muscle function, metabolic, and general digestive processes;
- Nicotinic acid (Vitamin PP, or B3) – essential for oxidation-reduction processes, carbohydrate metabolism, and cardiovascular function;
- Folic acid (B9) – necessary for hematopoiesis, the nervous system, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) – this is the "building material" for hormones. It improves brain system function, immunity, skin elasticity, and intestinal peristalsis.
- Also, vitamins: E, B1, B2, K.
The caloric content of peanut butter is 570 kcal per 100 grams of product. In addition, 100 grams of peanut butter contains: 30 g of protein, 46 g of fat, and 12 g of carbohydrates.
Peanut butter is used in medicine and dietary nutrition.
If you include peanut butter in your daily diet:
- The level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood will decrease;
- Immunity will increase;
- Cardiovascular diseases will be reduced, as peanut butter contains no cholesterol;
- The functioning of the gallbladder and liver will normalize;
- It will contribute to the health of skin, hair, and nails (thanks to its high antioxidant content);
- Hormonal balance will be restored (with the help of folic acid);
- It will hinder the development of pathologies of the genitourinary system;
Consumption of peanut butter is especially recommended for athletes – the large amount of protein in peanut butter helps increase and restore muscle mass.
It is worth noting that both peanuts and peanut butter have a very low glycemic index, which reduces the body's resistance to insulin and helps control weight, as this type of food suppresses hunger.
For example: in terms of glycemic index, peanuts are in the list of products such as – broccoli, cucumber, celery, spinach, asparagus, black currants…
A product with a low glycemic index is beneficial not only for people with diabetes but, in general, for everyone who cares about their health.
And one more important fact: according to one of the latest studies by Chinese doctors, consuming peanuts 2-3 times a week reduces the risk of esophageal cancer by 35%.
According to doctors' recommendations, peanut butter is, of course, beneficial for health when consumed in moderation – a person should consume approximately 30-40 g per day. For reference:
- 30 g of peanut butter = 1.67 tablespoons;
- 40 g of peanut butter = 2.2 tablespoons;
- 50 g of peanut butter = 2.78 tablespoons.
Contraindications of peanut butter:
Peanut butter, like any food product, has its contraindications. Specifically:
- Peanuts are an allergenic product, so people allergic to this product should exercise more caution when consuming both peanuts directly and foods made from peanuts;
- It should also be noted that peanut butter is a high-calorie product, so people with severe metabolic disorders should include this product in their diet only on a doctor's recommendation;
- Such a product should also preferably be consumed after a doctor's recommendation by: pregnant women and people prone to arthritis and arthrosis.
