In the Japanese drama titled Peanut Butter Sandwich, it may be a secret agency, but unless you’ve been living under a rock, it is no secret that a peanut butter sandwich is a coveted wholesome snack. Midnight hunger pangs, packing a tiffin for your kid, or even as an in-flight meal – peanut butter sandwiches come to your rescue. Well, what makes it so yummy yet hale and hearty? Again, the answer is no secret – the goodness of peanut butter. So let us get an insight into what is peanut butter and why is the world raving about its benefits. Peanut butter is a spread made of ground dry-roasted peanuts. When peanuts are ground, they release oil which creates that oh-so-smooth pasty consistency. Being made of healthy peanuts, peanut butter has an optimal nutritional profile. So definitely swipe right on peanut butter.
Why Should You Consider Peanut Butter Benefits?
Peanut butter is an excellent way to satisfy hunger for those who follow a plant-based diet. It is a well-known truth that peanut butter is a no-brainer for anyone looking to improve their protein intake. That's not it, though. Along with a significant amount of protein, peanut butter also contains important minerals and vitamins like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B-6, niacin, zinc, folate, and vitamin E. Other nutrients include iron, riboflavin, thiamine, copper, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats can all be found in peanut butter.
What are the things you should keep in mind?
Anything in excess is more harmful than beneficial. Likewise with peanut butter. While moderate and average use of peanut butter is very beneficial to the body, excessive consumption can be harmful to the body by elevating blood sugar levels, sodium intake, and fat intake. People with confirmed peanut allergies must avoid peanut butter because it contains peanuts, another major allergen.
Let's explore the vast array of advantages of peanut butter while keeping this in mind.
Peanut Butter Benefits For Weight Gain
Consuming foods high in calories encourages weight gain, as is widely known. But when talking about healthy weight gain, it is essential to consume calories that contain healthy fats and are nutritious as well. Peanut butter is a wholesome spread full of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving of 1 tbsp (approximately 16 grams) offers about 94 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 3.5 grams of protein and carbs each. The protein and fiber present in peanut butter aid in restoring, building up, and increasing your muscle size. It is therefore one of the favorites of people wanting to gain mass weight.
Peanut Butter Benefits For Weight Loss
Peanut butter is rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, which are linked with a lower body mass index (BMI). It also assists in regular bowel movements and improves constipation. Furthermore, the high content of protein in peanut butter helps in improving satiety and limiting food intake throughout the day, thus helping to avoid overeating during meals and bingeing on junk food. The monounsaturated fats in peanut butter keep you fuller for longer periods of time. Eating peanut butter in moderation helps with overall weight management. Since metabolism is directly associated with muscle strength, people looking to lose weight have always been scared of losing their muscles. Well, worry not, because peanut butter preserves muscle mass.
Peanut Butter Benefits For Kids
Kids require more protein from healthy sources to assist in brain development, form healthy bones, enable muscle growth, etc. And peanut butter is one of the healthiest options for kids. Peanuts contain more plant-based protein, which helps meet children’s protein needs. Moderate consumption of peanut butter is said to support a healthy and growing mind. Peanut butter also aids in developing the immune system. Not to forget, it is super tasty and a great snack option for kids. Well, kids love peanut butter and jam sandwiches, aka “PB and J”, and since it is packed with nutrients, for their mothers it is more like “PB, and yay”!
Peanut Butter Benefits For Hair
Managing the crown is no joke, right? Well, the same goes for our crown - the coveted mane! Each one has to deal with a plethora of issues concerning hair. But what if we told you peanut butter helps strengthen hair, prevent hair loss and graying, and make it shiny and soft? No kidding. Hair is made up of protein mostly and thus peanut butter is a perfect match for promoting hair quality. Peanut butter makes hair follicles stronger owing to its high content of vitamin E and magnesium. Peanut butter contains omega-3 fatty acids that are known to prevent hair loss and strengthen hair, making it thicker. Being rich in biotin, peanut butter is a great option for improving hair growth and promoting a healthy scalp and overall hair quality.
Peanut Butter Benefits For Skin
Being a rich source of vitamin E, peanut butter helps maintain the health of skin cells and reduces damage caused by free radicals that come from UV rays. Its protein content helps the skin recover. Including peanut butter in your diet is known to help the skin glow. That’s not it. The lutein and fats present in peanut butter help maintain the elasticity of the skin. This helps soften the look of fine lines and prevents wrinkles too. It is also known to reduce the signs of skin aging, including hyperpigmentation and redness.
In Conclusion
Peanut butter is a total package if consumed in moderation. From managing blood sugar levels to reducing the risk of breast disease, it does it all and some more. Peanut butter is also known to have a positive impact on a person’s cholesterol levels. From assisting in weight gain to weight loss and also preserving lean body mass, it indeed is a superfood. The cherry on top is that this healthy option is tasty and has various ways in which it can be consumed. Enjoying it as a part of your balanced diet is a great healthy option for everyone be it kids or adults. It is advised to consume a daily serving of about 2 tablespoons to reap the greatest benefits, i.e., approximately 32 grams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is peanut butter good for you?
Peanut butter is one of the best options to include in your diet. It is packed full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. From kids to people looking to lose weight or bodybuilding, peanut butter benefits them all. When consumed in moderation, peanut butter is a treat for everyone – delicious yet nutritious.
How much peanut butter can I eat in a day?
On average, about 30 grams of peanut butter i.e. 2 tbsps should be consumed every day.
Is peanut butter vegan?
Alpino offers a variety of peanut butter options that are suitable for a vegan diet.
Which peanut butter is good for me?
Alpino peanut butter is a great option for anyone looking to include peanut butter in their diet. Also, a wide range of products from high protein peanut butter to organic peanut butter and even jaggery peanut butter and dark chocolate peanut butter, etc. is available to suit every need. These products are non-GMO and gluten-free and have zero trans fat. Alpino products are manufactured under US FDA, APEDA, BRC and FSSAI-certified facility under strict quality control.
Is peanut butter sugar-free?
Peanut butter has added sugar in it. However, Alpino offers a number of options for peanut butter with no added sugar like organic peanut butter with crunch and smooth, and jaggery peanut butter, etc.
How are peanuts sourced for making Alpino peanut butter?
At Alpino, the best quality peanuts are sourced naturally from the farms of Junagadh.