How healthy is Peanut butter?

Question

Is it OK to have a tablespoon of Peanut Butter daily?

Answer 1

Much of the confusion surrounding peanut butter is related to its decadently delicious taste. It is hard to believe that something so wonderful could also be good for you. Peanut butter lovers, rejoice -- the news is good. According to recent USDA research, commercial peanut butter is chock full of good nutrition without those unhealthy trans fatty acids. The only limitation to enjoying peanut butter is the two-tablespoon portion size.

Nutritional Powerhouse

Peanuts and peanut butter are loaded with fat; however, it is the heart-healthy, unsaturated type of fat. Over 80% of the fat in peanuts comes from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats -- both kinds shown to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

We all need fat in our diets but the caveat is to keep the total amount of fat as low as possible and, when choosing fats, choose the healthy unsaturated kind such as peanut butter or olive oil.

Recently, the FDA approved a health claim that says, "Diets containing one ounce of nuts per day can reduce your risk of heart disease," due to the overwhelming scientific research supporting the nutritional role of nuts. Peanut butter is not only an inexpensive source of plant protein and healthy fats but also packed with nutrients including vitamin E, folate, niacin, copper, potassium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and fiber.

By law, peanut butter must contain 90% peanuts -- most brands actually contain 92%-93%, leaving very little room for additional ingredients. Small amounts of sugar, salt, stabilizers, and hydrogenated vegetable oils make up the remaining 10%.

The hydrogenated vegetable oils that are added to commercial peanut butter amount to only 1%-2% of the total weight, not enough to register the minute amount of trans fats. In fact, when labeling laws go into effect, peanut butter labels will boast "0" in the trans fat content.

Americans' love affair with peanut butter results in the purchase of more than 800 million pounds per year. Can you imagine childhood without peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Who doesn't love peanut butter on bread, crackers, or straight from the jar? According to folklore, peanut butter was invented in 1890 as a health food for malnourished patients -- with good reason.

Dieter's Dream Come True

Most dieters shudder when you suggest peanut butter as part of a healthy diet. For years, savvy dieters have shunned nuts and peanut butter as forbidden foods because of their high fat content. Forget everything you ever knew about peanut butter and delight in knowing they are now considered health food. Once again, the key to including the great taste of peanut butter into a healthy diet without adding extra fat and calories is portion control.

To find a food that is delicious, nutritious, and filling is a dieter's dream come true. Dieters who eat nuts tend to stick to their diets because the fat and fiber content of nuts are very filling. As a result, they are not as hungry and ultimately eat less and lose more weight. Portion Control

Nuts might be considered health food but they don't give you a license to overindulge. When you add nuts or peanut butter to your diet, you add the health benefits, but you also add calories. The goal is to eat nuts or peanut butter instead of other fat sources in the diet such as cakes, cookies, or chips. So don't worry about trans fats in peanut butter, enjoy one of America's favorite foods but do so in moderation.

Answer 2

Peanut butter is a good source of protein, but keep in mind that the kind you purchase at the average grocery store contains a lot of sugar.

Answer 3

I think it's OK to have 1 T / day. You could make it healthier by eating natural peanut butter instead of regular, since regular contains hydrogenated oils. Natural is labeled in the store. It usually has a little bit of separation of oil at the top.

Answer 4

It has a high protein food, and very healthy for you when in its most natural form. The less processed, the less sodium, and the less sugar added to the product the better it is for you. You can still eat a Tbsp of Jiff peanut butter, and not die from it, it can contain high amounts of sodium (salt) and be a high fat content, but in the amount you're eating it, I wouldn't worry.

Answer 5

If you eat 1 tbsp of peanut butter a day you'll gain 15 pounds in one year.

Answer 6

My aunt taught me to make peanut butter when I was younger, and believe me when I say, it's not healthy at all. It's practically made of peanut and oil and salt to taste. Take it in moderation.

Answer 7

God, peanut butter is really good for you. Just don't eat the whole jar. It has fiber, nuts, and other things like protein that are beneficial for your body. Yes it does have alot of fat, but like i said, your not eating the whole jar.

Answer 8

It is better than hot fudge. It has about 190 calories mostly from fat in a typical serving (even the low fat and low carb ones are the same calories). It tastes great once in a while but is not super healthy. Go with one tasty spoon per day.

Answer 9

peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fat. These are good fats compared to saturated and trans [man made] fats.
Believe it or not: healthy fats help you lose fat.

Answer 10

Funny you should ask that..I'm sat typing this with a well-licked spoon in my mouth.Don't know and don't care if it's good for you. I know peanuts are ok in moderation.