Peanut Butter Benefits: How Good Is It for You?

It’s good straight from the jar, but many people aren’t aware that it’s more than a tasty treat. Take advantage of peanut butter benefits for health with just one tablespoon!

Snacking can be an important part of a healthy meal plan. After all, a small serving of fruit, nuts, or cheese helps stave off hunger and provide the body with energy. But what you might not know is that peanut butter can actually be one of the best snacks around! With weight-maintenance properties and plenty of minerals, a jar of it could be your go-to treat. But keep in mind that peanuts are high in fat and calories, so don't dig into the whole jar at once.

Make sure you’re getting the right kind of nut butter, so it’s really helping your health! Choose a nut butter that has only one ingredient: peanuts. If your nut butter of choice includes salt or even oil, check that those quantities are limited.

Low-fat or light nut butters might seem like a good option given their high calorie count. Unfortunately, these products generally have modified ingredients or added sugar. Stick to the simple stuff for a mid-day treat that you can feel good about!

Peanut butter has many health benefits to unpack. Of course, a little bit can go a long way! So remember to use portion control to maintain your weight and make the most of this spreadable snack. Share your snack ideas on FamilyApp with other users!

This butter contains oleic acid, which helps the body maintain healthy cholesterol, blood sugar levels and manage blood pressure. It also has omega-6 fatty acids, which decrease LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol!

In addition to helping out the heart, oleic acid also reduces the body’s insulin resistance. Omega-6 fatty acids can also have a positive impact when it comes to lowering insulin levels. Since increased insulin resistance corresponds to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, adding high-fat, low-sugar peanut butter to your diet can help reduce your risk of diabetes.

Peanut butter contains a variety of antioxidants like manganese, vitamin E, and resveratrol. These powerful antioxidants actually help to prevent and repair cell damage that can occur in the body. Share your healthy eating tips on your favorite family app!

Many people might steer clear of it because of its fat content and the calories, but there are plenty of peanut butter benefits for weight loss. Its healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats actually help to manage weight by increasing satiety. That means you'll feel full for longer, making it more difficult to overindulge.

Also, a high-calorie snack doesn't have to interfere with your healthy lifestyle. One tablespoon of nut butter only has about 100 calories, so spread it over some apple slices or carrots for a relatively low-calorie indulgence. Combined with other healthy eating habits and exercise, peanut butter can help you reach your fitness goals.

If you’re looking for a snack that contains most of the nutrients you’ll need in a day, peanut butter is ideal! In addition to the manganese and vitamin E mentioned, it has vitamin B6, niacin, and magnesium. It also contains copper, which helps to maintain bone health and immune function.

This nut butter can be one of the best snacks around, given its vitamin content and antioxidant properties. Just make sure your intake is moderate as it’s a high calorie, high-fat food. Do you have any peanut butter snack ideas? Share them with other readers in our comments! For all of its health properties, a tablespoon of PB a day just might be your new favorite snack.