Peanut Butter - Composition, Benefits And Harms Of Its Consumption

If you haven't tasted peanut butter , you've at least heard of it or seen the product on the market. In the following lines we will consider the benefits and harms of its consumption, as well as we will focus on the calories and nutrients in its composition. Before that we must say that two types of peanut oil are produced - usually the so-called. crunchy, which differs from the usual only in that it contains undigested peanuts.

The taste of peanut butter (also known as pasta) is sweet. The product is greasy, thick and slightly sticky. It is prepared from roasted peanuts, which are ground / ground to a paste. Natural oil does not contain sugar, colorants or preservatives, although some manufacturers add some. The following characteristics apply specifically to natural peanut paste .

Composition and nutritional value of peanut butter

Although butter contains a lot of protein, it does not contain all the essential amino acids. For example, lysine, which is necessary for growth, development and regenerative processes in the body, is not included in the composition. In order to obtain the necessary amounts of it, you must rely on other sources of protein, which are desirable to be of animal origin (meat, cheese).

• monounsaturated - 50%;
• saturated - 20%;
• omega-6 polyunsaturated - 30%.

The product is extremely nutritious. 100 grams of it contains a huge amount of essential nutrients:

• vitamin E: 45% of the daily requirement;
• vitamin B3 (niacin): 67% of daily requirement;
• vitamin B6: 27% of the daily requirement;
• folate: 18% of daily requirement;
• magnesium: 39% of the daily requirement;
• honey: 24% of the daily requirement;
• manganese: 73% of the daily requirement.

The amounts of vitamin B5, iron, potassium, zinc and selenium in the peanut sweetness are not large.

Don't be fooled by the many nutrients in the product, because only 100 grams of it contain almost 600 calories, most of which are converted into fat. People who have weight problems need to be careful with the use of the product.

Like many other products, peanut paste contains not only standard vitamins and minerals, but also biologically active substances useful for human health. There are many antioxidants in the product, including p-coumaric acid, which reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer. Resveratrol is also found in the oil, which has a potential protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Not to mention the popular enzyme Q10, which in addition to its pronounced cosmetic properties, is necessary for metabolism.

Useful properties of peanut butter

Consumption of peanut oil leads to lower cholesterol levels, improved immunity and gastrointestinal function. Swiss scientists have concluded that peanut paste is an effective substitute for antibiotics for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Peanut butter can be consumed before and after a workout. Its fats and carbohydrates supply the body with energy for the entire sports session. This natural product is rich in potassium, which plays a key role in muscle health in terms of recovery. What's more, it prevents muscle cramps and inflammation, making your workout a real pleasure.

The benefits of the product for vegetarians are undeniable, as it gives the body the protein it needs. In addition, peanut oil is also suitable for athletes: its use helps to strengthen muscles, to normalize the process of fat breakdown and liver function, to restore the nervous system under stress. The product increases the level of serotonin in the blood and is an excellent antidepressant.

Paradoxically, nutritionists include peanut butter in the diet menu, despite the high caloric content it is characterized by. This is because regular use of the product increases the level of non-testosterone in the blood, which contributes to the regulation of metabolism and fat burning. In addition, peanut paste contains resveratorl, which helps with weight loss. It is a great source of fiber, protein and nutrients. Peanut butter does not change blood sugar levels. It also provides the body with healthy elements.

Is peanut butter harmful to the body?

• Although the product has many useful ingredients and actions on the human body, it can also be dangerous. First of all, the damage that it is possible to cause is due to alpha toxins. These are substances that may be associated with the occurrence of liver cancer, with growth retardation and mental development in children.

Peanuts grow close to the soil and can be colonized by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, which are sources of alpha-toxins with potential carcinogenic effects.

Normally, healthy people tolerate the short-term effects of alpha-toxins without any consequences, but there is no information on whether the body is able to fight the dangerous substance if the peanut product is consumed daily for years.

• Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are up to 30% of the total fat in the paste. It is believed that oversaturation with them can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In addition, regular intake of the product disturbs the balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids in the body.
• Another harmful point is the high caloric content of peanut butter. Therefore, its consumption should not be daily, and the quantities - small. People with metabolic disorders and obesity should limit their intake of the product.