Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Apart from being irresistible in appearance, peanut butter is both tasty and useful.
As a product made from ground peanuts (roasted or raw), peanut butter is a much more useful product than many people think.
In cases where we can count on peanut butter to be made exclusively from peanuts , we can be sure that we will get a number of useful nutrients with it.
Peanut butter is a rich source of essential nutrients, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and fiber. An interesting fact is that the content of saturated fat in peanuts is extremely low. Peanut butter also contains most B vitamins, vitamins A, C and E and important trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper and zinc.
It is clear that along with the very pleasant taste, this composition guarantees several irreplaceable health benefits from regular consumption of peanut butter.
As a quantity and quality of fatty acids, real peanut oil has almost complete resemblance to olive oil. Mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids are abundant, which help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol . Their action is complemented very well by the high content of niacin (vitamin B3), which is among the natural products with the most pronounced cholesterol-lowering effect.
In addition, unsaturated fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect, maintaining the condition of blood vessels and reducing the risk of thrombosis and heart problems. The high content of potassium in peanut oil also contributes to reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
There is scientific evidence that mono- and polyunsaturated fats improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin and facilitate its action to reduce and regulate blood sugar. Foods that are both low in simple sugars and high in unsaturated fats and can be used successfully as a dessert are very few and peanut butter is one of them. In the long run, regular consumption can protect against the development of diabetes.
Along with a rich variety of trace elements and vitamins, some of which are powerful antioxidants, peanut oil contains and is the well-known polyphenol resveratrol, which complements the protection against free radicals and strengthens the immune system, providing some anti-cancer action.
And in this aspect the benefits of consuming peanut butter are ensured on several fronts. On the one hand, the high content of fiber and protein, and on the other hand, the lack of saturated fatty acids, facilitates weight loss in people who manage to replace sweet foods in their menu with peanut butter.
Although derived from the cuisine of Native American tribes, peanut butter, also referred to as trahun , is among the traditional foods on our table. This allows us to regularly take advantage of its useful properties.